The United States government has announced a significant shift in its visa screening process, introducing new requirements that place greater emphasis on applicants’ health conditions and financial ability to cover medical expenses while residing in the country.
The directive, issued under the Trump administration, instructs U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide to assess whether visa applicants may be likely to depend on publicly funded medical services once they enter the country. The new measure expands on existing health screening procedures traditionally used to identify communicable diseases and public safety risks.
Under the revised evaluation system, consular officers are permitted to conduct more detailed reviews of applicants’ medical histories. Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, cancer, and certain mental health conditions will now be examined to determine whether they could lead to future reliance on state-funded healthcare.
In addition to medical records, officers are now required to assess applicants’ financial capacity, including proof of health insurance, savings, income sources, or other means of covering potential medical treatment without government support. This assessment also extends to dependents, such as children and elderly relatives whose healthcare needs may place financial strain on the sponsoring household.
The new policy effectively links a visa applicant’s long-term health outlook with their financial stability. U.S. officials say the measure is intended to ensure that individuals entering the country are capable of supporting themselves and maintaining their healthcare needs independently.
According to the State Department, the directive “aims to prevent situations where visa holders become economically dependent on government-funded medical services,” while prioritizing applicants who demonstrate sustainable financial self-sufficiency.
Analysts note that the updated screening criteria may result in stricter visa approval outcomes, particularly for applicants from low-income backgrounds or those managing chronic health conditions without robust insurance coverage.
The policy is expected to generate ongoing debate, especially among immigration advocacy groups who argue that the changes could disproportionately affect families, students, elderly applicants, and individuals seeking medical treatment in the United States.
