Only applicants whom the AIMG Program has deemed eligible are able to apply to Alberta IMG-designated residency positions in the first and second iteration CaRMS matches. To be considered for these positions, all IMGs (including those in their final year of medical school outside of Canada or the United States) must apply to, and be assessed by, the AIMG Program.
Program descriptions for R-1 Main Residency Match positions can be found on the CaRMS website. Information is generally available six months before Match Day.
The AIMG Program identifies applicants who meet the program’s criteria to apply for IMG-designated residency positions in Alberta through CaRMS. This list of successful applicants is conveyed to CaRMS. After determining eligible applicants, the AIMG Program is no longer involved with the CaRMS selection process. This does not affect the applicant's ability to apply through CaRMS for a residency match ouside Alberta.
CaRMS applications are reviewed by the various postgraduate medical education programs. The postgraduate residency programs are responsible for determining whom they will interview and select for AIMG Program Externship positions based on the CaRMS file. The AIMG Program is not involved in this decision. If personal interviews are required, residency programs will contact the applicants directly. Applicants are solely responsible for arranging for transportation to interviews.
Alberta IMGs who successfully complete the AIMG Program assessment phase but are not matched to a residency program in the CaRMS 1st iteration match are the only applicants eligible to apply to the CaRMS 2nd iteration match for residency training in Alberta in the same cycle year.
CaRMS sends an email to applicants eligible for second iteration on how to start their second iteration application.