NRMP Registration and Fees for IMGs | USMLE Wise Wiki
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NRMP Registration and Fees for IMGs

How NRMP Match registration works for IMGs, which fees apply (registration, late, couples, extra ranks), what is non-refundable and what happens if you leave a fee unpaid.

Key facts

  • You register for the Main Residency Match with the NRMP separately from ERAS, and NRMP fees are paid by card in US dollars.
  • The registration fee covers a base number of program codes, and extra ranks and very long rank lists cost more.
  • The NRMP states that all applicant fees are non-refundable.
  • Unpaid fees can stop you from certifying a rank list or from using SOAP.

You register for the Match with the NRMP separately from ERAS, and the fees are separate too. The registration fee covers a base number of program codes, and you pay more if you rank beyond that number or certify a very long list. The NRMP states that all applicant fees are non-refundable. This page explains the categories and the timing. Amounts change each year, so use the NRMP fee page.

Registration and fees at a glance #

Fee When it applies Notes
Registration When you register for the Match Covers a base number of program codes. Check the page for how supplemental lists are counted
Late registration If you register after the stated registration deadline Only for the Main Residency Match. Register early
Couples If you match as a couple Charged per partner, due when couple status is requested or accepted
Extra ranks If you rank beyond the base number Charged per additional program code, up to a limit
Long rank list If your list is very long Tiered charges, due when you certify the list

Fees are paid by credit card in US dollars through the NRMP's registration system, and the NRMP states this on its fee page.

When you pay #

  1. Registration. When you create your Match account and register. See the ERAS timeline to see where registration sits next to the application.
  2. Couples. At the point you request or accept couple status.
  3. Rank-related charges. When you certify your list. The NRMP says that once a list is certified with extra-rank charges, you cannot change it to remove them.
  4. Corrections. If a payment fails, resolve it quickly.

The rank order list strategy explains how long a list should be. The cost is rarely the main reason to change it, but know it before you add many programs.

What is non-refundable and what happens if you do not pay #

The NRMP states applicant fees are non-refundable. It also states that applicants with outstanding fees cannot enter rank lists or be ranked by programs, and may lose access to the list of unfilled programs and to SOAP. Unauthorized chargebacks can lead to bans. See SOAP explained.

How fees differ by situation #

Situation Effect
Single applicant Registration plus any extra ranks
Couples Couple fee applies to each partner, plus each partner's own registration
Long list Extra rank and long-list charges
Late decision Late registration charge
You withdraw Do not expect a refund
Reapplicant You pay again next year. See reapplicant strategy

Being eligible to register #

Paying is not enough. IMGs must meet the NRMP's eligibility rules, including ECFMG certification requirements by the stated deadline. See the certification timeline and the certification overview. The NRMP also publishes its own eligibility rules.

How to budget #

  • Decide whether you are matching alone or as a couple.
  • Plan your list length from your interviews, not from the fee schedule.
  • Register before the late deadline.
  • Keep the fee receipt.
  • Put NRMP fees alongside the ERAS cost, see ERAS and NRMP costs.

What is different for IMGs #

The fees are the same for IMGs and US graduates as far as the NRMP page shows. What differs is that IMGs must have their ECFMG status settled, pay in US dollars from abroad (watch card limits and exchange rates), and may hold visa or travel costs that dwarf the NRMP fee. For the whole budget see total cost of matching.

Frequently asked questions

Do I register for the Match through ERAS?

No. ERAS is the application service. NRMP registration is separate, done through the NRMP's Registration, Ranking and Results system.

Can I get a refund if I withdraw?

The NRMP states all applicant fees are non-refundable. Read its withdrawal policy before paying.

What are extra rank fees?

Charges for ranking programs beyond the number covered by the base registration fee, with higher charges for very long lists. Check the NRMP page for how they apply.

What if I forget to pay?

The NRMP says outstanding fees can prevent you from entering rank lists and from participating in SOAP. Pay on time.

Sources

  1. NRMP: Match fees
  2. NRMP: Intro to the Match
  3. NRMP: Main Residency Match
  4. ECFMG 2026 Information Booklet: Requirements for ECFMG Certification

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