Top Visa to Migrate as a Pharmacist to Australia: Your Complete Guide

Pharmacists are in demand in Australia, and the country offers multiple visa pathways for qualified overseas pharmacists who are looking to start a career in the Australian healthcare sector.

Overseas trained pharmacists from India, the Philippines, Pakistan, or more are welcome in the Australian pharmacy industry who meet the requirements and registration criteria.

In this blog post, we will walk you through the top visa options for pharmacists migrating to Australia, the steps for the process, and how to kickstart your journey.

Table of contents:

1. Why are pharmacists in demand in Australia

2. Knowledge stream pathway of Assessment by the (APC)

3. Visa options to migrate to Australia as a Pharmacist

• Subclass 482: Temporary skill shortage

• Subclass 189: Skilled independent(permanent residence)

• Subclass 186: Employer Nomination Scheme

• Subclass 190: skilled nomination (permanent residence)

• Subclass 407: training visa

• Subclass 491: Skilled Work Regional Australia

• Subclass 494: Employer-sponsored regional

4. Visa comparison table

5. Conclusion

6. About Elite Expertise

7. Frequently asked questions

Why are Pharmacists in demand in Australia?

Qualified pharmacists are skilled healthcare professionals who are always in demand in Australia’s rapidly growing healthcare sector. The pharmacist profession (ANZSCO 251511) is on the Skilled Occupation list, making it eligible for a temporary skill shortage visa.

With the aging population and a shortage of local pharmacists, the country is actively welcoming overseas-trained pharmacists to contribute to its growing healthcare needs.

Knowledge stream assessment pathway by APC

Before you apply for a visa, you must complete the Pharmacy knowledge assessment through the APC. Candidates from countries such as India, the Philippines, Pakistan, Nepal, etc, come under this category and clear the eligibility criteria to practice in Australia's healthcare sector. There are various types of jobs available for foreign-registered pharmacists, such as a clinical pharmacist, a hospital pharmacist, and a retail pharmacist in Australia.

Steps include:

Initial skills evaluation process-Australian pharmacist knowledge assessment

Candidates are supposed to submit their academic transcripts, degree certificate, and identification document, such as a passport, to the candidates' portal on the APC website. Educational qualifications include B. Pharm, M. Pharm, or PharmD from an accredited university in the home country. They assess your qualification for substantial equivalence, which process involves submitting relevant documents to Australian standards.

Successfully cleared the OPRA Exam conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC)

The Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment (OPRA) exam is a knowledge-based exam conducted three times a year. It assesses whether you are ready for Australian pharmacy practice. There is no age limit to attempt this exam.

Receive a Skills assessment Outcome letter from the APC for an overseas pharmacist

After clearing the OPRA Exam, you will receive an outcome letter from the pharmacy board, which is a mandatory document for a skilled migration visa application.

Registration Process for Pharmacists in Australia

• All qualified pharmacists must register with the Pharmacy Board of Australia (AHPRA).

• Candidates may be required to complete an International Criminal History Check before registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia.

• Candidates in the knowledge stream must complete an internship following the procedures of an approved program.

• The Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS) exam is required for international pharmacists.

• Candidates in the competency stream must pass the Competency Assessment of Overseas Pharmacists (CAOP) Examination.

• Candidates must complete a period of supervised practice in Australia with their new employer.

• Upon completion of the required supervised practice hours, candidates can obtain their general registration.

• The registration assessment includes oral and/or written exams to assess a candidate's knowledge of pharmacy law and ethics.

Visa Options to Migrate to Australia as an Indian Pharmacist in the knowledge stream

The skilled migration visa options for pharmacists include Subclass 190, Subclass 491, Subclass 482, Subclass 494, and Subclass 407.

Qualified Pharmacists applying through a state nomination can apply for Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas, which only require prior pharmacy qualification but may not require prior work experience.

Skilled pharmacists can apply for the General Skilled Migration under the Australian government after passing the KAPS exam and meeting the English proficiency requirements.

Permanent residency allows pharmacists or skilled workers to sponsor relatives to Australia if eligible.

Temporary Skills Shortage visa (Subclass 482)

• Type: temporary (2-4 years)-employer sponsorship for a rewarding career

• Requirement: sponsorship by an Australian employer for the visa application process

• Benefit: work and live in Australia with the option to transition to PR Later

• The Subclass 482 visa is known as the Temporary Skilled Shortage Visa for pharmacists.

Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189)

• Type: permanent residency

• Point-based: yes (minimum 65 points)-should get visa nomination from Home Affairs

• No Sponsorship required

Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186)

• Type: permanent residency

• Requirement: employer nomination

• Pathway: direct PR for an eligible professional

Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)

• Type: PR Through state nomination

• Point based-yes

• Requirement: Nomination by a state/ territory

Training visa (subclass 407)

• Type: temporary (training)

• Purpose: undergo supervised training for registration

• Eligibility: Pharmacists needing workplace-based practice

• The Subclass 407 visa is a Training Visa available to qualified pharmacists who meet certain conditions post-KAPS exam.

Skilled work regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)

• Type: regional visa (5 years)

• Point-based: yes

• PR pathway: eligible after 3 years of regional stay

Skilled Employer-sponsored regional visa (subclass 494)

• Type: The Subclass 494 visa is designed to address regional skill shortages and offers a pathway to permanent residency for pharmacists.

• After three years on the Subclass 494 visa, pharmacists can apply for the Skilled Regional 191 Permanent Residency visa.

• Obtaining a positive skills assessment from the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) is a prerequisite for the Subclass 494 visa.

• Applicants for the Subclass 494 visa must have a job offer from an approved Australian employer in a designated regional area.

• Applicants must be under 45 years of age when applying for the Subclass 494 visa.

• PR pathway: after 3 years of regional stay and work under a particular sponsored employer

• Applicants for the Subclass 494 visa typically need a minimum of three years of relevant work experience.

• Demonstrating competent English skills is a requirement for the Subclass 494 visa application.

Choosing the right visa to migrate as an overseas pharmacist to Australia-comparison table

Career Opportunities For Pharmacists in Australia

Pharmacists are in high demand in Australia due to a progressive shortage of healthcare professionals in the country. Pharmacists in Australia can work in various roles, including community pharmacies, hospitals, and educational institutions. The role of retail pharmacists in Australia is evolving to include expanded clinical services like health checks and medication management.

Challenges & Considerations for Migrating Pharmacists

• The skills assessment process can be rigorous and time-consuming, requiring detailed documentation of qualifications and work experience.

• Pharmacists must work in a full-time position for at least three years on the Subclass 494 visa before applying for permanent residency.

• The Australian healthcare system demands that pharmacists adapt to local practices and regulations upon migration.

• Finding an approved employer willing to sponsor a Subclass 494 visa can be challenging, especially in highly competitive fields.

• The application process for the Subclass 494 visa involves several steps that must be carefully followed to ensure a successful outcome.

• International pharmacists may face cultural adjustments and integration challenges when migrating to Australia.

English Language Requirement for Pharmacists in Australia

• The English language proficiency requirement is a non-negotiable aspect of the migration process for pharmacists.

• Pharmacists can demonstrate English proficiency by taking approved tests such as IELTS or PTE.

• The required IELTS score for registration as a pharmacist in Australia is typically a minimum of 6.0.

• The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is recognized as an alternative to the IELTS for demonstrating English proficiency.

• Achieving the required English test scores is necessary for effective communication in the healthcare sector.

• The typical minimum score required for each component of the IELTS test is 7.0 for pharmacists, considering all components.

• Pharmacists must obtain a positive skills assessment from the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) to register.

Conclusion: on the immigration process

If you're a pharmacist aspiring to migrate to Australia, there’s never been a better time. With a shortage of skilled professionals, multiple visa options, and a clear pathway to Permanent Residency, Australia offers excellent career and lifestyle opportunities. Choose the visa that fits your current experience, goals, and location preference.

About Elite Expertise

Elite Expertise is a globally recognized training institution dedicated to helping overseas pharmacists successfully clear the OPRA Exam and achieve registration in Australia.

Why Choose Elite Expertise?

• Expert-led OPRA coaching programs

• Comprehensive study materials & mock exams

• Online and flexible learning options

• Proven success rate among international pharmacists in Australia

• Student support & visa guidance
  
  From exam preparation to registration and migration support, Elite Expertise stands by your side at every step of your Australian pharmacy journey.

Contact us at: contact@eliteexpertise.org

Visit: www.eliteexpertise.org

About the Author

Krupa Karamchand

Content Writer | Elite Expertise

Krupa Karamchand is a B. Pharm graduate and KAPS-qualified pharmacist with over 7 years of experience in the pharmaceutical field. As an experienced SEO content writer, she combines her in-depth healthcare knowledge with proven digital strategies to create informative, engaging, and search engine–optimized blogs. Krupa is passionate about making complex medical topics easy to understand and accessible to all readers.

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