Beginning November 3, 2019, individuals seeking immigrant visas abroad will be denied if they do not have health insurance or cannot prove that they will be able to pay for health insurance in the United States within 30 days of entry. This proclamation, which was announced on October 3, 2019, will impact both individuals who have lived in the U.S. but must attend their immigrant visa interview abroad (for consular processing) and individuals who have never entered the United States. This new restriction is separate from the public charge rule (see this page for information and updates on the public charge rule).

Certain immigrants are exempt from this new healthcare proclamation, including: anyone issued a visa prior to the effective date (Nov. 3, 2019), Lawful Permanent Residents returning after a long absence, unmarried children and adoptees of U.S. citizens, people seeking Iraq/Afghani Special Immigrant visas, children under age 18, (unless accompanying parents subject to the new healthcare proclamation), people whose entry would advance law enforcement objectives or would be in the national interest, and parents of adult U.S. citizens if they can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the consular officer that their health care will not impose a substantial burden on the U.S. health care system.

Please contact the Clinic with any questions regarding this healthcare proclamation or any questions about applying for an immigrant visa.

Below are the Clinic’s flyers about changes to public charge and what they mean for you (created 10/1/2019).