U.S. Expands Immigrant Visa Health Screening to Include Obesity and Chronic Disease

Overview

• An internal guidance issued last week directs consular officers to conduct broader health and financial reviews when deciding immigrant visas.
• Officials familiar with the policy said it applies to applicants seeking permanent residence rather than short‑term tourist travelers.
• The document lists conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, diabetes, cancer, respiratory and neurological disorders, and some mental‑health issues that may entail costly care.
• Adjudicators are told to weigh the totality of circumstances, including age, marital status, education, skills, prior use of U.S. benefits, English proficiency, and the health needs of dependents.
• Officers may request bank statements and proof of assets to evaluate self‑sufficiency, as a State Department spokesperson framed the move as protecting taxpayers while experts warn of disproportionate effects on elderly and low‑income applicants.