Match 2026

The NRMP 2026 Match and ERAS timeline for residency applicants

Check out our calendar for every important date during the 2026 match season.

Topics

Applying for residency can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Staying organized and up-to-date on the latest information and timeline can help applicants feel more on top of the process and confident in the moves they’re making.

From September 2025 to around February 2026, students will apply to programs through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and complete interviews. Don’t miss a deadline—the calendar below has all the important dates you need!

Match 2026 timeline for applying to residency

June

  • June 4, 2025: 2026 ERAS season began.

September

  • Sept. 3, 2025: Residency applicants may begin submitting MyERAS applications to programs at 9 a.m. ET.
  • Sept. 15, 2025: NRMP Match Registration opens at 12 p.m. ET and you can create your R3 account.

January

  • Jan. 30, 2026: Standard Registration for the Match and SOAP (Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program) ends at 11:59 p.m. ET. There is a $50 additional fee for late registration after Jan. 30.

February

  • Feb. 2, 2026: NRMP rank order list entry opens at 12 p.m. ET.

March

  • March 4, 2026: The NRMP rank order list certification deadline is at 9 p.m. ET. Also, the applicant late registration for the Match, SOAP and Match withdrawal deadlines are at 9 p.m. ET.
  • March 16, 2026: Applicant match status available at 10 a.m. ET.
  • March 16, 2026: SOAP applicants can start preparing applications at 11 a.m. ET.
  • March 17, 2026: Programs begin reviewing SOAP applications at 8 a.m. ET.
  • March 19, 2026: SOAP (Round 1: 9 a.m.–11 a.m. ET; Round 2: 12 p.m.–2 p.m. ET; Round 3: 3 p.m.–5 p.m. ET; Round 4: 6 p.m.–8 p.m. ET); SOAP ends at 9 p.m. ET.
  • March 20, 2026: NRMP Match Day! Applicant Match results are available at 12 p.m. ET.

May

  • May 31, 2026: 2026 ERAS season ends at 5 p.m. ET.

For more information

More information about the 2026 NRMP Match is available on the AAMC website and on the NRMP website. You can also find many match tips in The DO’s Meet Your Match columns. Good luck!

Related reading:

DOs share their top Match tips from the past year

Residency interview tips from faculty and newly matched DOs

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