This page contains a timeline that lays out the process and events behind the VMLRP program.
VMLRP News
January 13, 2026
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP) announces the opening of the fiscal year (FY) 2026 application cycle. The VMLRP Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and the 2026 veterinary shortage situations are now published.
VMLRP Timeline
Dates listed below are subject to change in relation to unforeseen circumstances or administrative changes.
| Tasks | FY 2026 | FY 2027 | FY 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shortage Nomination Webinar | Not Applicable | September 2026 | September 2027 |
| Shortage Nomination Cycle Opens | September 22, 2025 | October 2026 | October 2027 |
| Shortage Nomination Cycle Closed | November 7, 2025 | November 2026 | November 2027 |
| Shortage Situation Areas Posted | January 5, 2026 | February 2027 | February 2028 |
| Application Period Opens | January 13, 2026 | February 2027 | February 2028 |
| Technical Assistance Webinar | February 3, 2026 from 3:30 - 4:30 PM EST: | March 2027 | March 2028 |
| Letter of Intent Deadline | February 19, 2026 | April 2027 | April 2028 |
| Application Period Closes | March 5, 2026 | April 2027 | April 2028 |
| VMLRP Awards Offered | September 30, 2026 | September 30, 2027 | September 30, 2028 |
| VMLRP Service Agreement Begins | January 1, 2027 | January 1, 2028 | January 1, 2029 |
Farm bill priority areas
Animal health and production and animal products
Topic
Page last updated: January 23, 2026