State Dept Seeks Permission to Keep Doing Same Old Visa Health Checks
Published Date: 4/17/2025
Notice
Summary
The Department of State wants to keep collecting medical exam info for visa and immigration benefits, with no changes to the current process. This affects doctors who do these exams and people applying for U.S. visas or immigration. They’re asking for public feedback by June 16, 2025, to make sure the process is clear and efficient, with about 146,000 exams done yearly, each taking about an hour.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Panel Physicians Must Continue Paperwork
Designated panel physicians will keep completing the required medical forms (DS-2054, DS-3025, DS-3026, DS-3030) for applicants; the Department estimates there are 800 respondents and a total of 146,000 responses each year, with an average of 1 hour per response. The request is an extension without change, so the current paperwork and submission process remains in place.
Medical Findings Can Affect Visa Eligibility
The forms collect diagnostic test results and other evaluations needed to determine whether an applicant has a medical condition that affects eligibility under INA section 212(a)(1); they are used to identify communicable diseases of public health significance. Results recorded on these forms can therefore be used to find an applicant medically ineligible for a visa or immigration benefit.
Medical Exam Requirement Continues
If you apply for a U.S. visa or other immigration benefit, you must undergo a medical examination and related information collection; the Department estimates about 146,000 medical exam responses per year and says the average time per response is 1 hour. The collection is an extension without change under OMB Control Number 1405-0113 and uses forms DS-2054, DS-3025, DS-3026, and DS-3030.
Medical Data Shared with CDC and DHS
The completed medical examination forms are retained by the Bureau of Consular Affairs and are provided to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and to the Department of Homeland Security when an applicant arrives at a port of entry. The forms record diagnostic test results and other medical information used for public health purposes.
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Key Dates
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