Designated Medical Practitioners - UAE

If you are in UAE and is being required by the Canadian Visa Office in Manila to undergo medical examination and that you can't leave UAE to undergo medical examination in any of the Designated Medical Practitioners in Manila, do not panic. You can have your medical examination done in Designated Medical Practitioners - UAE.

List of Designated Medical Practitioners in UAE

City	Name	Address	Telephone	Spoken Lanugages
Abu Dhabi	Kais Abu Taha	Hamdan St, PO Box 46467,	(9712) 627-2817	Arabic / English
Abu Dhabi	Abraham Abraham	Al Sh. Zayed, 2nd Street, PO Box 43443,	00 971 2 633 6744
Abu Dhabi	John McCulloch	P.O. Box 8031, Above Al-Noor Hospital, Sheikh Khalifa St	7912 62 62 677	Arabic / English / French
Dubai	Azan Binbrek	Al Abbas, ANZ Grindlays Bank Bldg, PO Box 33537,	(9714) 355-5588	Arabic / English
Dubai	Rita Kovesdi	Health Bay Polyclinic, Villa 977, Al Wasl Rd, Umm Suqeim 2,	+ 971 50 624 8074 www.healthbayclinic.com	Arabic / English / Hungarian
Dubai	Graeme Smylie	Dubai London Clinic, A1 Was1 Road, Jumeirah, 12119,	(971 4) 344 6663	English

For the updated list of Designated Medical Practitioners in UAE, click here.

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2009 International Day of Persons with Disabilities

International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated every December 3. It used to be called International Day of Disabled Persons but was changed to International Day of Persons with Disabilities by UN General Assembly resolution 62/127 on 18 December 2007.

This year's theme is “Realigning the Millennium Development Goals for All: Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and their Communities Around the World".

Here's an editorial from Manila Bulletin regarding the 2009 International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

To provide an opportunity for governments, organizations of disabled persons, and all in society to focus on the freedoms and potentials of persons with disabilities, International Day of Disabled Persons is observed on December 3 each year.

The theme for 2009, “Realigning the Millennium Development Goals for All: Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and their Communities Around the World,’’ stresses the need to develop programs that raise the profile of disability issues in both the developed and developing world and identify existing needs and priorities, and calls for greater efforts to find solutions which are suited to the technological and economic conditions of the disabled. These actions require people with disabilities to be visible and to be given a voice that will qualify them to be adequately represented in decision making. [Source]

For purposes of permanent resident visa applications, mental or physical disabilities may cause refusal of application due to Medical Inadmissibility.

If your application is refused due to mental or physical disabilities, you can appeal your case through a Federal Court in Canada. You will need a Canadian lawyer to represent you and help you present your case with the end in view of convincing the Federal Court that such mental or physical disabilities will not require excessive demand in Canada's medical services.

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Today is World Polio Day | Are those with polio inaddmissible to Canada?

Rotary International has declared October 24, 2009, "World Polio Day" as part of its its effort raise awareness and funds for the global push to end polio.



For more information about the campaign, click here.

Are those with polio inadmissible to Canada and can't be issued permanent resident visa?

Medical inadmissibility is to be decided by the visa officer based on the report from designated medical practitioners.

The following medical conditions are considered inadmissible:

1. Medical conditions that may cause danger to public health and safety

2. Medical conditions that may reasonably require excessive demand on the Canadian health care system or on social services in Canada

It will be evaluated on case to case basis. But based on our experience, we already have clients with polio who were granted PR Visa!

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Lupus Disease

After that question about Hepatitis B and Canada Immigration, another reader sent me an email asking about Lupus Disease. The question was, is Lupus Disease a ground for medical inadmissibility?

What is a Lupus Disease?

Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and/or organs inside the body). Chronic means that the signs and symptoms tend to last longer than six weeks and often for many years. In lupus, something goes wrong with your immune system, which is the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and germs ("foreign invaders," like the flu). Normally our immune system produces proteins called antibodies that protect the body from these invaders. Autoimmune means your immune system cannot tell the difference between these foreign invaders and your body’s healthy tissues ("auto" means "self") and creates autoantibodies that attack and destroy healthy tissue. These autoantibodies cause inflammation, pain, and damage in various parts of the body.[Source]

There are four types of lupus disease namely, Systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE, Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), subacute cutaneous lupus (SCLE), Neonatal lupus and Drug-induced lupus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE is the most common and serious form of lupus and here are some facts about SLE from Lupus Canada:

* Lupus can be a serious disease but it is quite clear that milder forms of the disease do exist and are being increasingly recognized.

