January March 2026: The Foundation Phase (Often Overlooked, Extremely Important)

This early period is what distinguishes well-prepared applicants from the rest.

Focus on the following:

• Decide on your target specialty (Internal Medicine, Paediatrics, Emergency Medicine, Surgery, etc.)
• Review NRMP Match statistics, especially for IMG-friendly specialties
• Create a realistic plan for USMLE Step 2 CK (if pending)
• U.S. clinical experience (USCE), observerships, or electives
• Research projects or case reports (if feasible)

IMG Insight: Programs value recent clinical exposure and a clear professional narrative. This phase allows you to build a convincing story about your career goals.

April - May 2026: Application Profile Development

This stage is about organizing your credentials.

Key actions:

• Lock in USCE or rotation dates
• Begin drafting your CV (education, research, volunteering, USCE)
• Identify potential Letters of Recommendation (LOR) writers
• Start gathering important documents: Medical school records, Internship or training completion certificates, Draft transcripts

Pro Tip: Reach out to letter writers early. Strong LORs take time. Last-minute requests often result in generic or weak letters.

June 2026: ERAS 2027 Officially Opens

This is when you gain access to the ERAS platform.

In June, you can:

• Create your ERAS account
• Start entering personal and biographical details
• Education history
• Work and clinical experiences
• Publications and research
• Upload your photo
• Send official LOR upload requests through ERAS

Common Pitfall: Many applicants delay because they want everything to be “perfect.” ERAS is designed to be completed gradually - start early and refine over time.

July - August 2026: Content Finalization Phase

This is where the quality of your application truly takes shape.

Critical priorities:

• Finalize your personal statement (specialty-specific, clear motivation and goals)
• Avoid generic or recycled content
• Ensure all LORs are uploaded
• Upload USMLE transcripts
• Polish the ERAS experiences section
• Assign the correct documents to each program

IMG Perspective: Many programs initially screen applications based on Step 2 CK score, quality of U.S. clinical experience, strength of LORs, and clarity and focus of the personal statement.

September 2026: Application Submission & Program Release

This is the most critical month of the entire ERAS cycle.

What happens:

• Applications are released to programs (typically late September)
• Programs start downloading and reviewing immediately
• Interview invitations may begin within days

Best strategy: Submit your application on the first day of release with a finalized personal statement, at least 2–3 strong LORs, and a complete, error-free profile.

Late applications are often reviewed late - or not at all.

October 2026 - January 2027: Interview Season

During this phase:

• Interview invitations arrive via ERAS, email, or program portals
• Interviews take place (virtual and/or in-person)

What you should focus on:

• Prepare common interview questions: “Tell me about yourself”, IMG-specific concerns, Behavioural and situational questions
• Track interview dates and details in a spreadsheet
• Send thoughtful thank-you emails after interviews

Pro Tip: A strong interview can compensate for average scores. Poor interview performance can undo an otherwise solid application.

February 2027: Rank Order List (ROL)

Your Rank Order List is submitted through NRMP, not ERAS.

Deadline: Mid-February 2027

Rank programs based on:

• Program fit and culture
• Quality of training
• Visa policies
• Location and lifestyle

Important Reminder: Always rank programs in your true order of preference. The Match algorithm is designed to favor applicants.

March 2027: Match Week & Match Day

• Monday: You find out whether you matched
• SOAP begins for unmatched applicants
• Friday: Match Day - final results are released

This is where months of preparation turn into results.