New US Visa rules in 2025: how chronic illnesses affect application approval

Recent updates to US visa policy have touched one of the most sensitive areas — medical requirements for applicants. In 2025, US authorities are introducing new standards for assessing health conditions, meaning that chronic illnesses may now influence the final decision on a visa or a Green Card.
Despite the seriousness of these changes, the situation is far from hopeless: proper document preparation, a strategic approach, and understanding the logic of visa officers significantly increase your chances of approval.
This article explains what exactly has changed, why the new rules are being introduced now, and how applicants can adapt.

The key update is that the US Department of State has officially instructed consular officers to consider chronic illnesses as a potential risk factor. This primarily affects immigrant categories — those applying for permanent residence or a Green Card.

Conditions that will receive increased scrutiny include:

• cardiovascular diseases,
• severe respiratory conditions,
• oncology,
• diabetes,
• obesity,
• mental and neurological disorders.

These conditions may indicate potentially high medical costs that could fall on the US healthcare system. However, a diagnosis does not automatically lead to refusal. Officers assess the full context: the applicant’s health stability, access to treatment, insurance coverage, and financial capacity. The updated approach relies on the public charge rule, which means the applicant must demonstrate that they will not become a financial burden on the government.

Given the new rules, the applicant’s main task is to demonstrate medical and financial self-sufficiency. A clear and well-organized file significantly improves the likelihood of approval.
You must prepare:

• medical records confirming stability of the condition;
• insurance covering potential medical risks;
• proof of income, assets, employment or business activity;
• if family members with chronic illnesses are included — a care plan and evidence that their condition will not create excessive financial burden.

Even applicants for non-immigrant visas (tourist, business, student) should be cautious: although risks are lower, officers may ask questions about trip duration, purpose, and medical coverage. Documents and DS-160 forms must be filled out with maximum accuracy.

Alongside medical updates, the US is rolling out a large-scale biometric identification system.
Within the next 3–5 years, photos will be taken at every border crossing, and data from visas, passports, and other sources will be merged into a unified database. For the first time, all age groups — from infants to people over 79 — will be included.

This means greater scrutiny of:

• application details,
• biometric consistency,
• photo compliance.

Any discrepancies may trigger additional checks, making proper preparation even more critical.

To improve your chances of visa or Green Card approval, you must prepare a comprehensive submission strategy.

Important steps:

1. Ensure all documents — medical records, financial statements, translations — are up to date, accurate, and professionally prepared.
2. Demonstrate financial stability and a clear plan for living in the US: housing, income sources, intended activities.
3. Provide strong medical evidence:

• proof of stable treatment,
• completed therapy courses,
• physician recommendations,
• prescriptions,
• and insurance with US coverage.

Experience shows that high-quality preparation can increase approval chances several times over, especially for immigrant categories where every missing document may lead to refusal.

US immigration law changes frequently, and the optimal strategy is not always obvious. At Visa Dan, we help clients:

• understand the nuances,
• prepare documents properly,
• structure the case effectively,
• and choose the best route — whether it’s a tourist trip, immigrant visa, work category, or Green Card.

If your goal is a Green Card, remember that the lottery is only one of many paths. Real options include:

• EB-2 / EB-3 employment categories,
• EB-5 investment program,
• family reunification,
• marriage to a US citizen,
• extraordinary ability categories.

Each path requires in-depth analysis and meticulous preparation. That’s why we involve attorneys, physicians, and certified translators to ensure your case is safe and strong.

If you are considering moving to the US, preparing for a visa, applying for a Green Card, or appealing a refusal — contact Visa Dan. We:
— analyze your case and identify risk factors;
— build a strategy in line with new rules;
— prepare all medical and financial documents;
— support you through every stage until you achieve your goal.

Your objective is to live, study, work, or relocate your family to the US. Our mission is to guide you through this path safely and effectively.

Visa Dan is an international company with a strong legal team and experience in assisting more than 1,000 clients. We offer:

• Individual selection of solutions and strategies for obtaining a residence permit.
• Complete transparency and support at every stage.
• A strong team in Europe: lawyers, translators, operators, notaries.
• Support until you receive your ID card, as well as assistance with renewal and integration in the country.

The Visa Dan team will help you navigate this journey from start to finish. Get personalized advice and start your new life in 2025!