United States residency applicants

The Medical School prepares the United States Medical School Performance Evaluations (MSPE) and Canadian Medical School Performance Records (MSPR) for students wishing to apply for Residency in thise countries. The process begins around April and students will be provided further details throughout the year. 

Both current year 4 students and previous graduates must contact the Medical School at med.studentenquiries@uq.edu.au by Friday 29 May 2026 to advise us of their intention to apply for the 2027 Match (applying in 2026 for the 2027 residency Match).

The 2027 MyERAS Applicant User Guide contains all information on how ERAS works and outlines the steps for using MyERAS to apply to U.S. residency programs. It is highly recommended all students read this booklet before beginning the application process. Below is supplemental information to the Residency User Guide

What is ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service)?

• ERAS is a depository for most residency application documents. 

What goes into MyERAS?

• Application
• Personal Statement
• Programs you select to receive your application
• List of writers for letters of recommendation

What does the Medical School upload for students?

• Medical School Transcript
• MSPE

What email address should I use for my application in MyERAS?

• You may use your UQ email, or your personal email
• Your UQ email account never expires, you continue to keep it as alumni.

What information is available through ECFMG's MyIntealth?

• You can use MyIntealth to check basic information, such as:
  • Name of record
  • Contact information
  • Status of your ECFMG financial account
• You can also access information regarding specific requirements related to ECFMG Certification, such as the status of:
  • Application for ECFMG Certification
  • Exam applications
  • Medical education credentials
  • USMLE transcript requests (except for electronic transcripts requested through ERAS)

Can I use MyIntealth to get my exam results?

• No. USMLE score reports are available through FSMB's USMLE portal. You will receive an email from FSMB when your score is ready.

How do I release my USMLE transcript?

• Your USMLE transcript is not automatically transmitted. You must authorise the release of your USMLE transcript through FSMB's USMLE portal.
• Once your request has been submitted to FSMB, log into MyERAS and ensure your USMLE ID is entered in the Personal Information section of your application. Then, click on Documents, select the Additional Documents section, and select “Initiate Score Retrieval” in the action column for USMLE Transcript. This important step notifies ERAS to begin retrieving your transcript from FSMB.       
• If you receive new scores after you have applied to residency programs, you must retransmit the USMLE Transcript in order for residency programs to receive the new scores. In MyERAS select the Resend My Scores option under the Actions column on the Additional Documents page. The USMLE Transcript will then be sent to every program that previously received it, however, this may take up to two business days. If new transcript scores are uploaded, the most recent upload date will display by viewing the USMLE Requests Status Report.

How can I provide official documentation to others of completing an exam?

• To send an official report of your exam results to third parties, refer to Requesting Official USMLE® Transcripts.
• To send an official report of your ECFMG certification status to third parties, refer to ECFMG's Certification Verification Service. Requests can be made online using ECFMG's MyIntealth.

What information can I change using MyIntealth?

• MyIntealth allows you to update your mailing address, telephone number, fax number, and e-mail address. You may not make any changes to your name on-line. If the name in your ECFMG record is not your correct and current legal name, you must follow the instructions for submitting a Request to Change Applicant Biographic Information, available through MyIntealth on the Applicant Contact Information screen.
• Make sure the name in your ECFMG record is the same as your name in mySI-Net.

What else can I do through MyIntealth?

• You will use MyIntealth to access and complete the on-line Document Submission Form, and to upload your digital photograph.
• You can also use MyIntealth to upload certain documents in support of your Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS®) application. Click here for more information.

How do I track my application documents?

• You will track your application documents in the Documents section of MyERAS.

What is NRMP (National Resident Matching Program)?

• NRMP collects the preferences of applicants and program directors for available residency positions and does the “lottery” for the Match. 

What is the NRMP ID?

• The NRMP ID is a unique identifier that you receive when you register for a Match sponsored by the NRMP. It is different from the AAMC ID, which you received from AAMC services such as ERAS. The AAMC and NRMP are two separate organizations, so applicants must register for both ERAS and NRMP.

Am I required to have an NRMP ID to submit with my ERAS application?

• No. The NRMP ID field is in the Profile of MyERAS and can be added at any time. However, you should return to your MyERAS profile and enter your NRMP ID once you have registered with NRMP and received your NRMP ID.

Am I required to include my AAMC ID when I register for an NRMP Match?

• To register for the Main Residency Match, you must provide the AAMC ID number from your MyERAS application.

When can I register with NRMP?

