USMLE Registration: How to Register, Documents, Fees, and Dates for Indian Students

The USMLE Registration 2027 for Indian students runs through two separate official portals, effective 12 January 2026. ECFMG Certification continues through MyIntealth, where Indian International Medical Graduates (IMGs) submit the Application for ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) Certification.

• Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3 registrations themselves go through the FSMB USMLE portal, which took over all three Step exam services for IMGs during the USMLE Service Transition on 12 January 2026.
• Indian IMGs must set up both accounts and get an accepted Application for ECFMG Certification before they can apply for any Step on the FSMB portal.
• Steps 1 and 2 CK are offered at Prometric centres in India. Step 3 is held only at Prometric centres in the United States.
• Registration is year-round. Candidates select a three-month eligibility period at the time of application. The first eligibility period that falls under 2027 fees is 1 November 2026 – 31 January 2027.

Also read: USMLE: Dates, Deadlines, and Fees 2026-27

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USMLE Registration 2027

Keep the following ready before opening the FSMB and MyIntealth portals. Many items require planning, particularly medical school forms and ECFMG Certification steps.

2.1 FSMB USMLE Portal Account and MyIntealth Account

Indian IMG candidates need accounts on two separate official portals:

• MyIntealth account (ECFMG): Required first. Used to submit the Application for ECFMG Certification and complete identity verification. ECFMG must accept the application and verify medical education credentials (as applicable).
• FSMB USMLE portal account: Used for actual Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3 registration. The name on the FSMB account must exactly match your name of record with Intealth.

Additional points:

• Create only one account per person on each portal.
• Use the same email address on both portals where possible.
• Save your login credentials securely, as scheduling permits are emailed to you electronically.

2.2 Personal Details

Indian IMG candidates enter personal information on MyIntealth first and then confirm the matching data on the FSMB portal. Name matching is strict.

• Full name: Must exactly match the name of record with Intealth and the name on the government-issued ID (passport) shown at the test centre.
• Date of birth: As on passport.
• Nationality and country of citizenship: India for Indian IMGs.
• Address: Current postal address in India.
• Email and mobile: Primary channel for FSMB scheduling permit delivery.
• Gender: As on official records.
• Name mismatch resolution: If the name on your ID differs from your Intealth name of record, contact usmle@fsmb.org for instructions before applying.

2.3 Identification Document

Indian IMG candidates must use a valid passport for USMLE registration and on test day. Other Indian government IDs such as Aadhaar, PAN card, voter ID, or driving licence are generally not accepted for USMLE testing.

• Primary ID: Valid, unexpired Indian passport with the applicant’s name, date of birth, photograph, and signature.
• Name match: The name on the passport must exactly match the name of record on MyIntealth and the FSMB portal.
• Not accepted in practice: Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID, driving licence, or college ID. These do not consistently meet USMLE test-centre requirements for Indian candidates.
• Validity on test day: The passport must be valid on the test day. An expired passport cannot be used.

2.4 Medical School Information

Indian IMG candidates must enter medical school details in the ECFMG Certification application through MyIntealth. ECFMG verifies these details with the medical school before Step registration can proceed on the FSMB portal.

• Medical school name and address: As on the official MBBS record.
• Programme and graduation year: MBBS course details and expected or actual graduation year.
• Medical school forms: ECFMG may require the medical school to complete specific forms for credential verification.
• IDs:
  • MyIntealth ID: Issued by ECFMG when the MyIntealth account is created.
  • USMLE ID: Issued by FSMB when you register for your first Step exam. This ID is used to link your accounts on the FSMB portal.

2.5 Photograph

Candidates upload a photograph as part of the MyIntealth account establishment and identity verification process. The photograph is used by ECFMG to verify identity across the Certification process.

• File: Standard colour photograph meeting the specifications published on MyIntealth at the time of upload (JPG format, ≤1 MB, taken within the last six months).
• Face rules: Clear, unobstructed, full-face image with neutral expression and a plain light-coloured background.
• Name match: The uploaded photograph is linked to the identity record used across ECFMG and the FSMB portal.
• On test day: A photograph is also captured by Prometric at the test centre as part of biometric ID verification.

2.6 Preferred Test Date

USMLE registration is year-round. Candidates select a three-month eligibility period during the FSMB application. The scheduling permit, issued after approval, lets the candidate book a Prometric slot within that period.

• Eligibility period: Three-month window selected at the time of application. The permit must show this window.
• Scheduling: Done through Prometric after receiving the FSMB-emailed scheduling permit.
• Processing time: Allow at least 2 weeks after registration for FSMB to issue the scheduling permit.
• Prometric availability: Specific test dates in India depend on Prometric centre capacity.
• Booking: Candidates should start the ECFMG Certification well in advance of the planned Step date, since Certification verification takes time.

