US tightens visa rules on chronic health conditions
New policy targets applicants with diabetes, heart issues; healthcare costs cited as denial factor.
Newsroom, November 08, 2025: The United States is rolling out stricter visa guidelines that could bar entrants with long-term ailments like diabetes and heart disease, prioritising fiscal burdens on public health systems. Officials at the State Department said the change, effective immediately, aims to curb expenses tied to chronic care for non-citizens, with consular officers empowered to reject applications based on medical history declarations or tests.
Estimates peg potential savings at $2 billion yearly, but critics slam it as discriminatory, ignoring that many conditions are manageable and unrelated to immigration intent.
The move, in line with broader curbs under the current administration, applies to non-immigrant visas like B-1/B-2 for tourism or business, but spares emergencies or waivers for essential travel. Applicants must now detail conditions, facing denials if deemed high-risk.
