Australia PR for Pharmacists: Your Complete Guide to Permanent Residency

Australian PR or permanent residency now more accessible than ever, reasons being, the shortage of qualified pharmacists (especially in regional or rural areas), visa options like 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa which are a direct pathway for the PR, also the recent changes from November 2024, where the work experience for employer-sponsored visa has been reduced to 1 year from 2years.

With that said are you a qualified pharmacist, who is aspiring of a stable, rewarding career in Australia?
If yes, then having a sound knowledge from all the aspects is important for like, what is the licencing exam, step by step after the exam, registration process, visa aspects and the Permanent residency information etc.

In this blog let’s talk about:

• the PR pathways for pharmacists,

• eligibility,

• key exams like OPRA,

• visa options, and

• how you can turn your pharmacy career into a permanent future in Australia.

Why Australia Needs Pharmacists

Australia is undergoing a critical shortage of pharmacists, especially in rural and regional areas.

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, has conducted a study or a project called the Workforce Capability Project, according to which, the demand for skilled pharmacists is expected to rise significantly over the next decade.

Another reason is 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement (8CPA) now allows pharmacists to:

• Prescribe for 23+ medical conditions

• Take on expanded clinical roles

• Earn better remuneration

The increasing opportunities and the scope of practice makes Australia a highly popular option for international pharmacists.

Here are the steps to follow for your PR as a pharmacist:

Step 1: Pass the OPRA Exam

There are various steps before applying for a PR, starting with, you must get your documents evaluated by the regulatory board of Australia called Australian Pharmacy Council. For overseas-trained pharmacists (including from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal UAE, Philippines, Kenya etc.), the first step is:

Overseas pharmacists' Readiness Assessment or OPRA

· This exam is conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC)

At Elite Expertise, we help you clear OPRA confidently with:

• Live and recorded classes

• Study material and mock tests

Mentorship until you pass

Step 2: Apply for Skilled Migration Visas

OPRA exam is the gateway for entry into Australia. Once you are done with exam you must apply for Skilled migration visa and start your internship and then apply for general registration.

Here are the top visa options for pharmacists made easy for you at a glance:

Some important things to consider:

Occupation Lists: Pharmacist must be on the MLTSSL (Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List) or STSOL (Short-Term Skilled Occupation List) for certain visas like subclass 190.

Employer-Sponsored Visas (482/186)

• Pharmacists now require only 1 year of work experience (from Nov 2024)

• Sponsorships available through regional or community pharmacies

State Nomination Opportunities

Many states actively seek pharmacists for their nomination programs:

• South Australia: Frequently invites pharmacists via 491 and 190

• Queensland & Tasmania: Open to regional pharmacists

• New South Wales: Lists pharmacists on its skilled occupation list

Documents You’ll Need for PR Application

To apply for PR, you’ll need:

💡 Related Read:

A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding the OPRA Exam | Elite Expertise

We don’t just prepare you for exams — we prepare you for life in Australia.

Conclusion

Getting PR as a pharmacist in Australia is more achievable now than ever before — thanks to expanded visa options, reduced work experience requirements, and strong demand for healthcare professionals.

If you're ready to start your pharmacy career in Australia, take the first step today with Elite Expertise. We will help you from your very first step OPRA exam and until the Ahpra registration process. Our team is available 24*7 for your queries so why wait start today.

This blog is intended for informational purposes only and reflects the understanding and interpretation of the current visa and registration pathways as of June 2025. Immigration policies, visa criteria, and registration requirements are subject to change. Readers are strongly advised to verify all information with official government and regulatory bodies such as the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC), Department of Home Affairs, and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) before making any decisions. Elite Expertise does not provide immigration or legal advice but offers educational support to assist pharmacists in their licensure journey.

⚠️ Disclaimer

About the Author

Sahana Rao

Sahana Chinthapatla is renowned for her expertise in scientific and medical writing, backed by an MPharm in Pharmacology and years of experience in research analysis and scientific writing.

As the Head Business Writer at Elite Expertise, she provides insightful and well-researched content on KAPS, OPRA, PEBC, PSI and global pharmacy pathways, guiding aspiring pharmacists in their professional journeys.

Follow On

Head Business Writer | Elite Expertise