* Lupus is treatable and much can be done to control it. In fact, with proper treatment it is the rule, not the exception, for physicians (and patients) to succeed in bringing lupus under control.

* Many patients undergo cycles in which the disease becomes quiet afterr it is brought under control. This symptom-free period is called remission and may last several years.

* Better methods of diagnosis, treatment and follow-up have improved the life expectancy of lupus patients so that nowadays lupus is seldom seen to be fatal.

We don't have a client with a lupus disease that I can speak of, but based on the information I've gathered about lupus disease, it looks like lupus disease, per se, is not a ground for medical inadmissibility.

By the way, Micheal Jackson's death was reported to have been caused by a lupus disease and in case you haven't seen it yet, here's Michael Jackson's Memorial Service Full Video.

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Hepatitis B and Canada Immigration

It's not the first time that I was asked whether Hepatitis B will cause a problem for their Permanent Resident Visa Application. So I though of writing about it, hoping this will help those with similar situation.

First, what is Hepatitis B?

From World Health Organization (WHO)

* Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease.
* The virus is transmitted through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person - not through casual contact.
* About 2 billion people worldwide have been infected with the virus and about 350 million live with chronic infection. An estimated 600 000 persons die each year due to the acute or chronic consequences of hepatitis B.
* About 25% of adults who become chronically infected during childhood later die from liver cancer or cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) caused by the chronic infection.
* The hepatitis B virus is 50 to 100 times more infectious than HIV.
* Hepatitis B virus is an important occupational hazard for health workers.
* Hepatitis B is preventable with a safe and effective vaccine.

From Health Canada

Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. The virus is carried in blood and body fluids. It can lead to serious liver damage, life-long infection, liver cancer, liver failure and even death. Fortunately, there is a vaccine that can protect you against hepatitis B.

Now, with reference to medical inadmissibility rule, there are two concerns here. First, possible transmission to others and second, "excessive" demand in health services.

Then consider what is being done during the medical examination. The medical examination includes:

* complete physical examination for all family members;
* chest X-ray and a radiologist’s report for everyone aged 11 years and over;
* blood test for everyone aged 15 years or over;
* urinalysis for everyone aged 5 years or over;
* HIV testing for everyone aged 15 years or over, as well as for children who have received blood or blood products, or have a known HIV mother.

You and each of your family members will have to complete your own copy of the Medical Report, where you will have to write your answers to the questions on the form IMM 5419.

Question No. 8 is about Hepatitis.

When there is a history of hepatitis in those older than 15 years of age, the details from the applicant should include the date and type of hepatitis, if known.

Note: If the applicant is not excessive demand exempt, then the results of serum AST and ALT should be provided. If these are abnormal (greater than 1.5 X normal value), then a specialist’s report including hepatitis C antibodies and hepatitis B surface antigen should be provided.[Source]

Now, to answer the question whether those with Hepatitis B will cause refusal of Permanent Resident Visa application, I think it will be treated on a case to case basis. We have clients with Hepatitis but were issued visa. Lastly, read this discussion paper from Association of Chinese Canadian Professionals about Hepatitis B.

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Medical Inadmissibility May Cause Refusal of Permanent Resident Visa Application

Before a Permanent Resident Visa is issued, a medical examination is required. All family member, accompanying or non-accompanying, are required to undergo medical examinations. Any family member to be determined medically inadmissible may result to refusal of Permanent Resident Visa application.

What is the basis of Medical Inadmissibility?

The following medical conditions are considered inadmissible:

Medical conditions that may cause danger to public health and safety

Medical conditions that may reasonably require excessive demand on the Canadian health care system or on social services in Canada

Medical examination to determine medical inadmissibility is conducted by Designated Medical Practitioners around the world regardless of which Canadian Visa Office you filed your application. Here's the list of Designated Medical Practitioners by Visa Office in Manila.

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Filipina Caregiver Faces Deportation

Canada's caregiver program offers permanent resident status to caregivers after they complete 24 months of live-in care within three years.

Photo Credit: Arlen Redekop, The Province

But Hesanna Santiago, a Filipina caregiver in Canada, is now facing deportation even after complying with the 24 months work experience requirement.

Part of the requirement before a permanent resident visa is issued is that the applicant and family members must undergo medical examination. Applicants actually go through two medical examinations: to enter Canada on a work permit and before permanent resident visa issuance.

This reminded me of the case of Juana Tejada, who went through similar situation. The only difference is that in the case Juana Tejada, she faced deportation due to her medical problem. In the case of Hanna Santiago, she is now facing deportation because her 12-year-old daughter was diagnosed with kidney disease.

