Who Can Apply Through the IMLC?
The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) is not open to everyone. It’s designed specifically for licensed physicians (MD/DO) who meet certain professional and geographic requirements. This article outlines every criteria you must meet — and what to do if you don’t qualify yet.
Is the IMLC Only for Doctors?
Yes. The IMLC currently applies to physicians who hold an MD (Doctor of Medicine) or DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) degree. Nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other clinicians are not eligible under the IMLC. Alternative compacts and licensing pathways may apply to those roles (explored in a separate article).
What Is the First Step to Determine Eligibility?
Your first task is to determine whether you hold a full, unrestricted medical license in a compact member state. This becomes your State of Principal License (SPL). If you don’t have an SPL in a compact state, you are not eligible to apply through the IMLC.
Eligibility Requirements Checklist
You must meet all of the following to apply through the IMLC:
- You must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.
- You must hold a full, unrestricted medical license in an IMLC-participating state.
- Your SPL must be:
- Your primary residence, or
- Where you conduct at least 25% of your practice, or
- Where your employer is located, or
- Listed on your federal tax return as your state of residence.
- You must have graduated from a medical school accredited by LCME, COCA, or recognized by the ECFMG if internationally educated.
- You must have passed a nationally recognized licensing exam (e.g., USMLE or COMLEX-USA).
- You must hold specialty board certification or have passed the final part of your licensing exam within the past three years.
- You must not have any disciplinary actions against your license.
- You must not have any criminal history (felony or serious misdemeanor).
- You must not be under investigation in any jurisdiction.
How Strict Are the Background Requirements?
Very. The IMLC mandates a clean record — no active investigations, sanctions, or unresolved disciplinary actions. Even minor past infractions may require board review. A criminal background check is part of the process and often includes fingerprinting.
What If You Don’t Qualify?
If you fall short on any of the criteria, you may not be eligible to apply through the compact. However, you still have options:
- Consider applying directly to individual state boards.
- Resolve any pending disciplinary matters and reapply later.
- Obtain a license in a compact state and reestablish your SPL there.
What About Foreign Medical Graduates?
International graduates may qualify if:
- Your medical school is recognized by the ECFMG.
- You’ve passed the USMLE.
- You hold a full, unrestricted license in a compact state.
Eligibility is based on licensure and credentials — not on where you attended school, as long as the school meets accreditation standards.
Can You Apply If You’re Still in Residency?
No. Residents and fellows cannot apply through the IMLC. You must be fully licensed and actively practicing. New graduates can apply as soon as they’ve met all licensure and certification requirements.
Do You Need Board Certification?
Not necessarily. You must either:
- Hold specialty board certification, or
- Have completed all three steps of the licensing exam (e.g., USMLE Step 3) within the past three years.
If you passed your exams more than three years ago and aren’t board certified, you won’t be eligible for the IMLC until one of those conditions is met.
Final Thoughts
The IMLC eligibility process is designed to ensure that only qualified, unrestricted, and actively practicing physicians use the compact. That helps states maintain quality control while speeding up access to healthcare.
Before starting your application, walk through this checklist line by line. The most common delays and rejections stem from avoidable issues like outdated licenses, unresolved disciplinary actions, or unclear SPL residency.
If you meet all the criteria, you’re ready to apply — and that puts you on the path to faster, more flexible practice opportunities nationwide.