Intealth ECFMG

Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates

ERAS Support Services

Supporting Documents


About Supporting Documents


Following are the documents that ERAS Support Services at ECFMG will upload to the MyERAS application and are typically required for a residency application:

If a program requests additional document types not listed on this page, you should make arrangements with the program to have these additional documents sent directly to the program. This practice is in accordance with the AAMC ERAS policy. ERAS will not process these documents.

Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE)

What is the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE)?

The Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) evaluates a medical student’s performance during his or her academic career relative to his or her peers. The MSPE has replaced the term “Dean’s letter” to better describe the purpose of this document. While ERAS Support Services will accept a “Dean’s letter” from your medical school, we strongly encourage medical schools to provide an MSPE that follows the MSPE guidelines detailed in the AAMC's “Recommendations for Revising the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE).”

An MSPE should:

  • Evaluate the performance of the medical student
  • Be written on medical school letterhead with the medical school seal affixed
  • Be signed by the designated medical school official
  • Include the applicant’s full name

How do I submit my MSPE?

There are two ways that your MSPE can be submitted:

  • By you via ECFMG's OASIS
  • By your medical school via the ECFMG Medical School Web Portal (EMSWP) ERAS (if your medical school participates). See Document Submission for more information.

Please Note: The MSPE is not a letter of recommendation (LoR) and should not be finalized as an LoR and assigned to your programs.

What if my medical school does not provide an MSPE?

If you are unable to secure the MSPE from your medical school, you must indicate this on the Additional Documents page in the MyERAS application. A neutral placeholder letter will be provided in place of the MSPE. This will ensure that your application will appear as complete for those programs that require an MSPE before considering your application. The neutral placeholder will state, “This document is provided in lieu of the applicant’s MSPE. Please contact the applicant with any questions you may have.”

My MSPE is not in English. What should I do?

If the MSPE is not in English, you must have an English translation prepared and certified to be correct by one of the following:

  • A medical school official (for example, a Dean or Registrar);
  • A government official (for example, a Consular Officer); or
  • A professional translation service. ECFMG’s recommended professional translation service is Straker Translations .

Submit only the English translation to ERAS Support Services at ECFMG.

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Medical School Transcript

What is a medical school transcript?

Medical school transcripts come in a variety of formats, such as:

  • Mark sheets,
  • Time sheets, and
  • Hour sheets.

Medical school transcripts give program directors an overview of:

  • The subjects you studied in medical school,
  • How long you studied each subject, and
  • How well you did on your exams.

The transcript must include your full name and should not be on “security paper” with a busy background. Busy backgrounds make the scanned image illegible. Ask your school to copy your transcript onto plain paper.

How do I submit my medical school transcript?

If you have a copy of your transcript from your school, you can submit it to ERAS Support Services via OASIS. Documents uploaded through OASIS will take up to five business days to process.

If your medical school participates in EMSWP ERAS, the school must upload the transcript on your behalf. Documents uploaded through EMSWP will take up to five business days to process. See Document Submission for more information.

I already submitted my transcript to ECFMG. Do I need to resubmit it for my MyERAS application?

The MyERAS application is separate from ECFMG Certification, and your medical school transcript will not automatically transfer. If you have a copy of your medical school transcript, you should upload the document through OASIS. If your medical school does not participate in EMSWP ERAS, and if you have no other way to secure the document from your medical school, you can request that ECFMG transfer a copy of that document to your MyERAS application. This option should only be used as a last resort, and will take longer to process than documents uploaded through OASIS. To submit a request:

  • Register your ERAS Token with AAMC's MyERAS website.
  • Log in to ECFMG's OASIS.
  • Go to the ERAS Support Services section.
  • Select Request for Transcript Transfer from ECFMG Certification.
  • Carefully review the information on that page.
  • Click on Submit Request.

The total processing time from submission of the request to the availability of the transcript in ERAS may take up to eight business days.

Once submitted, your request will be reviewed within two to three business days. If ECFMG is unable to fulfill your request, you will be notified via e-mail. If ECFMG is able to fulfill your request, your transcript will be transferred to your MyERAS application where you will be able to track the status of the document. The status of the transcript will be updated to “available” in MyERAS within five business days of the date it is uploaded to ERAS.

Please Note: If your school participates in EMSWP ERAS, your school must upload the medical school transcript on your behalf and you will not be able to submit this request.

