Consular Officers May Begin Denying Applicants With Health Conditions Like Obesity

Several news outlets, including the Washington Post, have reported that a State Department cable dated November 6 instructs consular officers that they may begin denying visa applicants who have chronic health conditions. The cable may signal a policy change that would allow visa applicants with previously admissible conditions to be denied at the consulate.

Many immigrant applicants already need to go through an extensive medical examination before they receive their visas. Certain health conditions are already inadmissible as well, such as drug abuse and some STIs.

The internal cable guides consular officers to consider denying applicants with chronic health conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. It also instructs that consulate officials should deny applicants whom they believe may need government assistance to cover medical costs.

“Certain medical conditions – including, but not limited to, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, cancers, diabetes, metabolic diseases, neurological diseases, and mental health conditions – can require hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of care,” the cable states. 

Consular officers may also consider health conditions of family members

According to the internal cable, consular officers may review the health conditions of an applicant’s family members. This would apply to both family-based and individual petitions. 

“Chronic conditions or obesity, on their own, are not listed grounds of inadmissibility. Any new guidance would need to align with the statute, which sets clear limits on when health issues can affect visa eligibility,” says Ana Gabriela Urizar, immigration attorney at Manifest Law. 

Ultimately, the cable appears to be aiming to give consular officers greater discretion to deny visa applications.

How should foreign nationals attending consular appointments prepare?

If you’re attending a visa interview at a U.S. consulate soon, immigration attorneys advise starting to collect clear documentation about your health and finances. For example, vaccination records, information on the last physical medical exam and proof of health insurance coverage. 
Attending a consular appointment soon? Our immigration attorneys can guide you through what documents you should bring and what to expect during your visit. Request a consultation to learn more.