International Medical Graduate (IMG) resources

Find guidance and resources for every stage of your journey into U.S. family medicine.

Whether you're exploring family medicine, preparing for the Match or beginning your career in the United States, the AAFP can help you navigate your next steps.

Find practical guidance, trusted resources and support for international medical graduates (IMGs) throughout their family medicine journey.

Who is an international medical graduate?

An international medical graduate is a physician who earned a medical degree from a medical school outside the United States that is not accredited by a recognized U.S. medical school accrediting body.

IMG status is based on where you attended medical school and its accreditation—not your citizenship. U.S. citizens who graduate from qualifying international medical schools are considered IMGs.

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Find resources for your next step

  • Explore family medicine

    Learn about family medicine in the United States, the role of IMGs and the steps toward residency training.

  • Apply and Match

    Understand ECFMG certification, licensing examinations, residency applications, interviews and the Match.

  • Understand visa requirements

    Learn about visa options for U.S. residency, sponsorship requirements and how to identify programs that sponsor visas for international medical graduates.

  • Transition to residency

    Get ready for your move into U.S. residency training with practical preparation tips and questions to ask your program.

  • Succeed in residency

    Explore resources for navigating clinical training, building connections, preparing for certification and supporting your well-being.

  • Launch your career

    Explore opportunities in family medicine and find resources for the transition from residency into practice.

Stories from international medical graduate physicians

Every international medical graduate brings a unique perspective to family medicine. From navigating the Match and adapting to U.S. residency to building professional connections and becoming leaders, these physicians share the experiences, challenges and opportunities that shaped their careers.

Explore their stories and discover the many paths IMGs can take in family medicine.

Find support through the AAFP

The AAFP offers education, professional resources and opportunities to connect with the family medicine community throughout your career.

Explore AAFP membership and discover resources that support your professional goals.
Explore AAFP membership