What if my medical school does not provide a medical school transcript?

If you are unable to secure a medical school transcript, you must indicate this on the Additional Documents page of the MyERAS application. A neutral placeholder letter will be provided in place of the transcript and will state, “This document is provided in lieu of the applicant’s medical school transcript. Please contact the applicant with any questions you may have.” This will ensure that your application will appear as complete for those programs that require a medical school transcript before considering your application.

My medical school transcript is not in English. What should I do?

If the medical school transcript is not in English, you must have an English translation prepared and certified to be correct by one of the following:

  • A medical school official (for example, a Dean or Registrar);
  • A government official (for example, a Consular Officer); or
  • A professional translation service. ECFMG’s recommended professional translation service is Straker Translations .

Submit only the English translation to ERAS Support Services at ECFMG.

I am a transfer student. How do I submit both of my medical school transcripts?

If you are a transfer student and would like to submit more than one medical school transcript for your MyERAS application, please see Transfer Students for more information. If you have any questions about the processing of your transcripts, please contact ERAS Support Services at ECFMG.

Please Note: The transcript does not need to be assigned to your programs. This is done automatically when the transcript is submitted.

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Letters of Recommendation (LoRs)

Submitting LoRs that are substantive in content will ultimately provide the residency training program director with a clear picture of your current skills and clinical ability, in addition to your personal characteristics such as professionalism, leadership, and interpersonal skills both with patients and colleagues. You should select your letter writers carefully and contact each program for its LoR requirements. Contact potential letter writers early to allow them plenty of time to reflect upon your performance and provide the letter in time to meet program deadlines for receiving LoRs.

How do I submit my LoRs?

The AAMC LoR Portal (LoRP) enables LoR Authors and/or their designees to upload LoRs to ERAS for distribution to training programs.

  • If you have waived your right to view an LoR, your letter writer must upload the letter on your behalf through the LoRP.
  • If you have not waived your right to view an LoR, you are permitted to upload a copy through the AAMC’s LoRP, logging in using your AAMC account.

Please Note: Programs are able to view who has uploaded the document.

For tips on uploading your LoRs, please see the Letter Writer Assistance page. It is your responsibility to follow up with letter writers to ensure that LoRs are ready in time to meet program deadlines.

How do I make my LoRs available to assign to programs?

In order for your LoRs to be available to programs, you must:

  • Confirm for upload your LoR Authors, and
  • Assign the letters to programs in MyERAS.

Is there a limit to how many LoRs I can submit?

There is no limit to how many LoRs you can submit. However, you can assign a maximum of four LoRs to each program. Once LoRs are assigned to a program and you apply, they cannot be unassigned.

How do I reuse LoRs from the previous MyERAS application season?

If you have certified and submitted an application in a previous ERAS season (from the ERAS 2016 season and onwards), your LoRs are saved in the History section of your MyERAS application. For more information, please visit the AAMC's website at https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-residency/article/history-and-imports-repeat-applicants/ .

My LoR is not in English. What should I do?

If the LoR is not in English, you must have an English translation prepared and certified to be correct by one of the following:

  • A medical school official (for example, a Dean or Registrar);
  • A government official (for example, a Consular Officer); or
  • A professional translation service. ECFMG’s recommended professional translation service is Straker Translations .

Submit only the English translation to ERAS Support Services at ECFMG.

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Photograph

Programs will use your photograph to identify you at the interview and as a memory aid when creating a rank order list. The photograph must:

  • Be clear,
  • Be a full front view of your head and shoulders,
  • Have your face centered, and
  • Show your face with a natural expression with your eyes open and looking directly ahead.

If you wish to submit a photograph, you must submit a digital version via ECFMG’s OASIS.

Submitting your Photograph via OASIS

Your photograph must conform to the following technical specifications:

  • It must be in the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) format.
  • The maximum file size accepted is 150 KB.
  • It must be no larger than 2.5 by 3.5 inches (i.e. passport size).

Steps for submitting your Photograph via OASIS

  1. Log in to ECFMG’s OASIS.
  2. Click on the link for ERAS Support Services.
  3. Select Upload Photograph.
  4. Click the Browse button to select the photograph file from your device.
  5. Click Upload to upload the photograph.

You will receive confirmation of acceptance if the system uploads your digital photograph successfully. Your photograph will transmit within 24 hours to your MyERAS application.

