Overview
- The State Department circulated internal guidance on Nov. 6 instructing consular officers to assess chronic health conditions and age when determining visa eligibility under public‑charge rules.
- KFF Health News reports the cable cites examples including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, cancer, metabolic and neurological conditions, and mental‑health disorders.
- Officers are told to judge whether applicants can cover anticipated medical costs without U.S. benefits and to consider the health of immediate family members.
- The guidance applies at embassies and consulates for nonimmigrant visas and some immigrant matters, including certain green card reviews handled abroad.
- The document has not been publicly posted and sets no fixed BMI or closed disease list, leaving broad discretion, while a separate DHS public‑charge proposal is under OMB review for formal rulemaking.