Looking ahead, several updates are coming to the 2026 ERAS season. These changes are designed to improve the experience for applicants and programs, offering new tools and transparency. 

ERAS Application Changes 

  • Program Signaling:
    Applicants can now signal programs to express serious interest, which may influence interview offers. This applies to both residency and July fellowship cycles. 
  • New Specialty-Specific Questions:
    Applicants in fields like Anesthesiology, Neurosurgery, and Plastic Surgery will answer tailored questions for more targeted application review. 
  • Education Section Enhancements:
    IMGs can now report non-ACGME postgraduate training and provide more detail around gaps, interruptions, or extensions. 
  • New “Hometown(s)” Section:
    Applicants can list up to three hometowns, helping IMGs demonstrate connections to U.S. communities, which may improve their appeal to programs. 

New Tools and Integration 

  • Residency Explorer Tool (Summer 2025):
    Expanded insights to help applicants find the right programs based on competitiveness, outcomes, and program data. 
  • Thalamus Integration (July 2025):
    Centralized and streamlined interview scheduling to reduce administrative burdens for applicants. 

Key Dates to Watch 

  • September 3, 2025: ERAS applications open 
  • September 24, 2025: Programs begin reviewing applications 
  • November 2025 – January 2026: Interview season 
  • February 2026: Rank Order List submission opens 
  • March 20, 2026: Match Day 
  • May 31, 2026: 2025-26 ERAS season closes 

AMO Is Here to Help You Succeed 

In a time of transition, one thing remains constant: AMO is committed to supporting IMGs every step of the way. 

  • We provide access to U.S. clinical experiences in top hospitals and clinics nationwide. 
  • Our team offers customized support for Letters of Recommendation, application guidance, and residency preparation. 
  • We stay ahead of policy and timeline changes so that you can focus on building a compelling profile for residency. 

With the right experience and guidance, your path to a U.S. medical career is still very much within reach. 

Connect with an AMO advisor today and take the next step toward your Match goals.