U.S. IMG vs Non-U.S. IMG 2025 Residency Match

U.S. IMG vs Non-U.S. IMG 2025 Residency Match: What IMGs Need to Know

April 21, 2025

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Bar chart comparing 2025 residency match rates between U.S. IMGs and Non-U.S. IMGs.

The 2025 NRMP Main Residency Match was the largest in history, with a record 52,498 applicants vying for 43,237 positions—a 4.2% increase from 2024. But amid rising numbers, what do the outcomes mean for international medical graduates — and how does being a U.S. IMG vs Non-U.S. IMG influence your chances of matching?

Understanding IMG Categories: U.S. IMG vs Non-U.S. IMG

The NRMP defines IMGs in two distinct groups:

  • U.S. IMG: A graduate of an international medical school who is a U.S. citizen or green card holder.
  • Non-U.S. IMG: A graduate who requires visa sponsorship (typically J-1 or H-1B).

This distinction affects program eligibility and match rates across the board.

1. A Growing Applicant Pool — But Not Evenly Matched

  • Non-U.S. IMG match rate: 58.0% (down 0.5%)
  • U.S. IMG match rate: 67.8% (up 0.8%)

The data confirms that match outcomes differ significantly for U.S. IMG vs Non-U.S. IMG applicants.

Programs that only consider green card holders or citizens create a smaller applicant pool. For example, a U.S. IMG may be eligible for 150 programs while a Non-U.S. IMG may only qualify for 50. This dramatically shifts the odds.

3. Primary Care is Still the Gateway — But It’s Getting Tougher

  • Internal Medicine: 96.8% fill rate
  • Family Medicine: 85.0% fill rate (down)
  • Pediatrics: 95.3% fill rate (rebounded)

4. IMG-Friendly Specialties in 2025

  • Pathology: 27% IMG
  • Neurology: 28% IMG
  • Psychiatry: Strong uptake

5. Transitional and Preliminary Year Slots: Strategic Entry Points

Over 2,200 Prelim/TY slots were offered — many filled by IMGs using these positions as stepping stones to categorical roles.

6. SOAP is Shrinking — Plan Ahead

Only 2,521 positions were available via SOAP in 2025. That’s down from 2024, despite more total Match positions. It’s not a dependable backup plan.

Top 5 Questions IMGs Are Asking Right Now

  1. Is it getting harder for Non-U.S. IMGs? Yes — the visa barrier matters more than ever.
  2. Which specialties are best for IMGs? Internal Medicine, Neurology, Pathology, Pediatrics.
  3. Does green card or U.S. citizenship help? Absolutely — it opens far more programs.
  4. Are Prelim/TY years worth it? Yes — for gaining U.S. experience and strong LORs.
  5. Should I count on SOAP? No — it’s shrinking and hyper-competitive.

IMGPrep Match Smarter Not Harder!!