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New U.S. Directive: Stricter Health and Financial Checks for Visa Applicants

Foreign nationals hoping to live in the United States now face tougher medical and financial checks when applying for visas. A new directive, reportedly issued by the current administration, instructs U.S. embassies and consulates to consider an applicant’s health and financial stability more stringently before granting a visa.

According to media reports, visa officers must now determine whether chronic medical conditions or financial instability could make an applicant more likely to rely on public health services. Those deemed potential “public charges” might face visa denial.

Health to Play a Bigger Role in Visa Approvals

While health screenings have always been a component of U.S. visa applications, this new guidance allows officers to conduct a deeper evaluation.

Visa officers are now specifically instructed to look at the intersection of an applicant’s health status and their ability to pay for necessary medical treatment. This includes assessing whether the person can afford long-term care without becoming dependent on public aid.

The directive outlines several health conditions that may influence the decision on a visa application, including:

• Cardiovascular diseases
• Respiratory diseases
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Mental Health Issues

Obesity is also mentioned as a potential concern because it might be a precursor to other serious health issues, such as high blood pressure or asthma.

Furthermore, visa officers are now asked to evaluate dependents, such as children or older parents, to determine whether their healthcare needs could affect the applicant’s income or work stability, thereby increasing the risk of becoming a public charge.

Stricter Rules Also Hit Students and Workers

The new scrutiny extends beyond immigrant visas and affects temporary visa holders as well:

Changes for Students and Exchange Visitors

The administration has proposed eliminating the flexible “duration of status” system for foreign students (F-1 visa), exchange visitors (J-1 visa), and media representatives (I visa).

Instead, these individuals would generally be allowed to stay in the U.S. only for a fixed period—typically the length of their study program, up to a maximum of four years—unless they successfully secure an extension through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Skilled Workers (H-1B) Affected

Skilled workers are also impacted by new costs. A recent change now requires some new H-1B visa applicants to pay an additional, substantial one-time fee of approximately $100,000 on top of regular application costs, significantly increasing the financial barrier for employers and applicants.

Travel Bans Remain in Place

Travel restrictions continue to be a key part of the administration’s immigration strategy. Several countries remain on the list of nations facing full or partial visa bans for security reasons. This policy affects both immigrant and non-immigrant visa categories.

Global Contrast: China Simplifies Entry

The tightening of U.S. visa requirements stands in contrast to the direction taken by other major global powers. China, for instance, is actively moving in the opposite direction, making entry easier for foreign travellers.

Notably, China recently extended its visa-free travel policy until December 2026, added more countries to the eligible list, and also launched its new Digital Arrival Card, which allows travellers to complete their entry details online before visiting immigration, leading to faster border clearance.

Final Thoughts: Preparation is Key

The new U.S. visa rules signal a clear move toward stricter visa checks focusing heavily on health, finances, and family dependents. If you are planning to apply for a U.S. visa, it is now more critical than ever to ensure your documents and proof of financial stability are impeccably prepared to preempt any public charge determination.