Foreign nationals applying for a US visa may soon face stricter scrutiny after the Trump administration introduced new medical-based guidelines. The new policy could make it harder for people with health conditions such as obesity or diabetes to secure approval for entry or permanent residence in the United States.
New Visa Directive Targets Health Conditions
The US State Department issued new instructions on November 6, advising consular officers to evaluate visa applicants’ health closely. According to the department, people with chronic or serious illnesses could become a “public charge,” meaning they might depend on government-funded healthcare or welfare.
The guidelines state that individuals with long-term medical issues could place a financial burden on public resources. While the rule applies to all visa seekers, officials say it is mainly focused on those seeking permanent residency (green cards).
Expanded Medical Screening for Visa Applicants
Earlier, the US visa medical screening focused on infectious or communicable diseases, vaccination records, and mental health conditions. The updated policy expands the scope to include chronic and non-communicable diseases, such as heart problems, cancers, respiratory illnesses, and metabolic disorders like diabetes.
A cable sent to US embassies and consulates worldwide reads, “You must consider an applicant’s health. Certain medical conditions – including, but not limited to, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, cancers, diabetes, metabolic diseases, neurological diseases, and mental health conditions – can require hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of care.” This directive suggests that health status will now play a major role in determining visa eligibility.
Officers to Check Financial Capability for Medical Care
The State Department has also instructed visa officers to evaluate whether applicants can afford their medical expenses. Officials will assess the financial stability of applicants, especially children, elderly people, and dependents with health conditions.
The cable further asks officers to verify if the main applicant can continue employment while caring for family members.
It reads, “Do any of the dependents have disabilities, chronic medical conditions, or other special needs and require care such that the applicant cannot maintain employment?”
Another part of the directive asks, “Does the applicant have adequate financial resources to cover the costs of such care over his entire expected lifespan without seeking public cash assistance or long-term institutionalisation at government expense?”
Possible Impact & Global Reactions
This move marks one of the toughest visa reforms under the Trump administration, linking health conditions directly to visa eligibility. Critics argue that it could unfairly discriminate against individuals with pre-existing conditions, while supporters believe it will protect US taxpayers from funding costly healthcare for immigrants.
Experts say the new rule could particularly affect older applicants or those from developing countries where chronic diseases are common. It also aligns with the administration’s broader immigration agenda that emphasizes self-sufficiency and reduced public dependency.
If fully enforced, these new rules could reshape how medical fitness and financial capability are weighed in future US visa approvals, creating additional hurdles for many hopeful immigrants.
