Operational Bulletin 231 - September 1, 2010

Update to the Designated Country/Territory List

Issue

The purpose of this Operational Bulletin is to provide the list of countries/territories that have been added to or removed from the designated country/territory list.

Background

As per the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, Regulation 30(1)(c), individuals who are seeking entry into Canada for a period of greater than six months and who have resided or sojourned, at any time during the one year period immediately preceding the date of seeking entry, for six consecutive months in a designated country/territory, are required to undergo an immigration medical examination.

A designated country/territory is defined as a country/territory with a three year average estimated sputum smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) incidence rate equal to or greater than 15/100,000.

To be considered for removal from the designated country/territory list, a country or territory must remain below the average threshold for three consecutive years.

Countries/Territories Added to the Designated List

The following countries/territories will be added to the designated country/territory list:

Greenland
Nauru
Tuvalu
Wallis Futuna

Countries/Territories Removed from the Designated List

The following countries/territories will be removed from the designated country/territory list:

Ascencion
Austral Islands
Azores
Bahamas
Balearic Islands
Bora Bora
Bulgaria
Canary Islands
Chagos Archipelago
Christmas Island
Croatia
Easter Island
Estonia
French Guiana
Gambier Islands
Huahine
Iran
Johnston Atoll
Kerguelen Islands
Loyalty Islands
Macedonia
Madeira
Makatea
Marquesas Islands
Maupiti
Mauritius
Mexico
Midway Island
Montenegro
New Caledonia
Northern Sinai
Oman
Raiatea
Reunion
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Singapore
Society Archipelago
St. Helena
Syrian Arab Republic
Tahaa
Tahiti
Tristan Da Cunha
Tuamotu Archipelago
Wake Island
West Bank and Gaza Strip