• Applicants should keep in mind that an NRMP ID is NOT required to submit applications. However, after registering for the Main Residency Match, applicants should log back in to ERAS and update their profile with their NRMP ID to make it easier for program directors to identify them for placement on the program’s rank order lists.
• Registration for the Main Residency Match opens on mid-September of each year. You must complete the registration process, electronically sign the Match Participation Agreement, and pay Match fees in order to participate in the Main Residency Match.
• To avoid late fees, register by end of January.

Refer to the NRMP FAQ section for applicants - http://www.nrmp.org/faq-sections/applicants-faqs/

See an overview of the Application Process.

Tools for Residency Applicants

The Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) is a sequential and objective evaluation of a medical student's academic and clinical performance throughout medical school. It is a required component of U.S. medical residency and fellowship applications. The MSPE is a permanent record and used in perpetuity. Therefore, compiling the MSPE requires substantial effort and close collaboration among various departments across the University and School.

The MSPE adheres to a standardised format set by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). It provides an honest evaluation of your performance in medical school, highlights your strengths for residency and fellowship applications, and compares your performance to other students in your cohort. It includes summative comments from clerkship evaluations. Any serious academic difficulties, disciplinary/professionalism issues, or gaps in attendance must be explained in the MSPE. Students are allowed to review their own MSPE before it goes out. Students may submit changes only to correct factual errors, punctuation, etc. Students and graduates do not receive the final copy of their MSPE.

If a copy is needed to apply for fellowships or other postgraduate applications, please contact med.studentenquiries@uq.edu.au to request this and an official copy will be sent directly to the organisation.

Please note, the MSPE and MSPR (for Canadian residency applications) are nearly identical documents. If you are applying for both a United States and Canadian residency placement, you will only need to complete one document, that will be slightly altered by the International Office for submission to both ECFMG and CaRMS.

Please refer to the MD Community Site 2026 for current Guidelines

Fourth Year Timeline

• April: Expressions of interest (EOI) for North American residency will open. Details will be posted to the MD Community Site 2026 via Learn.UQ (Blackboard).
• June: you will be provided a guide to complete the Noteworthy Characteristics section.
• June: students will obtain ERAS Residency Token via ECFMG’s MyIntealth Applicant Portal.
• August: you will receive an email with instructions on how to order an official academic transcript, required for your residency applications. The academic transcript can only be ordered after the release of Semester 1 results.
• September: all MSPEs and academic transcripts will be uploaded to ERAS according to the NRMP timeline.

The following items are provided to assist students with the ERAS 2027 season.

MyERAS Applicant User Guide 2027

MyERAS Application Worksheet 2027

ERAS Residency Applicant Checklist

ERAS Application Tip Sheet

FAQ for ERAS Residency Applicants

Virtual Interviews: Applicant Preparation Guide

For the 2027 US Match, all Obstetrics and Gynecology and Emergency Medicine residency programs will utilise the Residency Central Application Service (ResidencyCAS) and not ERAS.

ECFMG supports applicants applying to residency programs through ResidencyCAS. ECFMG will assist in collecting and uploading the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE), medical school transcript, and ECFMG Status Report. Please visit ECFMG’s website for complete details at https://www.ecfmg.org/eras/residencycas.html.

Process for applicants applying through ResidencyCAS and NOT through ERAS

• To participate in ResidencyCAS, you must have a MyIntealth Identification Number and USMLE Identification Number. You may register for the residency application services and apply to programs before you complete the examinations required for ECFMG Certification.
• For ECFMG to support your ResidencyCAS residency application, you will be required to complete the Residency Application Support Form and pay the fee. The amount of the fee is determined by other factors.
• Once your form and payment have been processed, a member of ECFMG’s residency application support team will contact you with specific instructions for submitting your MSPE and transcript. Please note that instructions may vary depending on your application circumstances, including whether you are participating in multiple residency application services.
• Document submission to ECFMG will be coordinated through our office. To facilitate this process, you are required to forward the “welcome” email you receive from ECFMG to med.studentenquiries@uq.edu.au.
• ECFMG will not accept or process any documents until applicants have submitted both the Residency Application Support Form and payment to ECFMG.
• Please ensure that you list your Medical School as The University of Queensland so the appropriate institutional contact details will populate automatically within the system.

Your ECFMG Status Report will be generated and transmitted to ResidencyCAS in early September 2026. If your status changes after this date, an updated Status Report will be transmitted to ResidencyCAS within one week of the status change.

NOTE: If you are ALSO applying through ERAS, your MSPE and transcript are uploaded to ECFMG’s electronic portal by us, as your medical school. ECFMG will then use these documents to provide to ResidencyCAS.

NRMP Main Residency Match Program Directory - provides the application service requirements of Match-participating programs along with other key program information including location, links to the institution and program websites, NRMP program code, and program type.

