How does medical condition affect visa

[suenpaul 4]

Hi folks,

Just wondering how my fiancé's minor stroke will affect our visa application. When he had a stroke in March, only his speech was slightly affected. It's just about back to normal now thankfully.

There are people that have said to us that he will not get approved. I did a little research and it seems like there are different levels of medical conditions that could affect the app....

There are some family members that are jealous that he is coming here and keep filling his mind with doubt.

Any input would be appreciated. Thanks xx

[Boiler 46,132]

That would not effect the app, Health Insurance maybe another issue.

[Anna Grant 169]

As you haven't yet got your NOA2, your fiance has not had his medical. There is a question 'have you been hospitalised?' which he will have to answer 'yes; to and will have to explain. there is also a question - 'Have you ever had a stroke, seizures or other neurological disorder?' Again, he will have to answer 'yes' and explain. Does he have something from his doctor which explains what happened and how he's recovered?

I'm not saying that he won't pass the medical but I would suggest doing some prepartory work. Someone may be along shortly who has experience of your particular situation.

You say it was only his speech affected and that has now returned to normal? Was his balance affected at all? Or any strength in his arms? It's just, gaving recently been the medical in London, there are balance tests and a few where you have to push back against the doctor's arms.

Edited June 8, 2013 by Anna Grant

[suenpaul 4]

Thankfully, it was only his speech.....no weakness in his limbs and balance is fine. He has a doctor's note that he is cleared to go back to work. I imagine he can get his medical transcripts or a note from his doctor. We certainly dodged a bullet healthwise, and hopefully, visa-wise too!

[diath 6]

This would be terrible if they would not approve because of a stroke!
Keeping my fingers crossed!

[Justine+David 218]

They will probably ask for details, so save yourself a few days and get the details from his GP to hand over to the immigration doctor when he goes to his appointment. But no, stroke's aren't communicable diseases and it doesn't make him a threat to other people : )

[suenpaul 4]

Thank you! And that is what I had thought also....getting his GP is hand over the details and such.

Funny (not really) how people with no clue about the immigration process are so quick to say "They will never let you in because you had a stroke". Even though I did a bit of research and felt comfortable that we will be ok, if you hear enough folks put that out there, it kind of gets to you.

That's why this forum is so good. So much info from people with experience!

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Hi folks,

Just wondering how my fiancé's minor stroke will affect our visa application. When he had a stroke in March, only his speech was slightly affected. It's just about back to normal now thankfully.

There are people that have said to us that he will not get approved. I did a little research and it seems like there are different levels of medical conditions that could affect the app....

There are some family members that are jealous that he is coming here and keep filling his mind with doubt.

Any input would be appreciated. Thanks xx

Yes you need a report from the GP or specialist who treated him. They want dates, diagnosis, treatment, continuing medication,

Was it a stoke or maybe a transient ischemic attack (TIA) which has stroke-like symptoms? They doctor will give the full medical terms.

This is from the USCIS adjudicator's handbook for determining admissibility:

(b) Medical Grounds of Inadmissibility Defined

(1) Section 212(a)(1)(A) of the Act

Establishes four categories of conditions that may render an alien inadmissible. The four categories are:

· communicable disease of public health significance

· failure to show proof of required vaccinations

· mental or physical disorder with associated harmful behavior

· drug abuse or addiction

These constitute Class A conditions and render an applicant inadmissible to the U.S. Class B medical conditions do not constitute a ground of medical inadmissibility and are defined as physical or mental abnormalities, diseases, or disabilities serious in degree or permanent in nature amounting to a substantial departure from normal well-being. 42 CFR 34.2(e) .

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regulations at 42 CFR 34 define Class A conditions, thus specify whether someone is inadmissible because of a communicable disease of public health significance, a mental or physical disorder with associated harmful behavior, or drug abuse or addiction.

You can google the CFR sections to read more detail from the actual law about Class B Conditions.

Edited June 9, 2013 by Nich-Nick

[suenpaul 4]

Thanks Nich-Nick. I had read this before and interpreted that we should be ok. Paul said there will be no problem documenting his treatment, recovery and meds. It was a stroke as opposed to a TIA....but miraculously, in my opinion, there is no weakness or cognitive issues. The only issue which remains and I doubt people that meet him for the first time would notice is a hitch in his speech when he gets tired.

(When he had the stroke, we were actually skyping and I knew immediately what was happening...my dad was a stroke victim and you become well versed in signs and symptoms. I was able to call his son via cell phone and he called the paramedic's. We were blessed to have gotten help there within minutes)

[rjm_cmyk 75]

(When he had the stroke, we were actually skyping and I knew immediately what was happening...my dad was a stroke victim and you become well versed in signs and symptoms. I was able to call his son via cell phone and he called the paramedic's. We were blessed to have gotten help there within minutes)

Flippin heck - that was fortunate. Reminds me of a work colleague who had heart attack while visiting his mother in hospital. Best place to have one - he was seen and transferred to the angio unit within 30 mins - made a good (fingers still crossed) recovery. Fate sometimes smiles on you.

Hope all goes well with your visa.

[Justine+David 218]

Thanks Nich-Nick. I had read this before and interpreted that we should be ok. Paul said there will be no problem documenting his treatment, recovery and meds. It was a stroke as opposed to a TIA....but miraculously, in my opinion, there is no weakness or cognitive issues. The only issue which remains and I doubt people that meet him for the first time would notice is a hitch in his speech when he gets tired.

(When he had the stroke, we were actually skyping and I knew immediately what was happening...my dad was a stroke victim and you become well versed in signs and symptoms. I was able to call his son via cell phone and he called the paramedic's. We were blessed to have gotten help there within minutes)

Oh my goodness, I'm so glad it worked out. How scary for you, across the ocean, not able to do much but call his son, thank God you had his cell phone number!!

[suenpaul 4]

That experience was probably the most helpless feeling I have ever felt. But, I guess if it was to happen, the timing was right. Hopefully, it will just be a blip to us looking back!

(Just goes to show that we all should be aware of stroke symptoms...if may save a life !)