Unfilled Residency Positions Post Match

NRMP SOAP Questions Answered

The National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) is a process that takes place after the Main Residency Match. It is used to fill residency positions that went unfilled, known as “unfilled residency positions,” during the Main Match. The SOAP is open to unmatched applicants, those who could not secure a position in the Main Match and programs that did not fill their quota of positions.

During the SOAP, programs with unfilled residency positions and applicants who did not match to a program in the Main Match can participate in a series of rounds of “offers” and “acceptances” of positions. The SOAP uses a similar matching algorithm as the Main Match, and the goal is to fill as many unfilled positions as possible.

Eligibility for NRMP SOAP for unfilled residency positions

Please note that the SOAP is not open to all programs and all applicants, and not all programs and applicants participate in the SOAP. The eligibility criteria for the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) are as follows:

• Be a participant in the Main Residency Match as an applicant or a program.
• Not matched to a program in the Main Match or have withdrawn from the Main Match.
• Meet the eligibility requirements of the programs participating in the SOAP.
• Have not accepted or committed to a position outside the Match, except in certain circumstances (e.g., military service).

The National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) is open to all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria, regardless of whether they are International Medical Graduates (IMGs) or graduates of U.S. medical schools.

While the SOAP can be a good opportunity for IMGs to secure an unfilled residency position, it’s essential to keep in mind that the number of unfilled positions available through the SOAP is limited, and competition can be high. Additionally, some unfilled residency programs may have specific requirements or preferences for U.S. graduates or IMGs, so it’s essential to research the unfilled programs participating in the SOAP. As a general rule, it’s essential to be strategic and selective in the programs you apply to; applying to a program that doesn’t offer a visa for example would be a wasted opportunity

It’s also important to note that as an IMG, you may face additional challenges, such as visa restrictions, state licensure requirements, and other related matters. Therefore, it’s essential to keep in mind that the process for IMGs may be different than it is for U.S. graduates.

National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) for 2023 timeline

MAR 13 10:00 a.m. ET Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program® (SOAP®) begins
11:00 a.m. ET AAMC ERAS® opens MyERAS for SOAP applicants to start preparing applications.

MAR 14 8:00 a.m. ET AAMC ERAS® opens the Program Director Work Station (PDWS) for programs to
begin reviewing SOAP applications. Programs may contact applicants upon receipt
of an application and begin interviewing.
MAR 15 Programs continue reviewing applications in PDWS, conducting interviews, and
creating/certifying SOAP preference lists in the R3 system.
MAR 16
SOAP Round 1 8:55 a.m. ET Deadline to certify program preference list for Round 1 offers.
9:00 a.m. ET Applicants receive Round 1 offers by logging in to R3 system

SOAP Round 2 11:00 a.m. ET – SOAP Round 3 2:00 p.m. ET– SOAP Round 4 5:00 p.m. ET

SOAP ENDS 9:00 p.m. ET

2023 Match Week & SOAP® Schedule

Please note that this information is based on the current information provided by NRMP, and it may change. Please note that the information mentioned above is based on the current information provided by NRMP, which may change in the future. Therefore, it’s important to check the NRMP website for the latest SOAP information and consult with your advisor or mentor regarding the process.

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IMGprep is not associated with the NRMP® or the MATCH® ECFMG®