File Review & Interviews

File review is the phase of the match when programs and their file reviewers have access to all of the applications that have been submitted to their program through CaRMS Online.

While most supporting documents are available to programs once file review opens, letters of reference will not be available to programs until one week after the opening of file review. This is in order to avoid penalizing applicants who have scheduled electives ending in November and are potentially requesting a letter of reference from this elective. Citizenship and language documents are only accessible to postgraduate offices, programs and file reviewers do not have access to this information.

Typically, programs review applications until they are ready to invite applicants to an interview; however, programs may choose to accept and review applications throughout the interview process or right up until the ranking period begins. Review processes and procedures are at each program’s discretion.

Interviews are a program’s opportunity to meet applicants and assess their skills and suitability. They are also a great chance for applicants to learn more about the program as well.

It is entirely up to the program to decide which applicants they want to interview. Once the decision is made, programs will notify applicants of their interview offer status through CaRMS Online and send interview invitations to applicants directly — likely by email.

While there is a set interview period for Canadian medical graduates outlined in the first iteration timeline, interviews for international medical graduates can take place anytime between the opening of file review and the rank order list deadline.

CaRMS posts the dates programs will hold interviews in an interview schedule in CaRMS Online. We do this to help prevent conflicts between faculties for a single discipline (excluding Family Medicine). If applicants are invited to more than one interview and the dates conflict, they may contact programs directly to make alternate arrangements.

During second iteration, there is no set interview period and interviews can take place anytime between the opening of file review and the rank order list deadline.