New U.S. Visa Rules Spark Outrage: Applicants With Obesity Or Heart Disease Could Be Denied

The U.S. visa landscape experienced significant changes in 2025. The requirement for people to apply for visas in their country of residence or nationality eliminated the option for third-country appointments. Additionally, the eligibility for interview waivers has been narrowed. And now, in a major update communicated by the Trump administration, foreign nationals applying for visas may face denial based on specific health conditions, including diabetes and obesity. This directive from the State Department stems from concerns that individuals with these health issues could become a "public charge" and impose additional burdens on U.S. resources. This information has been circulated to U.S. embassies and consulates, as reported by KFF Health News.

Until now, the visa application process has included assessments for infectious diseases, vaccination history, and mental health issues. However, the new regulations introduce several additional medical conditions for evaluation.

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New U.S. Visa Rule Now Requires Visa Officials To Evaluate An Applicant's Health

The directive noted, “It’s essential to evaluate an applicant’s health. Certain health issues—such as heart disease, respiratory problems, cancer, diabetes, metabolic issues, neurological disorders, and various mental health conditions—could incur substantial healthcare costs.”

Visa officials are now also tasked with determining whether applicants can cover their medical expenses without relying on government aid. Charles Wheeler, a senior attorney with the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, emphasized that while these guidelines apply to all visa types, they will likely be primarily enforced for permanent residency applications.

The guidance poses the question: “Can the applicant financially support the costs associated with such care throughout their expected lifetime without depending on public assistance or long-term institutional care funded by the government?”

Furthermore, the guidance extends to evaluating the health of applicants' dependents, including children or elderly parents, and asks: “Do any dependents have disabilities, chronic health conditions, or special needs that could hinder the applicant’s ability to work?”

We are still uncertain about when this will take effect; stay tuned for further updates.