Post-Match Checklist
You matched. Congratulations. Now here's everything you need to do before your first day — housing, documents, licensing, insurance, and the stuff nobody tells you about until it's too late.
IMG-specific notes included where applicable.
Immediately After Match (Week 1)
March — within days of Match Day
Accept your position and sign the contract
Review the contract carefully. Note start date, salary, benefits start date, and any stipulations. If you need more time, ask — most programs give 1-2 weeks.
IMG Note: For IMGs on J-1 or H-1B: confirm your visa status is compatible with the program start date. Contact your program coordinator about visa sponsorship timeline.
Notify your medical school and ECFMG
Your school may need to update records. ECFMG certification should be up to date. If you matched through SOAP, additional paperwork may be needed.
Start housing search
Begin looking immediately — near your hospital, fellow residents often share housing tips. Join the incoming resident Facebook/WhatsApp group if one exists.
IMG Note: IMGs arriving from abroad: you may not have a US credit history for apartment applications. Ask your program if they provide a letter for landlords or have institutional housing options.
Housing & Relocation (March-May)
3-4 months before start date
Secure housing near your hospital
Budget: $800-2,500/month depending on city. Consider distance to hospital (you'll be exhausted after 28-hour calls — short commute matters). Many residents live within 15 minutes.
Arrange your move
If relocating: get quotes from moving companies 6-8 weeks early. USPS mail forwarding. Update your address with medical school, ECFMG, banks, insurance.
Set up utilities
Electricity, gas, water, internet. Set up before you arrive. You don't want to deal with this during orientation week.
Check if program offers relocation assistance
Many programs offer $1,000-5,000 relocation stipend. Some offer temporary housing for the first 1-2 weeks. Ask your program coordinator.
Legal Documents & ID (April-May)
2-3 months before start date
Apply for Social Security Number (SSN)
Visit your local SSA office with: passport, visa documentation (DS-2019 or I-797), I-94, and employment letter from your program. Processing: 2-4 weeks.
IMG Note: IMGs: You MUST have a valid SSN before starting residency. Apply as soon as you arrive in the US or as soon as your visa status allows. Some SSA offices are very busy — go early.
Get a state driver's license or ID
Visit your state DMV with: passport, SSN, proof of residency (utility bill, lease), visa documentation. Some states require a road test even if you have a foreign license.
IMG Note: Your international driver's license is valid temporarily in most states (30-90 days). Get a state license ASAP. You'll need it for ID purposes even if you don't drive.
Open a US bank account
Bring: passport, SSN (or ITIN), proof of address. Major banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) are common. Consider a credit union for lower fees. Set up direct deposit with your program.
IMG Note: IMGs without SSN yet: some banks accept ITIN or passport alone for initial account opening. Chase, Citibank, and HSBC are generally IMG-friendly.
Apply for a credit card (build credit)
Start building US credit history immediately. Secured credit cards (Discover Secured, Capital One Secured) require a deposit but help establish credit. Your credit score affects future housing, car loans, and even phone plans.
Medical Licensing & Credentialing (March-June)
Must be complete before Day 1
Apply for state medical training license/permit
Most states require a training license or limited permit for residents. Your program usually handles this but YOU must submit the application. Start immediately — processing takes 4-12 weeks.
IMG Note: IMGs: Ensure your ECFMG certification is current. Some states require additional documentation (medical school verification, transcript authentication). Start this process in March.
Complete hospital credentialing
Your hospital will send a credentialing packet. Fill it out completely and return it on time. Delays in credentialing = delays in starting. This includes: background check, drug screening, immunization records, BLS/ACLS certification.
Get BLS and ACLS certified
Most programs require current BLS (Basic Life Support) and ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) before starting. AHA courses are available online + in-person skills session. Budget $200-400.
Complete immunization requirements
Hospitals require: Hep B series (with titer), MMR (with titers), Varicella (with titer), Tdap, annual flu shot, TB testing (QuantiFERON or PPD). COVID vaccination per hospital policy. Get these done early — some series take weeks.
DEA registration
You'll need a DEA number to prescribe controlled substances. Your program usually helps with this. Fee: ~$888 for 3 years (some programs cover it). Apply through deadiversion.usdoj.gov.
Insurance & Benefits (May-June)
Before your start date
Enroll in health insurance
Your program provides health insurance but you must actively enroll during the enrollment window. Don't miss it. Coverage usually starts on your start date or first of the month after.
Set up disability insurance
This is the insurance most residents skip and shouldn't. If you become unable to practice medicine, disability insurance replaces your income. Buy own-occupation disability during residency — it's cheapest when you're young and healthy. Budget $100-200/month.
Review malpractice coverage
Your program provides malpractice insurance during residency. Confirm the type (occurrence vs claims-made) and limits. You don't need to buy your own during residency.
Consider life insurance
If you have dependents, a term life insurance policy is inexpensive during residency ($20-50/month for $500K-1M coverage). If you have significant student loans, life insurance ensures your family isn't burdened.
Set up retirement contributions
Most programs offer 403(b) or 401(k). If there's an employer match, contribute at least enough to get the full match — it's free money. Even $100/month during residency adds up.
Practical Prep (June — Before Day 1)
Final 2-4 weeks
Buy scrubs and white coats
Your program may provide some. If not: 3-4 sets of scrubs, 2 white coats (one will get stained). Comfortable shoes are not optional — you'll walk 5-8 miles/day.
Get essential gear
Stethoscope (Littmann Classic III or Cardiology IV), penlight, portable phone charger, comfortable shoes with insoles, white coat pocket reference cards.
Download essential apps
UpToDate or DynaMed, MDCalc, Epocrates or Lexicomp, Doximity, your hospital's EMR mobile app if available.
Attend orientation
Usually 1-2 weeks before your official start date. Covers EMR training, hospital policies, badge access, parking, dress code. Take it seriously — the EMR training alone saves you hours in your first week.
Starting Residency? We've Got More
Check out our survival guide, board prep resources, and fellowship planning timeline.