An application for permanent resident visa may be refused if the applicant or any family member is considered medically inadmissible in Canada. However, her family may still be given permanent resident status if Citizenship and Immigration Canada grants an exception based on compassionate groundsbased on humanitarian and compassioante grounds.

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Travel Document - Determination of Permanent Residency Status

Two weeks ago, I received an unexpected call from a client who successfully landed in Canada sometime in 2002. He said he applied for a Travel Document - Determination of Permanent Residency Status but was denied. The letter he received from the Canadian Visa Office in Manila referring to the determination of his status as permanent resident of Canada also stated that he did not comply with the residency obligation.

Permanent Resident's Residency Obligation
To maintain your permanent resident status, you must meet certain residency obligations. To keep your status as a permanent resident, you must live in Canada for at least two years within a five-year period. A permanent resident may lose his/her permanent resident status if:

A permanent resident who does not meet their residency obligations could lose permanent resident status.

If convicted of a serious crime, a permanent resident may be deported from Canada.

Pursuant to Immigration and Refugee Protection Act section 28, a permanent resident complies with the residency obligation provisions with respect to a five-year period if, for at least 730 days in that five-year period, the permanent resident is:

physically present in Canada

is outside Canada accompanying Canadian citizen who is their spouse or common-law partner or is a child accompanying a parent;

is outside Canada employed on a full-time basis by a Canadian business or in the public service of Canada or of a province;

is an accompanying spouse, common-law partner or child of a permanent resident who is outside Canada and is employed on a full-time basis by a Canadian business or in the public service of Canada or of a province.

Why was his application for Travel Document - Determination of Permanent Residency Status?

Technically, the said client actually stayed for more than 800 days in the five-year period immediately before the the date he filed his application for a Travel Document - Determination of Permanent Residency Status. He needed to apply for a travel document because his PR Card expired while in the Philippines. His application was refused because he failed to submit enough documents to support his residency in Canada for at least 730 days.

Supporting Documents to apply for Travel Document - Determination of Permanent Residency Status
The following documents may help you support your claim of residency in Canada:

your Revenue Canada Notice of Assessment(s) (NOA) including pages showing total income for the year in question

job attestation (employment certificate indicating the period covered)

pay stubs

bank statements

car registration / insurance

utility bills

medical prescriptions

apartment / car lease

Right to Appeal
The said client actually contacted me to seek help on his appeal.

Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act of Canada, a permanent resident have the right to appeal a decision made outside Canada by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) on his/her permanent residency obligation.

The said client was given 60 days to make an appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division.

For more information about Travel Document - Determination of Permanent Residency Status, click here

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Juana Tejada and the Live-in Caregivers' fight in Canada

The story of Juana Tejada may pave the way to the amendment of Canada's Live in Caregiver Program (LCP), particularly the two step medical screening requirement. Under this program, applicant has to pass a medical examination to get a Temporary Resident Visa/Work Permit and another test when applying for permanent residence after two years of service. Persons with medical condition that might reasonably be expected to cause excessive demands on health or social services are considered inadmissible.

On June 2003, Juana Tejada arrived in Canada as a live-in caregiver. Two years after, she filed an application for permanent residence and was granted an open work permit by the Citizenship and Immigration Canada. She was required to undergo medical screening prior to granting the permanent resident status. But it turned out that she had a stage IV colon cancer, thus, her application was refused.

This is where Juana Tejada's battle started.

Juana Tejada made an appeal citing humanitarian and compassionate consideration but was refused again. Citizenship and Immigration Canada later on acknowledged a procedural error on their part and her case was re-opened.

An online petition initiated by Mila and Oswald Magno reached the office of Prime Minister Harper and Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada.



Migrante - Ontario and the coalition that was formed to demand justice for Juana Tejada organized a picket rally in front of Citizenship and Immigration Canada's office in support of her. More pictures here.

Juana Tejada won the legal battle through the help of lawyer, Rafael Fabregas, and was granted a permanent resident status last year. She continued to advocate for the changes in the live-in caregiver program. Unfortunately, she lost the fight against cancer on March 8, 2009. She is considered a hero by her fellow live-in caregivers and other migrant workers.

The battle of caregivers and other migrant workers in Canada continues.

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Designated Medical Practitioners by Canadian Embassy Manila

If you are applying for Canada Visa that requires medical examination, the list of Designated Medical Practioners shall be provided to you together with your medical instruction.

But just the same, here's the list of Designated Medical Practitioners in the Philippines.

