How to immigrate as a pharmacist to Australia in 2023
Pharmacists who are keen on starting a career in Australia can now do so, with the possibility of obtaining permanent residency after three years of practice. However, candidates need to meet some requirements, including a term of supervised practice, depending on their place of origin.
Australia is experiencing a significant shortage of pharmacists, making it a great opportunity for foreign pharmacists to immigrate and work in the country.
Visa Subclasses
There are two visa subclasses available for pharmacists interested in migrating to Australia, 494 and 191. The 494 visa is suitable for foreign pharmacists who want to move to Australia with a VISA and get a road to permanent residency. To achieve this, pharmacists must work for a company that has received the nod from the regional certifying body in the designated region and offer adequate employment.
The following prerequisites must also be satisfied:
The employer must be in Australia’s approved regional areas (not Brisbane, Sydney, or Melbourne).
The position must be full-time and anticipated to be open for three years before the applicant applies for a 191 Visa to become a permanent resident.
The retail pharmacy must be on the list of occupations, which it is right now.
Candidates must be under 45, have at least three years of full-time, relevant job experience, and be able to speak English with proficiency before lodging (IELTS 6.0).
Both steps must be finished simultaneously, and success in one does not ensure success in the other.
Steps to Follow
Become a member of the Australian Pharmacy Board.
The Pharmacy Board of Australia requires all licensed pharmacists to register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Additionally, you might need to submit an international criminal history check. The check will be performed by an ICHC-approved supplier and is suitable for three months after the date of issuance. Candidates must be registered before the check is finished.
Become certified by the Australian Pharmacy Council
The Australian Pharmacy Council may process applications through the knowledge or competency streams. Candidates for the knowledge stream are required to complete an internship following the guidelines of a recognized program.
Candidates who earned their degree in a nation other than Australia, Canada, Ireland, the UK, New Zealand, or the US are eligible for the knowledge stream.
The skill assessment framework requires passing the first eligibility check and the Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS) exam. The exam price is AU$2,140, and the eligibility test is AU$1,290.
Candidates who earned their pharmacy degree in Canada, Ireland, the UK, or the US are eligible for the competency stream. Candidates who are now enrolled in one of these nations are also covered.
Candidates for the competency stream must also pass the Competency Assessment of Overseas Pharmacists (CAOP) Examination and an eligibility test. The price for the eligibility test is AU$1,290, and the exam is AU$1,870.
Finish the supervised practice phase.
After meeting all the requirements mentioned above, candidates can continue to finish their supervised practice in Australia with their new company, which will supply a preceptor. Candidates in the competency and knowledge streams can take a registration assessment under the direction of the Pharmacy Board after completing 75% of the practice hours. The evaluation will gauge a candidate’s understanding of pharmacy law and ethics through oral and written exams.
Candidates can now receive their general registration and immigrate to Australia as pharmacists after finishing the necessary supervised practice hours.
Conclusion
Immigrating as a pharmacist to Australia in 2023 is possible, but it requires meeting specific requirements. The steps outlined in this article include becoming a member of the Australian Pharmacy Board, applying for a VISA subclass 494, becoming certified by the Australian Pharmacy Council, and completing the supervised practice phase. While the process may seem daunting, obtaining permanent residency and the opportunity to advance your career in Australia make it a worthwhile endeavor.
FAQs:
Can foreign pharmacists immigrate to Australia?
Yes, foreign pharmacists can immigrate to Australia, but they must meet certain requirements.
What are the requirements for immigrating as a pharmacist to Australia?
The requirements include becoming a member of the Australian Pharmacy Board, applying for a VISA subclass 494, becoming certified by the Australian Pharmacy Council, and completing the supervised practice phase.
How long does it take to obtain permanent residency as a pharmacist in Australia?
Foreign pharmacists can obtain permanent residency after three years of practice in Australia.