The Four Medical Grounds of Inadmissibility

Under Section 212(a)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), there are four medical grounds of inadmissibility:

• Communicable diseases of public health significance
• Failure to present documentation of required vaccinations
• Physical or mental disorder with associated harmful behavior
• Drug abuse or addiction

Communicable Diseases of Public Health Significance

The CDC designates which diseases are considered communicable diseases of public health significance for immigration purposes. Currently, the list includes active tuberculosis (TB). Historically, the list included other diseases such as syphilis and gonorrhea in their infectious stages.

A positive TB test alone is not a ground of inadmissibility — active, infectious TB disease is what triggers inadmissibility. Latent TB infection (LTBI) is not a ground of inadmissibility but may require follow-up.

Vaccination Requirements

Failure to present documentation of required vaccinations is a ground of inadmissibility. However, this is one of the most easily resolved grounds — missing vaccines can typically be administered at the time of your immigration medical examination. Medical contraindications and religious or moral conviction exemptions are also available.

Physical or Mental Disorder With Harmful Behavior

A physical or mental disorder is a ground of inadmissibility only if it is associated with harmful behavior — behavior that poses a threat to the property, safety, or welfare of the applicant or others. A diagnosis alone, without associated harmful behavior, is not a ground of inadmissibility.

Drug Abuse or Addiction

Drug abuse or addiction is a ground of inadmissibility. This includes abuse of or addiction to controlled substances. Waivers may be available in some circumstances. Alcohol abuse or alcoholism may also be evaluated under this category.

Most Conditions Are Not Grounds of Inadmissibility

The vast majority of medical conditions — including most chronic diseases, disabilities, and mental health diagnoses — are not grounds of inadmissibility. If you have a condition that may be relevant, our civil surgeon will evaluate it in the context of USCIS requirements and advise you on your options.