Extramural Application Process Roadmap

I'm thinking about applying. What steps should I take?

Know the deadlines and timelines
 

Review the deadline for the online application, colleague and institutional support documentation, certification and contract documentation, and change requests. Become familiar with the application review timeline.

Decide which LRP to apply for
 

Learn about the different subcategories under the Extramural and Intramural LRPs.

Determine if you qualify
 

Review basic eligibility requirements for all LRPs.

Obtain a Commons ID
 

An eRA Commons ID with a Principal Investigator (PI) role with your current research institution is required to submit an LRP application. Reach out to the institutional grants office at your institution and review the eRA Commons ID Overview (PDF) for more information.

Use LRP resources
 

Watch the webinars, read the Tips for Writing a Competitive LRP Application (PDF, 74 KB), review the LRP Application Instruction Guide, and contact the LRP Information Center for additional assistance.

What do I need to know to prepare for my application?

Review the Extramural LRP section of the website carefully
 

Know what is required to complete a new or renewal before beginning.

Consider the best IC match
 

It is strongly recommended that applicants contact the LRP Liasons for questions regarding matching research to IC Mission and Priorities. Extramural LRP applicants may indicate a preferred NIH Institute of Center (IC) for application review.

Get help
 

Contact the LRP Information Center for questions regarding general eligibility and the application process. Watch the LRP Tutorial Videos for more information on navigating through the LRP process.

Loan documentation
 

Applicants are encouraged to collect loan documentation as soon as the application is submitted. Collecting loan documentation is a lengthy process.

I have submitted my application. What happens next?

Check application status
 

Log into your eRA Commons account and view the Status Information page to track the status of your application components (reference letters, IBO certification, etc.).

Check the Reviewing IC
 

Applications are assigned to an IC for review. IC change requests for the Extramural LRP must be submitted by January 31 for the request to be considered.

Review
 

NIH Center for Scientific Review conducts LRP peer review.

Financial Review
 

Select applicants will be emailed on a rolling basis to request submission of loan documentation.
Loan balance and eligibility must be established to be considered for repayment.

Funding decisions
 

Institutes make funding decisions into September. All applicants are notified by email. If an application is not funded, information will be made available in the email to obtain feedback.

Awardee responsibilities
 

Awardees are required to comply with the terms and conditions of the LRP contract (PDF).

FAQs


This page last updated on: August 28, 2025
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