This week, American and international media outlets actively discussed reports alleging possible changes in U.S. visa policy, according to which obesity and several chronic diseases could become grounds for visa refusal. A correspondent of Dunyo IA inquired whether obesity is included among conditions that automatically lead to visa denial for citizens of Uzbekistan.

On 6 November 2025, KFF Health News published an article stating that an internal cable had been circulated within the U.S. Department of State. According to the report, the document advised consular posts to consider a broader range of chronic medical conditions — including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and obesity — when assessing whether an applicant may become a "public charge" (a financial burden on the U.S. government).

The term public charge in U.S. immigration law refers to an individual who is deemed likely to become dependent on government-funded assistance (benefits, medical services or other publicly financed support).

In its coverage, The Washington Post noted that consular officers had indeed received updated internal guidance interpreting these criteria more broadly. However, the publication emphasized expert comments underscoring that this reflects internal administrative recommendations — not changes to U.S. immigration law.

A number of Uzbek media outlets, including Qalampir.uz, republished the story from Western media, suggesting that applicants with obesity would be refused U.S. visas.

Clarification from the U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan

Responding to a formal inquiry from Dunyo IA, the U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan stated that the information circulated in some national media does not reflect the actual policy. The list of Class B medical conditions remains unchanged, and each visa application continues to be reviewed individually, based on all available information.

According to current official guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), materials published by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), obesity is not among the medical conditions that automatically result in visa refusal or inadmissibility.

For reference:

A Class B condition is a medical condition that does not make an applicant inadmissible, but represents a significant deviation from normal health that may:

– prevent the applicant from caring for themselves, attending school or work; or

– require extensive treatment or hospitalization in the future.

Documents regulating this area clearly indicate that obesity itself is not an automatic ground for visa refusal under Class B criteria.

Medical examinations for U.S. visa applicants primarily aim to identify infectious diseases of public health significance. Examinations also evaluate mental and physical conditions that may pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others.

What is the U.S. Government’s objective?

In its response, the U.S. Embassy noted that the Trump Administration aims to safeguard American taxpayers by implementing comprehensive vetting procedures to prevent the entry of immigrants who may not be able to cover their own living expenses — including medical costs — and might rely on government-funded assistance.