Australia is facing a shortage of pharmacists, creating opportunities for pharmacists from overseas to relocate and secure jobs. This article will guide you through the process of migrating to Australia as a pharmacist in 2024.
Eligibility Criteria for Pharmacist Migration
To be eligible for migration to Australia as a pharmacist, you must have at least three years of professional experience. Additionally, your country of birth will determine other criteria you must meet.
Visa Options for Pharmacists
Immigrant pharmacists are finding permanent residency appealing in Australia due to the 190 and 491 visa subclasses.
Knowledge Assessment in Pharmaceutical Science (KAPS)
Before you can register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and obtain a qualified visa to work and live in Australia, you must pass the initial assessment of your skills followed by the KAPS examination test. The KAPS test is a measure of your knowledge and understanding of the pharmaceutical sciences and is necessary to prove that you can perform your job safely and efficiently in an Australian environment.
Skilled Visa Processing Priorities for Applicants
If your occupation is on the Skilled visa processing priorities., you will receive priority processing for nominations and visa applications in the following categories:
- Subclass 482 Temporary Skill & Shortage visa (TSS visa)
- Subclass 494 Skilled Employer-Sponsored Region visa
- Subclass 187 Regional Sponsored Migratory Scheme (RSMS) visa
If your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL), you will receive priority processing for nominations and visa applications in the following categories:
- Subclass 482 Temporary Skill & Shortage visa (TSS visa)
- Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
- Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa
Steps for the Immigration Process
1. Register with the Pharmacy Board of Australia
Every pharmacist practising in Australia must be registered with the Pharmacy Board of Australia. This may require an International Criminal History Check, which can be conducted by a licensed ICHC provider and is valid for three months from the date of issue.
2. Apply for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional 491 Visa)
Pharmacists looking to migrate to Australia permanently must seek employment with a company recognized by the Regional Certifying Body of the designated region. The employer must be located in a regional area, not in Brisbane, Sydney, or Melbourne, and the job must not be part-time. Candidates must be 45 years old, have three years of relevant full-time employment experience, and be able to communicate in English (IELTS 6.0).
3. Pass the Australian Pharmacy Council Exam
Applications will be reviewed by the Australian Pharmacy Council through the knowledge stream or competency stream. Candidates who completed their education in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, or the UK are eligible for the knowledge stream and must pass the Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS) test. Candidates who completed their degree in pharmacy from Canada, Ireland, or the UK are qualified for the competency stream and must pass the Competency Assessment of Overseas Pharmacists Examination (CAOP) along with an eligibility test. Both the KAPS and CAOP exams cost $1,450 each.
4. Complete a Period of Supervision
Once all prerequisites are met, candidates can begin supervision in Australia assigned by their employer. After completing 75% of the hours of practice and the competency stream, candidates will be eligible for the Pharmacy Board’s assessment for registration. This may include written or oral tests to assess their comprehension and knowledge of the law governing pharmacy. Upon completion of supervision hours, candidates are eligible to apply for their General Registration.
5. Apply for Permanent Residency
Candidates are eligible to apply for the Skilled Regional (Permanent) Visa (subclass 191) after meeting all requirements. This VISA is valid for five years from the date of the application, and pharmacists can apply in three years. Pharmacists do not require nomination from their employers and are able to work and stay in Australia for a long time. They may also sponsor relatives to Australia and apply for citizenship if eligible.
Types of Pharmacist Jobs in Australia
Australia has several opportunities for pharmacists, including hospital pharmacists, retail pharmacists, and industrial pharmacists.
Hospital Pharmacist
A pharmacist in a hospital prepares and dispenses drugs, pharmaceuticals, and medications. Registration or licensing is mandatory.
Retail Pharmacist
Retail pharmacists inform customers about the importance of health promotion, disease prevention, and proper use of medication. They may also offer non-prescription medications and related products. Registration or licensing is necessary.
Industrial Pharmacist
Industrial pharmacists inform patients about the importance of health promotion, disease prevention, and proper usage of medicines. They may also offer non-prescription medications and related products. Registration or licensing is necessary.
Final words
Migrating to Australia as a pharmacist can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By following the necessary steps, pharmacists can establish a successful career in a country that values and supports their profession.
You can also work with a registered migration agent or lawyer to ensure a smooth and successful application process.