The ERAS Token: How IMGs Get It and When

If you are an IMG, you cannot register for MyERAS and apply to residency without an ERAS token from ECFMG. You request it through your MyIntealth account, once per application season, and then use it to register on AAMC's MyERAS site. US medical graduates do not use ECFMG for this.

What the token is #

An ERAS token is a one-time code that links your ECFMG record to your MyERAS application. It lets ECFMG send your exam results and certification status to programs through ERAS, and it lets AAMC identify you as an ECFMG-supported applicant.

You need one token per ERAS season. That single token lets you apply to as many specialties and programs as you like that season. A token from a previous season will not work.

Before you request it #

1. Have a verified MyIntealth account. See the MyIntealth guide. Identity verification must be complete.
2. Read the exam guidance. ECFMG notes that the NRMP requires IMGs to meet the examination requirements for ECFMG Certification and to have passing results available by the NRMP Rank Order List certification deadline. Read ECFMG's guidance before requesting a token if you plan to take part in the Match.
3. Plan to apply to at least one participating program. ECFMG asks you to be sure of this before requesting.
4. Check the season dates on ECFMG's ERAS timeline page.

How to request your token #

1. Log in to the MyIntealth Applicant Portal.
2. From the Services menu, select ERAS Support Services.
3. Open the ERAS Token Request tab and choose to request your token.
4. Pay the fee through MyIntealth. The fee is due at the time of request. It is non-refundable according to ECFMG's materials, and the current amount is on ECFMG's ERAS timeline and fees page.
5. Retrieve the token from the same page. It stays there for the season.
6. Register with MyERAS at AAMC using the token.

When tokens are available #

ECFMG announces token availability each year. For the ERAS 2027 season, ECFMG made tokens available in MyIntealth in late June 2026 (see its announcement), and AAMC's FAQ gives a date a day apart for the start of IMG token issuance. That difference shows why you should read the ECFMG page for the exact date of your season rather than rely on a summary. For the broader calendar, including when applications open and when programs can see them, see the ERAS timeline.

Request your token as soon as you are eligible and ready, because delays in token requests can delay your MyERAS registration.

Reusing documents #

If you applied in a previous season, ECFMG says you may be eligible to reuse documents from the earlier application when you make a new token request. The details are on ECFMG's ERAS pages.

What is different for IMGs #

This process is specific to IMGs. Everyone else registers with MyERAS through their dean's office. The token step puts ECFMG in the middle of your timeline, so account and identity problems with ECFMG become application problems.

Common mistakes #

• Requesting too late. Verification and processing take time.
• Requesting before identity verification is complete.
• Using last year's token.
• Assuming exams do not matter. The NRMP's exam requirement for the Rank Order List is a hard deadline.
• Paying a third party for something you can do yourself in MyIntealth.

What comes next #

Once you have your token, register in MyERAS and start building your application. See the MyERAS walkthrough and the ERAS timeline. For the full set of ECFMG requirements, see the certification overview.