The guidance, reportedly issued by the Trump administration, marks a major shift in how the U.S. evaluates visa applicants.
For the first time, health conditions that are not contagious — such as cardiovascular and metabolic diseases — will now play a key role in determining visa eligibility.
In a communication sent to all U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide, the State Department instructed consular officers to carefully assess an applicant’s medical condition and financial ability to pay for healthcare costs while in the U.S.
The memo emphasized that visa officers should deny entry to applicants who are likely to become a “public charge” — a term used for people who may depend on public funds for healthcare or social support.
“Certain medical conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, metabolic disorders, respiratory illnesses, and mental health issues, can require hundreds of thousands of dollars in treatment,” the directive stated.
This move expands health screenings beyond communicable diseases such as tuberculosis or HIV, which were traditionally the main health-related concerns in U.S. immigration evaluations.
In a communication sent to all U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide, the State Department instructed consular officers to carefully assess an applicant’s medical condition and financial ability to pay for healthcare costs while in the U.S.
The memo emphasized that visa officers should deny entry to applicants who are likely to become a “public charge” — a term used for people who may depend on public funds for healthcare or social support.
“Certain medical conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, metabolic disorders, respiratory illnesses, and mental health issues, can require hundreds of thousands of dollars in treatment,” the directive stated.
This move expands health screenings beyond communicable diseases such as tuberculosis or HIV, which were traditionally the main health-related concerns in U.S. immigration evaluations.
The document also lists obesity as a factor that could lead to visa rejection, citing its link to other conditions like high blood pressure, asthma, and sleep apnea, which often require expensive long-term care.
Applicants will also face stricter checks for neurological and mental health disorders, as U.S. immigration officials weigh whether such conditions could cause future dependence on government-funded health programs.
Under the new rules, visa officers must now review whether an applicant has enough financial resources to pay for their medical care throughout their stay or lifetime in the U.S.
This includes assessing the applicant’s insurance coverage, savings, employment prospects, and family support within the country.
“Visa officers should ensure that applicants have adequate means to cover potential medical costs without relying on public assistance,” the memo added.
This policy is seen as part of former President Donald Trump’s broader immigration agenda, which aimed to reduce both legal and illegal immigration by introducing tougher entry rules, limiting refugee admissions, and tightening the requirements for permanent residency.
Previously, U.S. law prohibited visa denials based on potential future health expenses. The new approach, however, allows rejections based on anticipated medical costs and the likelihood that a person might strain the American healthcare system.
Human rights and immigration advocacy groups have criticized the new policy, saying it discriminates against people with disabilities and chronic conditions.
They argue that the directive unfairly targets applicants from developing countries, where access to healthcare and preventive medicine is limited, making chronic illnesses more common.
Health experts also warn that the policy could discourage transparency, as some applicants may choose to hide their medical history out of fear of rejection.
In a related development, the U.S. Department of State clarified that registration for the 2027 Diversity Visa Lottery (Green Card) has not yet opened.
Officials warned the public to ignore fake websites claiming to offer early registration or guaranteed slots.
Additionally, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has ended automatic extensions of work permits for foreign nationals.
Additionally, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has ended automatic extensions of work permits for foreign nationals.
Holders must now apply for renewal at least 180 days before expiry to allow for additional security screening.
Analysts say the health-based restrictions signal a return to Trump-era immigration policies, which prioritize self-sufficiency over humanitarian considerations.
While the White House has not released an official statement, the move is already causing anxiety among visa hopefuls — especially those with long-term medical conditions.
If fully implemented, the policy could significantly limit visa approvals for thousands of potential students, workers, and immigrants who may not meet the new health and financial thresholds.
Analysts say the health-based restrictions signal a return to Trump-era immigration policies, which prioritize self-sufficiency over humanitarian considerations.
While the White House has not released an official statement, the move is already causing anxiety among visa hopefuls — especially those with long-term medical conditions.
If fully implemented, the policy could significantly limit visa approvals for thousands of potential students, workers, and immigrants who may not meet the new health and financial thresholds.
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