City	Name	Address	Telephone	Spoken Languages
Baguio City	Danilo Cacanindin	St. Louis University of the Sacred Heart, A. Bonifacio Road, Baguio City,	074 304 4049
Baguio City	Damaso C. Bangaoet III	NATIONWIDE HEALTH SYSTEMS BAGUIO,INC., Room No.1, Ground floor, EDY Building, 144 Kisad Road (BGH Rotonda), Baguio City, , 2600	(074) 426-4596
Cebu City	Alberto Santos	Room 302, Cebu Doctors College Administrative Offices, cor Don Jose Avila & Gov. M. Roa Sts., Cebu City, , 6000	(63-32) 254-4929	English
Cebu City	Maureen Magsaysay-Santos	Room 302, Cebu Doctor's College Admin. Offices, cor Don Jose Avila & Gov M. Roa Sts, Cebu City, , 6000	(63-032) 254-4929	English
Cebu City	Vanessa Anne Larida	Nationwide Health Systems Cebu Inc, Room 302 Jose C. Borromeo building, Cebu City, , 6000	63322386053	English
Davao	Ma. Evangeline Durban	Ricardo Limso Medical Centre, Ilustre Street, Davao,	(63-82) 226-4155	English
Davao	Parkash T. Mansukhani	Davao Doctor's Hospital, E. Quirino Ave, Davao, , 8000	(63-82) 224-1350	English
Makati City	Glenn Benitez	Nationwide Health Systems Inc., Unit 905, Medical Plaza Makati, Amorsolo St., Makati City,	(632) 750-5549	English
Makati City	Ramon de Jesus	Nationwide Health Systems Inc., Unit 905, Medical Plaza Makati, Amorsolo corner Dela Rosa St, Makati City,	(632) 750-5548 (632) 810-0785	English
Makati City	Eduardo M. Jamora	Comprehensive Pulmonary Clinic, 1311 Batangas St, Cor. Buendia Avenue, Makati City,	(632) 844 9961 (632) 728 9408	English
Makati City	Susana Camille Timbol-Sanchez	Rm 301 Midland Mansion, 839 Arnaiz St., Makati City,	(632) 817 7510
Manila	Redentor Asis	St Luke's Medical Center Extension Clinic, 1177 J. Bocobo St., Ermita, Manila,	(632) 526-0208	English

This list of Designated Medical Practitioners is subject to change at any time. Please refer to cic.gc.ca for the updated list.

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Medical Examination for Work Permit Applicants

A blog reader with a pending work permit application sent me an email. She have just received her file number and is asking me when is the right time to undergo medical examination.

Does work permit applicants have the option to chose when to take the medical examination?

Yes. Here's an excerpt from the the embassy cover letter for the medical instructions:

In order to expedite the processing of your application, you have the option of completing the medical examination before your interview takes place and/or your application is reviewed by an officer; however, please be advised that if your application is refused, the cost of the examination will not be refunded.

If you want an expedited process, it is best to undergo medical examination once you receive your file number and medical instructions. You must do this only if you think that you meet all the requirements and submitted verifiable supporting documents. The cost of medical examination if I think is now P3,000.00.

It is to your advantage if you will undergo medical examination soon. Consider the additional cost as your investment. And just like any other investment, expect a risk.

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World Autism Awareness Day

April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day.

Did you know…

Autism affects as many as 1 in 150 children and 1 in 94 boys

Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the world

More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with diabetes, cancer, & AIDS combined

Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism

There is no medical detection or cure for autism, but early diagnosis and intervention improve outcomes

Autism does not discriminate by geography, class, or ethnicity

If you're planning to apply for permanent residence in Canada, you should also know that it may cause refusal of your application.

Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act of Canada, an individual may be denied a visa, or refused entry to Canada for health reasons on the following grounds:

1.if their condition is likely to endanger public health or public safety

2.if their condition might reasonably be expected to cause excessive demands on health or social services

These are the guidelines being considered by a Visa Officer in making a decision whether an applicant is admissible to Canada or not. This, of course, shall be based on the evaluation of the Medical Officer conducting the medical examination. Any member of the family, accompanying or not, to be determined inadmissible to Canada may cause refusal of the application.

Autism may fall under the 2nd guideline and may be the basis for refusal. There are cases being refused because of autism and down syndrome. On the other hand, there is this case whose application was approved after an appeal was made. Bottomline is, it's the visa officer who will make the final decision.

If your looking for references, articles and discussion about autism and Canada Immigration, the following links may be of help.

'Autistics': We don't want a cure
The Autism Crisis
Autism Letter
Autism Society Canada
Autism's Edges

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