Your Secret Weapon To Successfully Match as an IMG? The NRMP Couples Match
Quick Summary
The NRMP Couples Match lets any two applicants link rank lists, regardless of relationship.
Match rates for couples are consistently over 93%, much higher than the IMG average.
Programs often advocate for both partners, leading to more interviews and stronger matches.
You don’t have to commit until February, but earlier coordination helps a lot.
This strategy is underused—especially by IMGs—and it works.
One Conversation That Changed Everything
Dr. Masood and his wife, Dr. Bushra, had been through the Match twice and didn’t land a spot. She was going for anesthesiology. He wanted internal medicine at a solid academic program. We met for lunch, and I barely touched my food. I spent the whole time explaining why they needed to do the Couples Match.
They listened. That year, everything changed. Both got more interviews. Both matched—she landed at UMass for anesthesiology, and he got internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Worcester.
They’re one of many success stories I’ve seen. Over the past 16+ years working with international medical graduates, I’ve helped hundreds of applicants Match through this process. Every single couple has matched—except one.
We’ll get to her in a second.
“Preparation Meets Opportunity” — Dr. Masood Syed
After two failed cycles, Dr. Masood joined Mission Residency. Here’s what he said:
“With the course, I saw myself for what I truly was. Good luck is when preparation meets opportunity. So why not prepare the best way for interviews?”
That year, both he and his wife matched—together.
What Is the Couples Match?
It’s an option through the NRMP that lets two applicants link their rank lists. That’s it. You don’t need to be married. You don’t even need to be in a relationship. I’ve seen friends, siblings, classmates from different schools—you name it.
Once your lists are linked, the algorithm looks for the highest combination where both of you can land a spot.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Over the past six years, the match rate for couples where both partners matched has stayed above 93%. In 2025, 1,259 couples submitted linked lists:
89.1% matched together
93.2% had at least one partner match
That’s way higher than the IMG average, which hovers around 58–61%. So why don’t more people try it?
The Best Friend Who Should’ve Matched
One of my students had the option to apply with her best friend. They both had decent applications. But she hesitated—worried that her lower score might hurt her friend.
Her friend matched. She didn’t. We later confirmed through a contact at Mercy Catholic that if they had Couples Matched, both would’ve gotten in. The following year? She matched there anyway.
Why the Couples Match Works So Well
1. You get more interviews.
Programs advocate for both applicants when they know you’re linked. One specialty can nudge the other.
2. You come as a team.
Residency is tough. Programs know that couples support each other. That matters.
3. You get more control.
You can design your list to live together, commute together, or even stay in the same hospital.
4. Programs like it.
Many departments coordinate across specialties to keep couples together—if they know in advance.
Common Myths (That Aren’t True)
“I’ll drag my partner down.”
No. Often, programs raise one partner’s rank to keep the couple together.
“We’ll limit our options.”
Not at all. Most couples rank 30–50 combinations, and it gives them more strategic flexibility.
“We have to decide early.”
You don’t. You can wait until February to officially submit a linked list. But starting early helps.
Smart Strategy Tips That Actually Work
Apply early. Interview invites fill fast—especially when you’re trying to coordinate.
Be upfront. Tell every program you’re Couples Matching. Mention it in your emails, interviews, and thank-you notes.
Rank broadly. More combos mean more chances.
Choose smart clusters. Think Boston–Providence–Worcester. Philly–Camden. L.A.–Orange County.
What Else You Should Know
When to decide:
You don’t need to commit until February, but planning early gives you a big advantage with interview coordination.
How to tell programs:
You can share your status through ERAS, in your Dean’s Letter, when scheduling interviews, during the actual interview, or in your follow-ups.
How to coordinate interviews:
If one of you gets an invite, call or email the other program and ask about availability. Many will try to accommodate.
How to structure your rank list:
Treat each pair of programs like its own match option. You can even include combinations where one of you ranks “No Match” if you’re willing to go unmatched for a top choice.
If one of you is doing an advanced specialty:
You can match your prelim year as a couple, even if the main specialty (like anesthesia or radiology) is outside the standard Match.
When it may not apply:
Military match and early match specialties (like ophthalmology or neurosurgery) aren’t compatible. In those cases, you’ll need a different strategy.
Real Advice in 60 Seconds
“Stop relying on luck. Leverage your partner. The Couples Match is smart strategy.”
What’s Stopping You?
The Couples Match isn’t just for married people. It’s not just for “lucky” applicants. It’s one of the smartest ways to increase your chances—especially if you’re an IMG.
If you’re applying with someone else this year, don’t ignore it. You don’t need luck. You need a plan. Your mission is our mission.
by Dr Brian Mark B | Match Specialist
