Copyright indiatimes
The United States has introduced new guidance that could see foreign nationals denied visas or green cards on the basis of pre-existing chronic health conditions, including diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. While the move has been framed as an extension of the century-old “public charge” rule, its potential impact on international students, particularly those on F-1 visas, remains a pressing concern.Expanding the “public charge” ruleThe US State Department has circulated a directive to embassies and consular offices worldwide, instructing visa officers to flag applicants whose medical conditions might require “hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of care.” Conditions cited include cardiovascular diseases, respiratory illnesses, cancers, diabetes, metabolic and neurological disorders, and mental health conditions. Obesity is also singled out, given its association with costly complications such as asthma, sleep apnoea, and high blood pressure.Historically, health screenings in the visa process focused on communicable diseases such as tuberculosis. The new guidance, however, marks a significant shift, linking an applicant’s chronic health status directly to eligibility for entry.F-1 students in focusWhile the directive technically applies to all visa applicants, including non-immigrant visas for tourism (B-1/B-2) and studies (F-1), it is primarily intended for those seeking permanent residence. Student visa applicants must already demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources for the duration of their stay; they intend to leave the US at the end of their authorised period, and are unlikely to become a "public charge."Under the new framework, visa officers are instructed to assess whether applicants have the financial capacity to cover long-term medical expenses “over his entire expected lifespan without seeking public cash assistance or long-term institutionalisation at government expense.” For F-1 students, this raises questions about how chronic health conditions will be evaluated in combination with proof of financial sufficiency.Concerns from immigration advocatesExperts warn that the policy grants consular officers, who generally lack medical expertise, broad discretion to make subjective judgments about applicants’ long-term health. TNN reports that immigration specialists believe the guidance will disproportionately affect older applicants and those with common chronic illnesses, effectively favouring the healthiest and wealthiest applicants.For F-1 students, the ambiguity is particularly concerning. While universities and families often ensure that tuition and living expenses are fully covered, the potential for health-related disqualification introduces a new and largely unquantified barrier.A cautious outlookAs the implementation of this guidance unfolds, international students and educational institutions may need to reassess financial planning and health documentation for visa applications. At present, it remains unclear how stringently consular officers will apply these rules to F-1 applicants or whether exceptions will be made for students demonstrating strong financial backing.In effect, the policy signals a narrowing pathway for international education in the US, adding a layer of uncertainty to the already complex visa process. For students from India and other countries where chronic conditions are prevalent, the question is no longer only whether they meet academic or financial criteria, but whether their health profile might inadvertently limit their access to US education.Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
