30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Electronic Medical Examination for Visa or Immigration Benefit (eMedical)

<NOTICE> DEPARTMENT OF STATE <DEPDOC>[Public Notice 12891]</DEPDOC> <SUBJECT>30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Electronic Medical Examination for Visa or Immigration Benefit (eMedical)</SUBJECT> <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD> Notice of request for public comment and submission to OMB of proposed collection of information. <SUM> <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD> The Department of State has submitted the information collection described below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are requesting comments on this collection from all interested individuals and organizations. The purpose of this Notice is to allow 30 days for public comment. </SUM> <DATES> <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD> Submit comments up to January 22, 2026. </DATES> <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD> Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to <E T="03">www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain.</E> Find this information collection by selecting “Currently under 30-day Review—Open for Public Comments” or by using the search function. <SUPLINF> <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD> • <E T="03">Title of Information Collection:</E> Electronic Medical Examination for Visa or Immigration Benefit (eMedical). • <E T="03">OMB Control Number:</E> 1405-0230. • <E T="03">Type of Request:</E> Extension with change. • <E T="03">Originating Office:</E> Bureau of Consular Affairs, Visa Office. • <E T="03">Form Number(s):</E> DS-7794. • <E T="03">Respondents:</E> Panel Physicians. • <E T="03">Estimated Number of Respondents:</E> 800. • <E T="03">Estimated Number of Responses:</E> 550,000. • <E T="03">Average Time per Response:</E> 1 hour. • <E T="03">Total Estimated Burden Time:</E> 550,000 hours. • <E T="03">Frequency:</E> Once per each medical examination performed for a U.S. visa or immigration benefit. • <E T="03">Obligation to Respond:</E> Mandatory. We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department to: • Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department. • Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used. • Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected. • Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Please note that comments submitted in response to this Notice are public record. Before including any detailed personal information, you should be aware that your comments as submitted, including your personal information, will be available for public review. <HD SOURCE="HD1">Abstract of Proposed Collection</HD> The DS-7794 is completed by panel physicians to report the medical status of visa applicants; refugees; follow-to-join refugees and asylees; and certain parolees. The form records the medical information necessary to determine whether an alien has a medical condition affecting his or her eligibility for a visa or immigration benefit. The information requested is limited to the result of any diagnostic tests required for the diagnosis of diseases identified as communicable diseases of public health significance, as well as other evaluations identified as necessary to confirm a medical ineligibility under INA § 212(a)(1), 8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(1) or to comply with other requirements. Collecting this information is essential to protecting public health in the United States. <HD SOURCE="HD1">Methodology</HD> A panel physician, designated by the consular post, performs a medical examination of the applicant and completes the electronic form in the eMedical portal in accordance with instructions issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The information collected is retained by the Bureau of Consular Affairs and available to the CDC and DHS. <SIG> <NAME>John L. Armstrong,</NAME> Senior Bureau Official, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Department of State. </SIG> </SUPLINF> <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2025-23697 Filed 12-22-25; 8:45 am]</FRDOC> </NOTICE>