All applicants for a U.S. immigrant visa must undergo a medical examination with a designated Panel Physician. The results determine whether the applicant is inadmissible on health-related grounds.

Under INA 212(a)(1) and CDC Technical Instructions, only Class A conditions render an applicant inadmissible for an immigrant visa, unless the condition is treated or a waiver is granted.

1. Communicable Diseases of Public Health Significance

This is the most common category leading to visa denial:

• Active / Infectious Tuberculosis
• Infectious Syphilis
• Untreated Gonorrhea
• Infectious Hansen’s disease (Leprosy)
• Quarantinable diseases or those declared a public health emergency of international concern (plague, cholera, yellow fever, Ebola, Marburg, smallpox, SARS, novel influenza with pandemic potential, etc.)

Important note: HIV is no longer a Class A condition (removed in 2010).

2. Failure to Present Documentation of Required Vaccinations

This applies specifically to immigrant visa applicants. Missing required vaccinations according to CDC/ACIP guidelines (measles, mumps, rubella, polio, tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, hepatitis B, Hib, etc.) results in a Class A finding until the vaccinations are completed or a medical exemption is granted.

3. Physical or Mental Disorder with Associated Harmful Behavior

• A current physical or mental disorder with associated harmful behavior that poses a threat to the property, safety, or welfare of the applicant or others; or
• A history of such a disorder and harmful behavior that is likely to recur or lead to other harmful behavior.

Examples include severe schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or antisocial personality disorder when accompanied by violent or self-harming behavior.

4. Drug Abuse or Addiction

Current abuse of or addiction to any substance listed in the Controlled Substances Act (including recent history if recovery has not been successfully demonstrated).

Class A vs. Class B Conditions

Chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, cancer, or hypertension are not Class A. However, since late 2025, consular officers may give greater weight to these conditions under the public charge ground if they are likely to result in significant long-term medical costs.

Advice from Truong Legal

If you or a family member are preparing for the immigrant medical examination and have concerns about a specific medical condition, it is advisable to gather medical records and treatment history in advance and consult an immigration attorney. Many Class A cases can still succeed with proper treatment or a well-prepared waiver application.

Truong Legal assists clients with medical risk assessment, document preparation, and waiver applications when needed to maximize the chance of approval.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. 1. Does HIV cause denial of a U.S. immigrant visa? No. HIV was removed from the Class A list in 2010.
   2. Will old (treated) tuberculosis cause a denial? If the tuberculosis is no longer active or infectious, it is usually classified as Class B and does not result in medical inadmissibility.
   3. Do diabetes or heart disease cause visa denial? They are not Class A conditions. However, they may be considered under the public charge ground if treatment costs are expected to be high.
   4. Is there a way to overcome a Class A finding? Yes. Many applicants can complete treatment or apply for a waiver. Legal assistance is recommended.
   5. Is the medical exam in Vietnam different from the one in the U.S.? The process follows the same CDC Technical Instructions. In Vietnam it is performed by a Panel Physician, and results are sent directly to the consulate.

Truong Legal stays up to date with the latest medical inadmissibility rules and supports clients through the immigrant visa medical examination process.

If you are concerned about a medical condition or need guidance before your exam, contact us today for professional assistance.