Who this is for: Your Step 1/2 eligibility period ended without testing (or you missed the extension deadline).
Summary: Once an eligibility period expires, extensions aren’t possible. You must submit a new application and pay new fees. ECFMG won’t begin processing a new application until ~4 weeks after the end of your expired window.
Steps
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Note the end date of your prior eligibility period.
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Count ~4 weeks from that date; that’s when ECFMG can start processing a new app.
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In IWA (MyECFMG), submit a new Step application and select a new 3-month window.
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If required, your med school will verify status (EMSWP).
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When processed, your scheduling permit posts; then book Prometric.
Timeline example
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Prior window ended Aug 31, 2025 → ECFMG can start processing around Sep 28, 2025.
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You may submit earlier, but processing won’t begin until that date; portal may still show “already registered” until then.
Common pitfalls
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Expecting an extension after expiration (not allowed).
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Re-applying but panicking when nothing moves for ~4 weeks—this is normal.
Your prior window expired, so you’ll need to reapply. ECFMG can start processing a new application ~4 weeks after your old window ended. You can submit now; processing will begin around that date, and the “already registered” message will clear when they pick it up.