Top 5 states in the USA for residency programs

The USA is a great place for those seeking medical residency opportunities. But if you are applying in the country, then you must remember that it is a huge nation with 50 states, so as an international medical graduate, geographical location becomes an important factor because not every state provides equal opportunity to international students. IMGs should be aware of state limitations and overall IMG friendliness of the state before applying for it.

Certain states prefer American graduates and US citizens over IMGs, while there are some states that have always stood above others in providing opportunities to international students. However, preferences and selection rate changes from time to time.

New York

It is the most populous state with a plethora of opportunities for international students. NYU is a place of great diversity, as it has the highest number of medical schools and is famous for having the highest IMG selection rate. It offers positions in a variety of specializations in every match cycle and has always been the most IMG-friendly state.

Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Family Medicine are the most common specialties taken up by IMGs.

Florida

It is the southernmost US state with the second highest IMG selection rate in 2023. IMG friendliness and seats offered to IMGs have continuously increased in Florida in the last few years. Foreign medical graduates have been matched in about more than 500 residency positions here in 2023.

In Florida, Internal Medicine is the most preferred specialty by international students.

Pennsylvania

It is a northeastern and fifth most populous state of the USA, which stood at third position for IMG matching in 2023.

Other than Internal Medicine, Radio-diagnosis is also a specialty in Pennsylvania that contains many foreign medical graduates.

Michigan

The state of Great Lakes is another friendly option for IMGs.

Like New York, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Family Medicine are popular choices among IMGs in Michigan.

New Jersey

It is an east-coast state with a significant proportion of IMGs. It is one of the most immigrant-friendly states and a good option while applying for the match.

Other states

Texas and Illinois are states that, too, do not lag behind in attracting international students every year.

Ohio and Connecticut also offer many IMG-friendly programs.

Conclusion

The number of IMGs taken in by each state changes every year. Only New York has always stood at the number one position for this.

The top 5 states, New York, Florida, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and New Jersey, marked out here are according to NRMP match data 2023.

States like Texas, Illinois, Ohio, and Connecticut should not be forgotten while applying for a residency match, as these states have always offered programs with good opportunities to international students.

This blog provides you with a peek at some of these states.

According to NRMP match data 2023, here are some top states.