Can the I-485 be denied for health reasons?

Yes. The I-485 can be denied for health reasons. Medical admissibility is one of the requirements for adjustment of status, and this applies even to applicants petitioning under a qualifying category such as EB-2 NIW.

During the process, applicants are required to undergo a medical examination conducted by a designated civil surgeon, who evaluates whether any conditions could render the applicant inadmissible. Among the factors reviewed are communicable diseases that pose a public health risk and the absence of required vaccinations.

Professional qualifications do not replace this requirement: even a strong profile must fully comply with admissibility standards. The outcome of the medical examination is one of the factors considered when adjudicating the petition.

• The medical examination is performed by a designated civil surgeon.
• Communicable diseases and incomplete vaccination records can weigh on the review.
• Some inadmissibility situations may have specific paths to resolution.

Because admissibility rules can change, the safest course is to confirm updated requirements on the USCIS website and, if a specific health condition is involved, assess the situation with a trusted immigration professional.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.