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ERAS Documents for IMGs: MSPE, Transcript, Photo, LoRs (and Who Uploads What)

Exactly what ERAS documents you need, who uploads them, and how ECFMG’s portal fits for IMG applicants.

Review date
Feb 2026
Reading time
17 min read
Author
Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MSt MRCGP
On this page
IMG pathwayThis guide is updated for 2026 regulations (UK/US/Aus/Can). Always verify with official bodies.

Key points

  • ERAS revolves around a predictable document set: personal statements, letters of recommendation, transcripts, MSPE, photo, and exam transcripts (where applicable).
  • AAMC explicitly notes the MSPE is uploaded by the Designated Dean’s Office, with IMG-specific handling and ECFMG routing where relevant.
  • ECFMG provides an applicant portal that allows ERAS applicants to submit specific documents (e.g., MSPEs, transcripts, photos) in support of residency applications.

The ERAS truth: it’s a logistics system

Your academic merit can be undermined by logistics: a missing MSPE, a transcript that never arrives, LoRs uploaded late, or a photo that does not meet expectations. Treat ERAS like regulated submission: minimal chaos, maximal completeness.

The “zero-drama ERAS documents” workflow

1

1) Build a document inventory (one spreadsheet, one owner)

List each document, owner (you / dean’s office / letter writer / ECFMG), expected upload method, and a firm deadline with a buffer.
2

2) Clarify MSPE responsibility early

AAMC states MSPE upload responsibility sits with the Designated Dean’s Office, and IMGs must indicate whether they or their medical school will provide an MSPE to ERAS Documents (ECFMG). Resolve this months early.
3

3) Use a “one LoR writer → one upload deadline” system

Identify writers, send them instructions once, and follow up on a schedule. Do not rely on memory. Your job is to remove friction for them.
4

4) Make every PDF assessor-friendly

Clean naming conventions, correct orientation, legible scans, and no “mystery” screenshots. This signals professionalism and reduces processing issues.
5

5) Track status in your portal(s) weekly

The single most important habit: weekly status checks until all documents show as received/assigned.

Copy-paste “ERAS doc pack” naming convention

  • FORMAT: DOCUMENT — YOUR NAME — YYYY-MM — VERSION.pdf
  • Example: MSPE — Dr K Tytler — 2026-08 — v1.pdf
  • Example: Transcript — Dr K Tytler — 2026-08 — v2.pdf
  • Avoid spaces at the start/end of filenames; avoid special symbols.

Copy-paste email to your Dean’s Office (MSPE + transcript)

Subject: ERAS documents — MSPE + transcript upload plan Dear [Name], I am applying for US residency via ERAS. Could you confirm whether your office will upload my MSPE and transcript directly to ERAS (and the expected upload timeline)? If you require any forms or authorisations from me, please send them and I will return within 24 hours. Many thanks — Dr [Name].

Official Sources

AAMC — Documents for ERAS applicants
AAMC — MSPE (IMG-specific instructions)
ECFMG — ERAS supporting documents (MyIntealth portal)
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  • List each document, owner (you / dean’s office / letter writer / ECFMG), expected upload method, and a firm deadline with a buffer.

    Return to this section

  • AAMC states MSPE upload responsibility sits with the Designated Dean’s Office, and IMGs must indicate whether they or their medical school will provide an MSPE to ERAS Documents (ECFMG). Resolve this months early.

    Return to this section

  • Identify writers, send them instructions once, and follow up on a schedule. Do not rely on memory. Your job is to remove friction for them.

    Return to this section

  • Clean naming conventions, correct orientation, legible scans, and no “mystery” screenshots. This signals professionalism and reduces processing issues.

    Return to this section

  • The single most important habit: weekly status checks until all documents show as received/assigned.

    Return to this section
  • Return to this section
  • Return to this section
  • Return to this section
  • Return to this section

United States · Applications · Article 4 of 9