2025 NRMP Match Results: What They Mean for IMGs and Residency Applicants

2025 NRMP Match Results: What They Mean for IMGs and Residency Applicants

The 2025 NRMP Main Residency Match concluded with historic participation — and new insights for future applicants, especially International Medical Graduates (IMGs).

At MedRise, we analyzed the latest NRMP data to give you the most accurate, practical advice for your 2026 and beyond applications.

2025 Match Key Statistics at a Glance

(Source: 2025 NRMP Main Residency Match Results and Data Report)

• Total applicants: 49,624

• Total positions offered: 41,503 (record high)

• Positions filled: 38,728 (93.3% fill rate)

Match Rates:

• U.S. MD Seniors: 92.5% matched

• U.S. DO Seniors: 89.1% matched

• U.S. Citizen IMGs: 62.0% matched (up from 61.2% in 2024)

• Non-U.S. Citizen IMGs: 58.2% matched (steady compared to 2024)

Match Trends IMGs Must Know

1. IMG Match Rates Improved — Slightly

• U.S. Citizen IMGs saw a 0.8% increase in match rates from 2024.

• Non-U.S. Citizen IMGs remained stable but face continued competition.

Interpretation:

There’s a slight upward trend for IMGs, but the match remains competitive. Strong application strategy is still essential.

2. Internal Medicine Remains IMG-Friendly — But More Competitive

• 9,685 Internal Medicine positions offered in 2025 (up 2% from 2024).

• 91.6% of IM positions filled overall.

• About 46% of filled IM spots were filled by IMGs (both U.S. and non-U.S.).

Takeaway:

Internal Medicine continues to offer the largest number of opportunities for IMGs, but rising Step 2 CK expectations (average around 234-238 for matched IMGs) mean you must show clinical and interview strength.

3. Family Medicine and Pediatrics Are Key Opportunities

• Family Medicine had 5,106 positions offered — but only 89.4% filled.

• Pediatrics offered 3,019 positions — about 94% filled.

Important:

Both Family Medicine and Pediatrics showed lower fill rates, making them more accessible to IMGs and applicants with average or below-average scores.

4. Specialties Increasingly Rely on Step 2 CK

• Since Step 1 became Pass/Fail, Step 2 CK is the new primary metric.

2025 Step 2 CK Score Averages:

Specialty

U.S. MD Step 2 CK Avg

Matched IMG Step 2 CK Avg

Internal Medicine

246

234

Family Medicine

240

228

Pediatrics

244

232

Psychiatry

246

230

(Source: NRMP Charting Outcomes in the Match, 2025 preliminary data)

Takeaway:

If your Step 2 CK is <230, you must compensate with strong clinical experience (USCE), LORs, and interview skills.

How MedRise Helps You Succeed Despite the Competition

MedRise isn’t just another consulting service — we’re the #1 IMG success platform because we offer:

At MedRise, we deliver comprehensive, personalized support to maximize your chances of matching — no matter your background. Here’s what sets us apart:

1-on-1 Strategy Planning:

You’ll receive personalized match strategy sessions tailored specifically to your academic profile, career goals, visa status, and specialty interests. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all advice — your path is uniquely designed around your strengths and opportunities.

U.S. Clinical Experience Coaching:

We guide you step-by-step in securing the right observerships, externships, and rotations that strengthen your application and demonstrate your readiness for U.S. medical practice. We focus on aligning your clinical experience with your target specialties.

CV and Personal Statement Optimization:

Your personal story matters. Our expert editors work with you to craft a CV and personal statement that meet the latest expectations of residency directors — highlighting your unique skills, resilience, and clinical readiness.

Mock Interview Preparation:

Our team conducts realistic mock interviews designed to simulate the real residency interview experience. You’ll receive honest, actionable feedback to help you answer difficult questions with confidence and professionalism.

Residency List Building:

We create a customized list of programs specifically matched to your academic metrics, visa needs, and specialty goals. Our recommendations are based on data — not guesswork — maximizing your chances of securing interviews and matching.

Visa Planning Support:

Navigating visa issues as an IMG can be complex. MedRise provides expert guidance on the differences between J-1 and H-1B visas, waiver options, and strategic planning to avoid common pitfalls that derail otherwise strong applications.

Important Disclaimer:

MedRise and its affiliates are independent educational consulting providers.

We are not affiliated with the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), AAMC, or ERAS.

Data presented here is for educational purposes only and based on publicly available 2025 Match results.

Individual outcomes depend on applicant-specific factors, including scores, clinical experience, and overall application strength.

FAQs About the 2025 NRMP Match for IMGs

Q1: Is Internal Medicine still the best specialty for IMGs in 2025?

A:

Yes. Internal Medicine offers the highest number of positions and consistently fills about 40-50% of spots with IMGs. However, Step 2 CK expectations have risen, so applicants must still present a strong overall package.

Q2: Can I match with a Step 2 CK score under 230?

A:

Yes — but it’s harder. Applicants with Step 2 CK scores under 230 typically match into Family Medicine, Psychiatry, Pediatrics, or less competitive Internal Medicine programs if they have strong USCE, letters, and interview performance.

Q3: How important is U.S. clinical experience (USCE) now?

A:

Critical. Programs want proof that you understand the U.S. healthcare system. Strong U.S. LORs and hands-on externships greatly boost your application, especially with lower scores.

Q4: Does MedRise help with securing U.S. clinical experience?

A:

Yes! MedRise offers guidance on securing the best observerships, externships, and rotations to strengthen your application, even helping with placement services depending on your specialty target.

Q5: When should I start preparing for the 2026 Match?

A:

Now. Most successful applicants start preparing 12-18 months before Match Day — focusing on Step 2 CK, USCE, networking, and personal statement development. MedRise offers complete Match prep packages customized to your timeline.