Steps to Apply for ECFMG Clinical Skills Pathways

It is recommended that students entering the US Match follow this order when applying for the ECFMG Clinical Skills Pathways.

1. Register for OET
2. We strongly recommend taking OET in September before interview season begins. However, you must take it no later than the start of December. The earlier you take the test, the better chance you will have of obtaining another test date if you fail the test or if there are weather incidents.
3. Provide ECFMG access to your OET results (the entire report) through the myOET platform. You will need to include your MyIntealth ID number when you book your OET Test.  If taking the OET Test on paper, fill out this form.  ECFMG must receive your scores directly from OET by end of January.
4. Submit OET Score Report to med.studentenquiries@uq.edu.au. (We will not submit the Clinical Skills Attestation form to ECFMG without your OET score report.)
5. Apply and submit your application for ECFMG clinical skills Pathway 3 or 4 only after you have passing scores on Step 1, Step 2 CK, and OET. Your medical school will then submit the required Clinical Skills Attestation form for you.

NOTE:

• Once you begin the application for the ECFMG clinical skills pathway, you will have five days to complete and submit it. If the application is not submitted within five days, it will be deleted, and you will need to begin a new application if you wish to apply to a pathway. Refer to the Fees and Payment section.
• To determine if you are eligible to apply to a Pathway, you will be asked to enter your medical school graduation date or expected graduation date. You may enter 11 December 2026 as your expected graduation date.

The ECFMG Information Booklet contains all information regarding the process of gaining certification in the United States. It is highly recommended all students read this booklet before starting the certification process. A brief fact sheet is also available for a concise summary.

What is ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates)?

• ECFMG processes all IMG documents and submits them to ERAS and ResidencyCAS.

ERAS Support at ECFMG:

• Email: ERAS-support@ecfmg.org
• Phone: +1 215 966 3520
• Web: www.ecfmg.org/eras

ResidencyCAS Support at ECFMG:

• Email: residencyapplication@ecfmg.org
• Phone: +1 215 966 3520
• Web: www.ecfmg.org/eras/residencycas

Mid-August

As part of the residency application process, the Medical School will be required to upload your transcripts to ERAS.

• Once Semester 1 grades are released in SiNet, then grades are available on your transcripts. DO NOT order until grades from Semester 1 appear on SiNet.
  • Order your transcript online
  • Follow the Order Online process to order an electronic academic transcript
  • Under the Academic Record section, select "MyeQuals Transcript"
  • Under the Confirmation section, select "Immediately"

• You must order your transcripts no later than mid-August.

• UQ will send a notification to your UQ student email account with instructions on how to register your account with My eQuals in order to access and share your official transcript. Although the My eQuals system will allow you to share these documents in several ways, due to the specifics required by ECFMG, you will need to download a cryptographically signed PDF copy of your  transcript and email it to med.studentenquiries@uq.edu.au. Do NOT send this via the My eQuals system, attach it in an email.

• NOTE: Any outstanding fees on SiNet must be paid in advance in order to receive your transcript.

December

Final Step for ECFMG Certification (see the 2026 ECFMG Information Booklet).

1. Download your official documents from My eQuals
UQ will email you instructions on how to access your conferred transcript and diploma (testamur) through My eQuals. You must download cryptographically signed PDF copies of both documents.

2. Submit your documents to UQ for verification
Email both your conferred transcript and diploma PDFs as attachments to med.studentenquiries@uq.edu.au. Do not submit them via My eQuals. Once your documents are received, UQ will upload them electronically to the ECFMG verification portal.

3. Upload your diploma to ECFMG
Use the MyIntealth portal to submit a copy of your medical diploma. The name on your diploma must match the name on your ECFMG record. If the names do not match, you must submit documentation confirming the difference.

4. ECFMG verification process
When you submit your diploma, ECFMG will contact UQ to request primary source verification of your diploma. ECFMG will also request your conferred transcript. Your credentials will be considered complete only when ECFMG receives and accepts verification of your diploma and conferred transcript.

5. Check your certification status
You can monitor your certification status through MyIntealth. When ECFMG has completed and accepted the credential verification, you will receive your standard ECFMG Certificate. ECFMG will then notify all of the programs you applied to that you are fully ECFMG certified.

Exams Overview

To apply for U.S. medical residency programs and eventually become licensed to practice medicine in the United States, students must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). The USMLE consists of three parts:

• Step 1
• Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK)
• Step 3

Passing Step 1 and Step 2 CK is required to enter the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), which places applicants into U.S. residency programs.