2.7 Test Centre and Test Region

Candidates select a testing region on the FSMB application. The region covers a group of Prometric centres. Indian IMGs typically select the India testing region for Steps 1 and 2 CK, and the United States testing region for Step 3.

• India region: Prometric centres in Indian cities for Steps 1 and 2 CK.
• United States region: Mandatory for Step 3. Candidates must travel to the US for the test.
• Testing region change: Allowed through the FSMB portal after the scheduling permit is issued. A new permit is generated after the change.
• Centre choice within a region: Done through Prometric using the scheduling permit, subject to available space.
• Test mode: USMLE Step exams are centre-based only. No at-home testing is offered for any USMLE Step.

2.8 Payment Method

FSMB accepts only American Express, MasterCard, and Visa for USMLE application fees. Indian candidates must use an international credit or debit card that supports USD transactions.

• Accepted cards: American Express, MasterCard, Visa only.
• International transactions: The issuing Indian bank must have international transactions enabled on the card.
• Currency billed: USD. Any forex markup is applied by the Indian bank, not by FSMB.
• India GST: An 18% GST may be collected for Steps 1 and 2 taken in India (Notification No. 28/2023-Central Tax, effective 4 December 2024). Candidates should check the final amount at FSMB checkout.
• Account creation fee: A $75 | INR 7,134 non-refundable fee applies only when the FSMB system cannot verify the candidate’s identity. This fee is issued as a one-time credit toward the next eligible FSMB service and must be used within 6 months.
• Fee waiver: FSMB does not offer a general USMLE fee waiver for Indian IMG candidates.

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How to Register for USMLE

Indian IMG candidates follow a two-portal flow for USMLE Registration 2027. ECFMG Certification steps happen first on MyIntealth. Step registration happens on the FSMB USMLE portal. The steps below describe the actions a candidate takes, not the exact portal interface.

1. Open MyIntealth at the ECFMG website and create an account.
2. Submit the Application for ECFMG Certification through MyIntealth. Enter personal and medical school details.
3. Upload the photograph and complete identity verification through MyIntealth.
4. Wait for ECFMG to accept the Application for Certification and complete medical school credential verification as applicable. Credential verification with the medical school can take several weeks.
5. Create an account on the FSMB USMLE portal using the identity confirmed in MyIntealth. The name must exactly match the name of record with Intealth.
6. Start the Step application on the FSMB portal for Step 1, Step 2 CK, or Step 3.
7. Enter personal and ECFMG details as prompted. Confirm the matched identity data.
8. Select the three-month eligibility period for the Step.
9. Select the testing region: India for Steps 1 and 2 CK and the United States for Step 3.
10. Request accommodations after the Step application is submitted (through the official accommodations portal.
11. Review the fee summary showing the base fee and any applicable charges.
12. Pay the application fee using an American Express, MasterCard, or Visa card.
13. Submit the application and save the FSMB payment confirmation.
14. Wait for the FSMB scheduling permit email, allowing at least 2 weeks after submission.
15. Schedule the Step with Prometric using the scheduling permit to book a specific test date and centre.

Register for USMLE on the FSMB USMLE portal

Note: The FSMB and MyIntealth portals may change their menus and screens over time. The information required for USMLE Registration 2027 stays the same across any interface updates.

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USMLE Registration Fee 2027

The USMLE Registration Fee 2027 is published by FSMB and applies uniformly to IMGs and US candidates for the Step amount. Indian IMG candidates may face additional costs around card forex and any taxes applied at Indian checkout.

 Source: https://www.usmle.org/apply-exams

Watch Out: FSMB currently publishes a base fee of $695 for Step 1 and Step 2 CK. ECFMG, before the January 2026 service transition, published an additional International Test Delivery Surcharge of $210 for Step 1 and $235 for Step 2 CK for regions outside the United States and Canada. Whether this surcharge continues after the FSMB takeover is not stated on FSMB's accessible pages. Indian IMG candidates should check the final payable amount on the FSMB checkout before paying.

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USMLE Registration Confirmation

USMLE Registration 2027 is confirmed in two stages for Indian IMGs. Payment confirmation on the FSMB portal is immediate. The scheduling permit, which allows the candidate to book a Prometric slot, is emailed from FSMB after processing.

• FSMB payment confirmation: Shown in the candidate's FSMB portal account immediately after payment.
• Scheduling permit email: From FSMB. Allow at least 2 weeks after submission.
• Scheduling permit contents: Candidate name, USMLE Step applied for, eligibility period, and the ECFMG name of record.
• Prometric scheduling confirmation: Received after booking a specific date and centre with Prometric using the scheduling permit.
• If no confirmation arrives: Check the FSMB portal account first, then the registered email spam folder, then contact usmle@fsmb.org.
• If payment is deducted but no booking shows: Wait up to 48 hours for FSMB to process. Do not pay again immediately. Contact FSMB with the payment transaction reference.

