US Visa, Green Card to Get Tougher for Those With Diabetes, Obesity, Heart Disease

The United States has introduced stricter health-related visa and Green Card rules that could significantly impact applicants with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease

Key Policy Changes
- Medical Evaluation: Applicants with chronic, long-term, noncommunicable illnesses may now face closer scrutiny of their medical history, treatment regimens, and ability to pay for healthcare during their stay.

- Possible Denials: While not automatic disqualifiers, officers now have greater discretion to deny visas if applicants are considered medically high-risk or unable to cover treatment costs.

- Extra Documentation Required: Candidates may need to submit:
- Detailed medical history
- Current treatment plans
- Recent lab reports
- Proof of health insurance
- Evidence of financial capacity to pay for medical care

- Affected Categories: H-1B work visas, B-1/B-2 visitor visas, and Green Card adjustment cases are expected to be most impacted.

Impact on Indian Applicants
- High Demand: Indian applicants are particularly affected, with longer wait times and increased competition for interview slots.
- Early Appointments: Many are turning to expedited services to secure interview dates before stricter rules take effect.
- Travel Planning: Families, professionals, and students are adjusting itineraries and budgets to align with new requirements.

Broader Context
- Public Health Concerns: The U.S. continues to bar applicants with infectious diseases like tuberculosis, syphilis, and gonorrhea.
- New Focus: Chronic illnesses are now being considered not only for health risks but also for their potential financial burden on the U.S. healthcare system.
- Legal Advisory: Immigration experts caution that while the rules don’t outright ban applicants with these conditions, they increase uncertainty and give officers more latitude to reject applications

This marks one of the biggest adjustments to U.S. health-related immigration requirements in years, reshaping how chronic illness factors into visa eligibility.