IMG Path to OrthoStep 1 of 7

Start Here: Your Timeline

Define your starting point, pick a realistic target cycle, and understand what your application must prove before you spend months in the wrong direction.

Choose your statusEstimate 12–36 monthsAvoid common delays
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1. Your current status

Your starting point determines your timeline, strategy, and early priorities.

Training status

  • • Medical student (pre-final or final year)
  • • Graduate (internship or residency in home country)
  • • Already doing research or observerships in the U.S.

Visa status

Determine early whether you will be visa-requiring. This affects program targeting, timeline length, and the importance of strong institutional sponsorship.

2. What a realistic timeline looks like

Short timelines are possible, but uncommon. Most successful IMG matches take time.

Common timelines

  • 12–18 months: Rare. Usually non–visa-requiring IMGs with strong U.S. ties, early research, and ready Step 2 scores.
  • 18–36 months: Typical minimum timeline for visa-requiring IMGs building U.S. research, letters, and exam strength.

Where most people lose time

  • • Delayed or rushed Step 2 preparation
  • • Low research output despite time spent
  • • Weak or late U.S. letters of recommendation
  • • Poor early planning and unclear goals

3. What your application needs to prove

Successful IMG applications consistently demonstrate these signals.

The four proofs

  • Proof 1: You can excel academically (strong Step 2).
  • Proof 2: You can produce and contribute (meaningful research output).
  • Proof 3: You can work in U.S. teams (letters + professionalism).
  • Proof 4: You are among the strongest applicants in the pool.

4. Your target year plan

Decide early whether you are applying this cycle or building toward the next.

  • Apply this cycle if Step 2 is ready, U.S. letters are secured, and research output is credible.
  • Delay to next cycle if major components are missing. A strong delayed application is far better than a rushed one.
  • Know when to pivot: if Step 2 is not ready, if U.S. letters are weak or absent, or if research lacks productivity.
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