Candidates should verify these details on the scheduling permit before scheduling with Prometric:

• Name spelling matches the passport exactly.
• Date of birth matches the passport.
• USMLE Step applied for is correct.
• Eligibility period dates cover the planned test date.
• ECFMG name of record matches.

The permit cannot be used after the eligibility period ends. A reissued permit after the January 2026 transition appeared in the FSMB portal within a few days per the USMLE service transition FAQ.

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Changes After USMLE Registration

Candidates can request changes to a USMLE registration through the FSMB portal. Each change has its own rules on timing, fees, and documents.

7.1 Rescheduling

Rescheduling a USMLE Step is done through Prometric using the scheduling permit, not through the FSMB portal itself.

• Allowed: Yes, inside the current three-month eligibility period.
• Deadline: Rescheduling or cancelling within 45 days of the exam incurs a Prometric fee per FSMB.
• Fee: Varies by region and timing.
• Outside the eligibility period: Not allowed. Candidates request an eligibility extension through the FSMB portal first.

7.2 Test Centre Change

Within the same testing region, a centre change is handled through Prometric and is subject to seat availability. Across regions, candidates request a testing region change through the FSMB portal.

• Centre change within the region: Through Prometric. Prometric rescheduling fee applies if the change happens within 45 days of the exam.
• Testing region change: Through the FSMB portal.
• Region change effect: A region change may affect any international test delivery surcharge or applicable India GST.

7.3 Cancellation and Refund

Candidates who cancel the Step forfeit test-day scheduling, and Prometric cancellation rules determine any slot refund. FSMB does not publish a universal percentage refund for USMLE application fees in its public FAQ.

Official rule from FSMB:

7.4 Correction of Registration Details

Name, address, and email changes are made through the FSMB USMLE portal.

• Name change: Requires supporting documentation such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The name must also match a non-expired government-issued ID with photo and signature.
• Processing time: Name changes must be processed at least 7 business days before the appointment.
• Address and email: Can be updated at any time through the FSMB portal.
• Date of birth and other identity fields: Candidates contact FSMB directly through usmle@fsmb.org with evidence.

7.5 No-Show Policy

Candidates who do not show up on the scheduled test date lose the test slot and incur the Prometric no-show treatment.

• Attempt counted: Depends on the Prometric treatment. The scheduling permit becomes void after the eligibility period.
• Refund: No refund of the FSMB application fee for a no-show.
• Re-registration: A fresh application through the FSMB portal is required, with the full fee again.
• Scheduling permit admission: FSMB states that examinees are not allowed to test without a scheduling permit.

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Common Mistakes While Registering for USMLE

Indian IMG candidates often make the following mistakes during USMLE Registration 2027. Each one carries a real cost.

• Starting FSMB registration before ECFMG Certification is accepted: ECFMG must accept the Application for Certification before an Indian IMG can register for a Step. Starting the FSMB application before this delays everything.
• Name mismatch across MyIntealth, FSMB, and passport: The FSMB account name must exactly match the Intealth name of record and the passport. Mismatches require written correction through usmle@fsmb.org, which takes time.
• Using Aadhaar, PAN, or driving licence as ID: Not accepted at the Prometric test centre. Only a valid Indian passport qualifies.
• Picking a short eligibility period that cannot accommodate preparation: The three-month eligibility window is fixed at application. Candidates who need more time pay the $70 extension fee.
• Paying with a card that does not support international USD transactions: FSMB accepts only American Express, MasterCard, and Visa. Indian cards must have international transactions enabled.
• Missing the 45-day Prometric reschedule window: Rescheduling or cancelling within 45 days of the exam incurs a Prometric fee.
• Not downloading the scheduling permit: Examinees are not allowed to test without a scheduling permit per FSMB. The permit should be downloaded and saved as soon as it is emailed.
• Assuming the ECFMG rules still apply post-transition: USMLE Step services moved from ECFMG to FSMB on 12 January 2026. Services such as region change, eligibility extension, and score recheck are now handled through the FSMB portal, with FSMB fees.

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USMLE Registration for Indian Students

USMLE Registration 2027 carries specific India-only points that Indian IMG candidates should know before paying.

USMLE Registration 2027 for Indian students requires two accounts: MyIntealth for ECFMG Certification and the FSMB portal for Step registration. Base fees are $695 (₹66,108) for Step 1 and Step 2 CK, plus region fees of $210 (₹19,975) and $235 (₹22,353), and $955 (₹90,839) for Step 3. Start early, keep your name identical across passport and both portals, and allow at least two weeks for the scheduling permit.