If your photograph is rejected, you will need to submit a new file that meets the specifications above.

Do not e-mail your photograph to ERAS Support Services at ECFMG. We are unable to modify files for applicants.

To make your photograph available to programs, you must assign it on the Additional Documents tab of MyERAS.

You can update your photograph at any time by submitting a new version via OASIS. Once processed, it will replace the previous version in your MyERAS application.

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ECFMG Status Report

The ECFMG Status Report confirms your ECFMG Certification status. The ECFMG Status Report contains the month and year that you passed examinations for ECFMG Certification. It does not include your USMLE scores, which can be reported only as part of an official USMLE transcript.*

ECFMG Status Reports contain the following information:

  • USMLE/ECFMG Identification Number
  • Applicant name
  • Birth date
  • ECFMG-certified: (Yes or No)
  • Certificate issue date
  • Exams passed for ECFMG Certification*
  • CSA valid through date, if applicable
  • Medical school of graduation
  • Degree year
  • Medical Education Credential Status (complete or incomplete)
  • Explanatory notes (if applicable)

Important Note for Pathways Applicants:
If you meet the clinical and communication skills requirements for ECFMG Certification through an ECFMG Pathway, this will be reported on your ECFMG Status Report. If you are ECFMG Certified based on a Pathway, your ECFMG Status Report will list the expiration date.

*If you received your Standard ECFMG Certificate based on any of the following exams, the scores will be listed on your ECFMG Status Report:

  • One-day ECFMG Examination
  • FMGEMS
  • VQE
  • NBME Part exams
  • FLEX

Your ECFMG Status Report will be transmitted automatically to your ERAS application and will update automatically as new information is available. You do not need to request the Status Report or automatic updates, and the cost is included in your ERAS Token fee.

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USMLE Transcript

The USMLE transcript contains your examination history on Step 1, Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK), the former Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS), if taken, and Step 3, if taken. It includes all attempts: passed, failed, incomplete, etc. The USMLE transcript is required by many residency programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) as part of the application to be considered for their positions. For complete information on what is included in the USMLE transcript, refer to Scoring & Score Reporting in the USMLE Bulletin of Information .

How long does it take to process my USMLE transcript request?

Your request will not be processed until you have assigned the document to at least one program and applied. Each time you apply to a program, it may take one to two business days for your USMLE transcript to be transmitted to the MyERAS application, where it can be accessed by the program.

I received a new USMLE score. How do I send the new score to programs?

If you receive a new score after you have applied to programs, log in to MyERAS and go to the Additional Documents page in the Document section to select the option to "Resend My Scores" in the action column for USMLE Transcript.

If you receive a new score before you have applied to programs, your USMLE transcript will include your complete USMLE history when you do apply, regardless of when you authorized the release of the USMLE transcript in MyERAS. The request is not processed until you actually apply and pay the fee.

I am applying to programs that do not participate in ERAS. How do I send a copy of the USMLE transcript to those programs?

If you are applying to programs that do not participate in ERAS and require a USMLE transcript, you request a paper transcript from ECFMG.

Is the USMLE transcript transmitted automatically to the MyERAS application?

No. Applicants must authorize the release of the USMLE transcript in MyERAS, assign the document to programs, and pay the one-time $80 fee for it to be transmitted.

How do I authorize the release of my USMLE transcript?

Log in to MyERAS and go to the Additional Documents section. You will see the option to authorize the release of the USMLE transcript. Read the information on that page carefully before saving.

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Document Submission


There are different methods for submitting supporting documents, depending on the document type. See below for specific information on OASIS, EMSWP ERAS, and the AAMC’s Letter of Recommendation Portal (LoRP).

As your designated Dean’s office, ERAS Support Services at ECFMG will evaluate each uploaded document to ensure clarity of image and to verify that each document has been uploaded to the slot designated for that document type. Document types that are not part of the MyERAS application—diplomas, foreign language documents, curriculum vitae, etc.—should not be uploaded. ECFMG will not transmit these documents to your MyERAS application.