Step 1

• Format: Pass/Fail
• Focus: Assesses foundational clinical science knowledge
• Note: This is considered the most challenging of the USMLE exams. Preparation for this exam should begin well in advance of the exam date. It is impossible to do well on Step 1 if you wait to begin your preparations until a few months before the exam.

Step 2 CK

• Format: Numerical score (three-digit)
• Focus: Clinically oriented exam
• Importance: Now the only graded exam before residency applications. Performance on Step 1 is the best predictor of Step 2 CK success.

Step 3

• Taken after residency begins and is not required for initial residency placement.

Registering for USMLE Step 1

Register for the USMLE Step 1 exam through ECFMG, a division of Intealth, and FSMB. 

Important: Begin this process early in Year 2, as identity verification can take several weeks. Note that this step does not include selecting or scheduling your Step 1 exam date.

Essential Resources

(Review before starting)

ECFMG 2026 Information BookletMyIntealth ResourcesOnline Services OverviewApplicant User GuideAccount Establishment & Identity VerificationStep 1 Registration Checklist
Overview and Required Steps

1. Create a MyIntealth account
2. Start the ECFMG Certification process
3. Complete identity confirmation via NotaryCam
4. Submit the ECFMG Certification application
5. Apply for USMLE Step 1 through FSMB
6. Schedule your exam with Prometric

⚠️ Each stage must be completed in order before you can begin the next.

Step 1: Create a MyIntealth Account

1. Go to the MyIntealth Applicant Portal
2. Select Create Account
3. Enter your email address and create a password
4. Verify your email when prompted

Your name and date of birth must exactly match your passport, including spacing, hyphens, and middle names. Even minor differences can delay later steps or prevent automatic record matching.

Step 2: Start the ECFMG Certification Process

1. Log in to the MyIntealth Applicant Portal
2. Select Begin Application
3. Complete the online application for ECFMG Certification (refer to registration guide)

ECFMG will email you when updates are available for you to proceed with the next steps. This can happen in as little as 36 hours.

Step 3: Complete Identity Confirmation via NotaryCam

1. Log in to the MyIntealth Applicant Portal to access NotaryCam

Step 4: Submit Application for ECFMG Certification

1. Log in to the MyIntealth Applicant Portal
2. Select Continue with ECFMG certification

Once you submit your ECFMG Certification application, ECFMG will verify your eligibility to sit for Step 1.

• The Medical School verifies your eligibility with ECFMG via the MyIntealth Entity Portal once notified by ECFMG.
• ECFMG processing may take up to 3 weeks before the Medical School is notified.

Step 5: Create Your FSMB Account & Apply for USMLE Step 1

1. Visit https://usmle.fsmb.org/
2. Create an account by following the details as indicated in the registration guide
3. Enter your MyIntealth ID to link accounts
4. Ensure the eligibility window you select is December to February
5. Ensure to select "Yes" to release your exam results to your Medical School

It will take approximately 2 - 3 weeks for FSMB to approve your application and get a scheduling permit.

Step 6: Schedule Exam with Prometric

Once you have a scheduling permit:

1. Visit the Prometric website: https://proscheduler.prometric.com/
2. Choose an available date within your eligibility window

Test Accommodations for USMLE Step 1

All requests for test accommodations for the Step exams are processed through NBME's MyUSMLE Portal. Further information is available here.

When You Can Apply (Timeline)

September, Year 2 — Applying for USMLE Step 1

• Students must select a three‑month eligibility period when applying for Step 1.
• For current Year 2 students, the first available eligibility window is December–February.
• This particular eligibility window is typically not available until mid‑September.

Medical School Eligibility Verification

• Eligibility to sit for USMLE Step 1 is determined by USMLE and ECFMG guidelines.
• The Medical School verifies your eligibility via the MyIntealth Entity Portal once notified by ECFMG.

Verification Timeline & Communication

What happens after you apply

• After you submit your ECFMG Certification application and FSMB Step 1 application:
  • ECFMG processing may take up to 3 weeks before the Medical School is notified.
• During this time, the Medical School monitor ECFMG daily.

Student guidance:

• If more than 3 weeks have passed with no update, contact ECFMG directly.

After Eligibility Verification

What students can expect next

• Once eligibility is verified:
  • Students receive an email notification (often within 30 minutes).
  • An exam permit is issued approximately one week later.
• Only after receiving the permit can students schedule with Prometric.

Some states require additional certification before graduates can begin residency. For example, the International Office has completed certification documentation for the following states:

• California
• Massachusetts
• Louisiana
• Texas 
• Baltimore

Please note, this list is not exhaustive and students/graduates will need to research the certification requirements of the state to which they are applying. You will likely be guided by the licensing authority of the state in which you are starting your residency.