For international medical graduates (IMGs) pursuing a career in the U.S., securing a residency position can be a challenging process. However, some residency programs are known for being more IMG-friendly than others. What are the best residency programs for foreign medical graduates who also with to pursue a physician visa?

How to know if a program is IMG friendly

When looking for residency programs that are IMG friendly, there are several key factors to consider. IMG friendly residency programs typically have a history of accepting a higher percentage of IMGs compared to other programs. Here are some ways to evaluate whether a residency program is IMG friendly:

  • History of accepting IMGs: Residency programs with a track record of accepting IMGs are often more welcoming to foreign medical graduates. Programs that regularly match IMGs are more likely to consider them during the application process.
  • Open to diversity: IMG friendly programs tend to have a diverse range of residents. If the program is known for fostering an inclusive environment, it’s more likely to be open to IMGs.
  • Program requirements: Research the eligibility criteria for each residency program. Some programs may have stricter requirements for IMGs, such as US clinical experience (USCE) or specific exam scores. Research these requirements thoroughly to ensure your qualifications align.
  • IMG friendly states: Some states in the U.S. are more welcoming to visa holders – particularly IMGs – than others, often due to their higher demand for medical professionals. Understanding the regional dynamics can help guide your application process.

By researching these factors, you can identify residency programs more likely to accept international medical graduates. To find more about how the physician visa can support your residency application, explore our Visa and Immigration Assistance blog in the PracticeLink Resource Center.

What is the most IMG friendly residency?

The best IMG friendly residency programs are typically those that have many IMGs in their ranks and demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion. While there is no official list of “IMG-friendly” residencies, certain specialties and programs tend to have higher rates of IMG acceptance. Some of the top choices for IMGs include:

  • Internal medicine: This specialty is one of the most IMG-friendly, with a significant proportion of residents coming from international medical schools. Internal medicine programs tend to have a broad selection of hospitals, offering a wide variety of opportunities for IMGs.
  • Family medicine: Another specialty with a strong track record of accepting IMGs is family medicine. These programs often have a higher demand for residents and many have a history of recruiting from international medical schools.
  • Psychiatry: Psychiatry residency programs also tend to be IMG-friendly, with many applicants from international backgrounds. Psychiatry’s broad field allows for a variety of clinical and research opportunities, making it a popular choice for IMGs.

The easiest way to determine the most IMG-friendly residencies is to research individual program match statistics, which provide insight into the number of IMGs accepted in previous years. 

Which state is most IMG friendly?

Residency programs vary widely by state, and some regions are known for being more IMG friendly than others. Some IMG-friendly states have a high number of hospitals that serve diverse populations. These states include:

  • California: With a large population and numerous teaching hospitals, California is a top destination for IMGs. Programs in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco often have significant diversity in their residency cohorts.
  • New York: Known for its diverse medical landscape, New York is home to many residency programs that regularly accept IMGs. Hospitals in urban areas like New York City are often more open to foreign medical graduates.
  • Florida: Florida’s healthcare system is in constant need of physicians, and many of its residency programs are IMG-friendly. The state’s diversity and aging population increase the demand for medical professionals, especially in specialties like family medicine and internal medicine.
  • Texas: Texas has a large healthcare sector and is home to several IMG-friendly residency programs, particularly in cities like Houston and Dallas. Texas’s medical institutions often look for residents from diverse educational backgrounds to serve their growing population.

Other states are considered friendly to IMGs because of laws they have either passed or introduced that support IMGs.

  • New Hampshire has introduced alternate pathways for international medical graduates (IMGs) to practice medicine without the need for U.S. residency. These changes aim to address healthcare shortages and leverage the expertise of doctors trained abroad. However, International Medical School graduates may still face challenges when applying for a medical license in New Hampshire.
  • Georgia lawmakers have introduced a bill to make it easier for international medical graduates to practice as doctors in the state. The bill proposes a framework for granting limited medical licenses to IMGs, allowing them to practice in designated health professional shortage areas or medically underserved populations. 
  • Vermont’s legislation to help expand the state’s healthcare workforce through IMGs includes the appropriation of funds to reimburse international medical school graduates for costs associated with becoming licensed to practice medicine in Vermont. 
  • Maryland also has alternative pathways for IMGs to practice medicine without the need for U.S. residency. These pathways aim to address healthcare shortages and leverage the expertise of doctors trained abroad. However, all state licensing jurisdictions still require IMGs to complete at least one year of accredited U.S. or Canadian graduate medical education before licensure.

By focusing on residency programs in these IMG friendly states, you can increase your chances of matching into a program that values your international background and unique experiences.

What is the easiest residency for IMG?

Don’t expect any residency to be “easy.” Even so, some specialties and programs tend to be easier for IMGs to get accepted into. Programs often have a higher acceptance rate for IMGs due to their lower competition or greater need for residents. If you are an IMG looking for an easier path into a U.S. residency, consider applying to the following:

  • Family medicine: This specialty often has a high acceptance rate for IMGs because of the widespread demand for family practitioners across the U.S. Many family medicine programs welcome international medical graduates with open arms.
  • Internal medicine: With a larger number of residency spots available, internal medicine is another specialty that is considered easier for IMGs to match into, especially if you have strong clinical experience in the U.S.
  • Psychiatry: Psychiatry is another specialty that tends to have a relatively high success rate for IMGs. Given the growing demand for mental health professionals, many residency programs are open to IMGs.

A detailed IMG friendly residency programs list can help you find the right programs with higher match rates for international medical graduates. While securing a residency is never guaranteed, understanding which programs are more likely to accept IMGs will give you an advantage in the application process.

Securing a residency as an international medical graduate (IMG) requires research, persistence and strategic planning. By focusing on IMG friendly residency programs, understanding which states are more welcoming to foreign medical graduates, and choosing specialties with higher acceptance rates, you can increase your chances of a successful match.

As you continue your journey, be sure to stay informed about visa requirements and residency application processes. For more information on how the physician visa can help facilitate your transition, visit PracticeLink’s Resource Center.