For decades, the United States has been the "North Star" for ambitious physicians worldwide. However, the path to a U.S. residency has never been more dynamic than it is in 2026. With the USMLE Step 1  now firmly pass/fail and the permanent retirement of the Step 2 CS exam, the requirements for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) have shifted toward a new triad of success: Step 2 CK scores, US Clinical Experience (USCE), and OET Medicine. If you are a doctor planning your