OASIS

ECFMG’s OASIS allows ERAS applicants to submit several document types in support of their residency application, including MSPEs, medical school transcripts, and photographs.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Some international medical schools submit supporting documents on behalf of their students/graduates who participate in ERAS through EMSWP. Schools that participate in the EMSWP ERAS program can electronically submit supporting documents on behalf of ERAS applicants. If your medical school participates in EMSWP ERAS, you will not be able to submit your MSPE and transcripts using OASIS. Please contact your medical school to have these documents uploaded via EMSWP ERAS on your behalf. ERAS Support Services uploads these documents to your ERAS application within five business days of their receipt. To find out if your medical school participates in EMSWP ERAS, you can contact the Dean’s office at your medical school.

Documents submitted via OASIS will take up to five business days to process. ERAS Support Services at ECFMG will contact you within five business days, via the MyERAS message center, about any discrepancies found during the quality control process.

Submitting Documents Using OASIS

  • Make sure the document is a clean and clear image that will be presented to the programs to which you apply. Documents should be legible and not on a busy background.
  • Scan all pages of the document into one file. Save the document as a PDF and name it something you can easily recognize; e.g., surname_MSPE.PDF.
  • Make sure that the file follows the technical specifications (document dimensions, file type, and file size) for the document type you are uploading. The specifications can be found on the Upload page for the document in OASIS.

Steps for Submitting Documents Using OASIS

  1. Log into ECFMG's OASIS.
  2. Select ERAS Support Services.
  3. Select the appropriate upload category from the list on the toolbar.
  4. Carefully read the instructions and notices for the document type.
  5. Click the Browse button to select the document file from your computer. Be sure to upload the complete document as one file. Do not upload each page of the document separately.
  6. Click Upload File. You will receive confirmation for a successful upload.
  7. Repeat these steps for each document type.

If your document is rejected, you will need to submit a new file that meets the technical specifications. Do not e-mail your documents to ERAS Support Services at ECFMG. We are unable to modify files for applicants.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Submission of any falsified or altered document to ECFMG is an example of irregular behavior. A determination by ECFMG that an individual engaged in irregular behavior may be sufficient cause to bar an individual from ECFMG Certification, revoke an ECFMG Certificate, or take other appropriate action. ECFMG will send notice of a determination of irregular behavior to residency program directors, among others. See ECFMG Policies and Procedures Regarding Irregular Behavior.

AAMC’s Letter of Recommendation Portal (LoRP)

LoRs must be submitted through the AAMC’s Letter of Recommendation Portal (LoRP) . If you have waived your right to view an LoR, your letter writer must upload the letter on your behalf. If you have not waived your right to view an LoR, you are permitted to upload a copy through the AAMC’s LoRP by logging in using your AAMC account. Programs are able to view who has uploaded the document. For tips on uploading your LoRs, please see the Letter Writer Assistance page of the ECFMG website.

LoRs submitted through the LoRP will take up to five business days to process.

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EMSWP ERAS


EMSWP provides access to ECFMG’s web-based services for international medical schools and includes a program for ERAS.

Through EMSWP ERAS, international medical schools can upload supporting documents on behalf of their students and graduates; track receipt of these supporting documents by ECFMG; and verify the ERAS registration activity of their students and graduates. To determine if your medical school participates in EMSWP ERAS, please contact the Dean’s office at your medical school.

Students and graduates of EMSWP ERAS-participating medical schools will not have the ability to upload their own MSPEs and medical school transcripts. If your medical school participates in EMSWP ERAS, please contact the Dean’s office at your medical school to request upload of your MSPE and medical school transcript. ECFMG processes documents uploaded through EMSWP ERAS within five business days.

For more information on how your medical school can establish an EMSWP ERAS account, please ask a representative from your medical school to e-mail ERAS Support Services at erasadmin@ecfmg.org.

For more information on all of the services available to medical schools through EMSWP, please visit the EMSWP Overview page.

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Transfer Students


If you attended more than one medical school to earn your medical degree, you are considered a transfer student and should submit the medical school transcripts from each of the medical schools you attended.

The method used to submit your transfer school transcripts is determined by whether or not your medical school of graduation participates in EMSWP ERAS. To find out if your medical school participates in EMSWP ERAS, you can contact the Dean’s office of your medical school.

If your medical school of graduation does not participate in EMSWP ERAS

Upload your medical school transcripts using OASIS. Please be sure to scan, save, and upload all pages of your medical school transcripts as one single PDF file.

