Visa Health Checks Go Digital in State Dept Overhaul
Published Date: 5/20/2025
Notice
Summary
The Department of State wants to improve how medical exams for visas and immigration are done by using an electronic system called eMedical. This change affects visa applicants and doctors who perform these exams, making the process faster and easier. They’re asking for public feedback over the next 60 days before making it official, with no extra costs expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Visa medical exams go electronic
If you apply for a U.S. visa or immigration benefit, the Department of State plans to use an electronic system called eMedical for your required medical exam. The agency says eMedical will make the process faster and easier and that no extra costs are expected; it is seeking public comment for 60 days before submitting the collection to OMB.
Doctors shift to eMedical reporting
Doctors who perform immigration or visa medical exams will use the eMedical electronic reporting system instead of paper, which the Department of State says will make the exam process faster and easier and should not add extra costs. The agency is allowing 60 days for public comment before submitting the collection to OMB.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-04931 — Schedule of Fees for Consular Services-Fee for Administrative Processing of Request for Certificate of Loss of Nationality of the United States
Good news for U.S. citizens and nationals who want to give up their citizenship! Starting April 13, 2026, the fee for processing a Certificate of Loss of Nationality drops from $2,350 to just $450. This big price cut makes it way easier and cheaper to handle this important paperwork at U.S. embassies and consulates.
2025-17851 — Schedule of Fees for Consular Services, Department of State and Overseas Embassies and Consulates-Visa Services Fee Changes
The Department of State is adding a $1 fee to enter the Diversity Visa lottery to share costs more fairly among all applicants. This means everyone who wants to try their luck at the visa lottery will pay a small fee upfront, instead of only winners paying later. The new fee will start when you register online, so get ready to pay a buck when you apply!
2025-14826 — Visas: Visa Bond Pilot Program
The Department of State is launching a 12-month pilot program where some travelers applying for B-1/B-2 visas from certain countries might need to pay a bond up to $15,000. This applies to visitors from places with high visa overstays or special citizenship rules. The goal? To make sure folks follow visa rules and keep travel safe and fair.
2026-11499 — 60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Medical Examination for Visa or Immigration Benefit
The Department of State wants your thoughts on updating the medical exam forms needed for U.S. visas and immigration. This affects doctors and applicants who must complete these exams, which take about 2 hours each. You’ve got until August 10, 2026, to share your feedback—help shape the process and maybe make it easier and clearer!
2026-11513 — Schedule of Fees for Consular Services, Department of State and Overseas Embassies and Consulates-Visa and Citizenship Services Fee Changes
Starting July 1, 2026, travelers applying for a B1/B2 business or tourist visa can pay an extra $750 to get a faster interview appointment—within 10 business days—at select U.S. embassies and consulates. This new optional fee is temporary and runs through December 31, 2026. If you want quicker service, be ready to pay up and act fast, as spots are limited!
2026-11345 — 30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Request for Entry Into Children's Passport Issuance Alert Program
Parents and guardians can ask to join the Children's Passport Issuance Alert Program, which helps keep kids safe by notifying them if a passport is requested in their child’s name. The government is updating the form and asking for public feedback by July 6, 2026. This process is free, takes about 30 minutes to complete, and is totally voluntary.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-09003 — Chalan Solar and Storage Project, Kern County, California; Draft Environmental Action Statement and Draft Habitat Conservation Plan
Chalan Solar Storage wants to build a solar and battery project in Kern County, California, which might affect endangered animals like the San Joaquin kit fox and giant kangaroo rat. They’ve made a plan to protect these animals while moving forward, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is asking the public to share their thoughts before deciding. This project could bring clean energy but needs careful care for local wildlife, with comments open soon.
Next: 2025-09008 — National Institute of Mental Health; Notice of Closed Meeting
The National Institute of Mental Health is holding a private virtual meeting on June 5, 2025, to review special grant applications for career development awards. This meeting affects researchers applying for funding and keeps sensitive information safe. The decisions made could impact who gets money to support important mental health research.