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Australia PR for Pharmacists: Your Complete Guide to Permanent Residency
Can one exam really open doors to PR, high-paying jobs & a future in Australia for pharmacists? Discover the OPRA secret that every Indian pharmacist must know.
Sahana
6/27/20253 min read


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:

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.
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Disclaimer
Elite Expertise is an online education platform dedicated solely to providing coaching and preparation services for the OPRA, PEBC, PSI and PTE exams. We do not offer any sponsorship or migration services. All information provided on our platform is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal or immigration advice. For inquiries regarding sponsorship, visa applications, or migration services, please consult with licensed immigration professionals or relevant authorities.