If your medical school of graduation does participate in EMSWP ERAS

If your medical school of graduation is willing and authorized to upload transcripts from your transfer school, you or your transfer school must provide your transfer transcripts to the EMSWP ERAS Coordinator at your medical school of graduation. The EMSWP ERAS Coordinator will need to merge all pages of all transcripts into one single PDF file before uploading the file. Please note that medical schools may have policies against submitting medical school transcripts to, or on behalf of, other medical schools. Please contact your medical schools regarding their policies.

If either school has a policy that prevents submission of your transcripts together, the transcripts can be submitted separately. Your medical school of graduation should submit its transcript using EMSWP ERAS. If you have a copy of your transfer transcript from your transfer school, you may submit it as a PDF file to ERAS Support Services at ECFMG at erasfax@ecfmg.org. If you do not have a copy of your transfer transcript, contact the Dean’s office of your transfer school and request that they submit your transcript as a PDF file to erasfax@ecfmg.org. Please note this e-mail address is for transfer students’ transcripts ONLY. Other types of supporting documents, such as LoRs or transcripts for non-transfer students, should not be submitted to this e-mail address and will not be processed.

Once all transcripts have been received by ERAS Support Services at ECFMG, we will merge them together and process them to your MyERAS application.

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Reusing Documents


If you participated in the ERAS 2023 season and also participate in the ERAS 2024 season, you will be eligible to reuse your documents at the time you make an ERAS 2024 Token request via OASIS.

If you are eligible to reuse your documents, you are not required to resubmit:

  • MSPEs
  • Medical school transcripts
  • Photographs
  • LoRs that were used in a previous ERAS season

Within five business days from the time you register your Token at the MyERAS website , ERAS Support Services will upload your stored MSPE, medical school transcript, and photograph to the ERAS 2024 application.

If there have been changes to the content of your MSPE or medical school transcript, and you would like to submit the modified document(s), submit the document(s) to ERAS Support Services at ECFMG. See Submission At-a-Glance for an overview of the available methods of submitting supporting documents. Once your modified documents have been received at ECFMG, they will be transmitted to your ERAS application within five business days, replacing last season’s document(s).

If you would like to submit a new photograph, you must submit a digital version using ECFMG’s OASIS. This will automatically replace the previously submitted photograph.

Guide to Reusing LoRs

You can import your LoRs from a previous ERAS season in MyERAS. To access your LoRs from the previous season, you must request your Residency Token using OASIS and register at MyERAS. For more details, please see the information on the AAMC's website .

Please note that once you complete the transfer process in MyERAS, your LoRs will immediately be available to assign to programs. There is no additional processing of those documents.

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Submitting LoRs Early


ERAS Support Services at ECFMG provides an option for submitting confidential LoRs early. Applicants who wish to submit LoRs the year before they intend to apply to U.S. residency programs should follow these steps:

  1. Purchase an ERAS Token via ECFMG’s OASIS.
  2. Register the ERAS Token via the AAMC’s MyERAS website.
  3. Add and Confirm the LoR Author information in your MyERAS application. This creates the Letter ID and Letter Request Form.
  4. Provide the Letter Request Form to your LoR Author and ask the author to upload the waived confidential letter of recommendation through the AAMC’s LoRP.
  5. Once the letter is uploaded, ECFMG will process the letter to the current MyERAS application.
  6. Track the status of your LoRs in MyERAS to confirm that they have been processed. Once your LoRs are available in MyERAS, they will be saved for the next season.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are only submitting LoRs early and do not wish to participate in the current Match season, you are required to fill out, certify, and submit the on-line application portion of MyERAS. Your LoRs will not be saved if you do not certify and submit the MyERAS application before the end of the season. You do not need to apply to any programs or pay an application fee.

ERAS Support Services at ECFMG will not provide copies of your letters to you and will not provide copies of your letters to programs except via the MyERAS application system.

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Important Dates

  • March 11: Applicant matched and unmatched information and filled and unfilled results posted to the NRMP website at 10:00 a.m. Locations of all unfilled positions are released at 10:00 a.m. only to participants eligible for the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP).
  • March 12: Programs with unfilled positions may start entering their Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) preference lists at 11:30 a.m.
  • March 14: Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) offer rounds begin at 9:00 a.m.
  • March 14: Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) concludes at 9:00 p.m.
  • March 15: Match Day. Applicants learn if they matched through the NRMP R3 system and email at 12:00 p.m.

All times shown are Eastern Time in the United States.

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