US Visa Rule 2025: Will America now not give visas to people with diabetes, heart disease or obesity? The new American rule can become a big blow for millions of immigrants around the world – why is health now considered a threat to visas?
Washington. If you are dreaming of settling in America or going for a job and you have diabetes, heart disease or any chronic health problem, then this news is very important for you. The Trump administration has tightened visa and green card rules – now chronic diseases can also be a reason for visa rejection.
Who will no longer be able to get a US visa?
Under the new US guidelines, visa officers will now also look at the health status of applicants. If a person has a medical condition that could cost “millions of dollars” to treat, they may be denied a visa.
This list includes:
- Diabetes
- Heart Disease
- cancer
- Obesity
- Asthma
- high blood pressure
- Metabolic and Neurological Disorders
America is now considering these diseases as potential public charge indicators, that is, people who can become an economic burden on the government in the future.
What is the “Public Charge” rule?
“Public charge” is an old US immigration rule that prohibits people who may be dependent on government assistance from immigrating to the US. Earlier it was applicable only to infectious diseases (such as TB), but now its scope has been extended to chronic non-infectious diseases.
Now what needs to be shown to get a visa?
According to the new rule, the visa applicant will have to prove that he has the ability to bear the medical expenses for his entire life – without any government help. If the visa officer feels that the person may become a “Public Charge” in the future, his/her visa may be rejected.
Will medical report now be decisive in visa?
Yes. Now visa officers will be able to determine whether a person is a “financial risk” to the US by looking at medical conditions. The special thing is that this decision will be taken by officials, who are not necessarily medical experts. Immigration experts say that due to this, many honest and hardworking applicants may be denied visa just because of health condition.
Will this rule also apply to tourist and student visas?
According to government documents, this rule technically applies to all visa applicants – whether tourist (B1/B2) or student (F1). However, at present its impact will be more on those with permanent immigration (green card).
Why is this policy considered controversial?
Many human rights groups say this policy favors the “healthy and rich” people. This can make the path to a visa difficult for elderly, sick or middle-class applicants. Overall, America is now moving towards giving visas only to fit and financially strong people.