US Visa Rules Tightened for Applicants with Diabetes, Obesity, or Heart Disease

Date: November 7, 2025

The United States government has introduced stricter visa screening policies that could make it harder for applicants suffering from chronic illnesses like diabetes, obesity, cancer, or heart disease to enter or stay in the country. The U.S. State Department issued new instructions to embassies and consulates worldwide, emphasizing that individuals with serious health issues may be denied visas under the “Public Charge” rule.

The aim of this rule is to prevent immigration by those who might become dependent on U.S. government resources. Visa officers have been instructed to assess an applicant’s health condition, age, and financial status. If the officer believes the person may require expensive medical treatment or government support in the future, the visa application could be rejected.

Visa Officers to Assess Health Burden Risk

Officials have been told to consider applicants’ health conditions that could lead to significant medical costs. Diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, respiratory issues, neurological disorders, and mental illnesses may require long-term and costly medical care.

Additionally, officers are advised to consider obesity-related conditions such as asthma, sleep apnea, and hypertension, which can also result in major health expenses.

Evaluation Criteria for Visa Applicants

Under the new instructions, visa officers must determine whether a prospective immigrant could become a “public charge”—someone likely to depend on government support or require long-term medical care. The evaluation will include questions such as:

• Can the applicant afford medical treatment throughout their life without government assistance?
• Does the applicant’s family have members with serious health issues, such as children or elderly parents?
• How expensive is the applicant’s treatment?
• Can the applicant maintain employment while managing their medical condition?

Concerns Raised by Legal Experts

Charles Wheeler, senior attorney at the Legal Immigration Network, expressed concern over the new rules, stating that visa officers are not trained to evaluate medical conditions or their potential financial impact on public resources.

Sophia Genovese, an immigration lawyer at Georgetown University, said that although medical records are already part of the green card process, this new directive goes further by linking an applicant’s medical history to their financial ability to afford treatment and potential employability in the U.S.

She added, “Anyone can develop diabetes or a heart problem. The concern is how sudden health emergencies—like a diabetic shock—will be treated during visa interviews. If implemented immediately, this rule could complicate visa decisions for many applicants.”

Health Screening in Visa Process

Previously, medical checks focused mainly on infectious diseases like tuberculosis (TB) and HIV. Under the new policy, applicants will be required to disclose their entire medical history, including chronic and long-term conditions.

Key Factors Visa Officers Will Examine:

• Whether the applicant has chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, or obesity.
• The expected cost of ongoing treatment.
• Ability to cover medical expenses without government help.
• Dependents’ (children or elderly parents) health conditions.
• Applicant’s potential to work and sustain medical costs.

This policy shift reflects a broader U.S. effort to limit immigration from individuals who might become financially dependent on public health systems.