Canada Immigration for Pharmacy Skilled Workers

In Canada, the healthcare system depends greatly on skilled workers such as pharmacists to ensure the health and wellness of the population. Over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in the need for pharmacists due to a variety of factors, resulting in a rewarding and potentially lucrative career path for those interested in this profession.

List of Pharmacy Skilled Workers Eligible for Express Entry

After recent Express Entry changes, the following list of pharmacy skilled workers are now eligible for Express Entry to Canada:

Canada PR Pathways for Pharmacy Skilled Workers

1. Express Entry FSW Program

Under the Express Entry system, the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) allows qualified pharmacists to apply for permanent residency based on their skills, experiences, language proficiency and other criteria. The candidate must score 67 out of 100 points based on the selection requirements (education, experience, language proficiency, planned work, etc.).

• Skilled Work Experience: Have at least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time skilled work experience as a pharmacist in Canada or abroad within the last 10 years.
• Language Ability: Demonstrate proficiency in English or French through approved language tests (writing, reading, listening, speaking).
• Education: Obtain an educational credential assessment (ECA) to prove the equivalence of your foreign education to Canadian standards.
• Selection Factors: Score points based on age, education, work experience, adaptability, and arranged employment.
• Proof of Funds: Show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family during your initial stay in Canada.

Specific Categories

1. Pharmacy Technicians (NOC 32124): Pharmacy technicians are also eligible. They must have at least two years of full-time work experience in their skilled trade within the last 5 years.
2. Pharmacy Technical Assistants and Pharmacy Assistants (NOC 33103): These roles involve technical tasks for preparing medications under a pharmacist’s supervision.

Healthcare Occupations Category for Pharmacy Assistants

You may be eligible under this category if you’re a pharmacy assistant. You need at least six months of continuous work experience in Canada or abroad within the past three years in one of the eligible occupations, which can include pharmacy assistants.

NOC TEER Codes

• Pharmacy technicians fall under NOC 32124, primarily concerned with professional health services such as pharmacy and nutrition.
• Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants are categorized under NOC 33103, performing technical tasks related to preparing medications under a pharmacist’s supervision.

2. BC PNP Skills Immigration (Health Authority)

BC PNP Health Authority stream is under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) for healthcare professionals and provides a pathway to permanent residence for healthcare professionals working in a health authority in British Columbia.

The BCPNP program allows a faster application process than the traditional visa process. Furthermore, the candidates receive 600 points (out of a maximum of 1200) in their Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score by being nominated by the province of British Columbia. An eligible candidate first submits an online form via BC PNP Online under the Health Authority stream.

Eligibility Criteria

You must have one of the following:

• An indeterminate (no defined end date) full-time job offer from a B.C. public health authority.
• A letter from a health authority or midwife practice group confirming that you are a physician, nurse practitioner, or midwife in British Columbia.

Application Process

You do not need to register for this stream. You can apply directly to the BC PNP if you meet the eligibility requirements.

Requirements

• At least two years of relevant work experience in the healthcare industry.
• Meeting other program-specific requirements.

3. Manitoba Provincial Nomination Program (MPNP) for In-Demand Occupations

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) lists pharmacists among its in-demand occupations. Eligible candidates must register under the Express Entry system, which gives them a better chance of being nominated through Express Entry draws.

The program emphasizes language proficiency, especially French, as the authorized French result is given more weight than certified English test results. The minimum CLB 7 score is required to receive a nomination for this program.

Eligibility Criteria

• Work Experience: You must have relevant work experience as a pharmacist. The MPNP typically requires at least one year of experience, but specific requirements may vary.
• Language Proficiency: Demonstrate proficiency in English or French by providing valid language test results (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF).
• Education: You should have completed a pharmacy degree from a recognized institution.
• Adaptability: Factors such as connections to Manitoba (family, friends, previous education, work experience) contribute to your adaptability score.

Other PNP Programs

Each province and territory in Canada has its own PNP streams with unique requirements. Some may have specific streams for healthcare professionals, including pharmacists.

• Saskatchewan International Skilled Worker Hard-to-Fill Skills Pilot
• OINP Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream
• Alberta Advantage Immigration Program: Opportunity Stream

Requirements for Foreign Pharmacists in Canada

1. Educational Credential Evaluation

• Candidates must evaluate their educational credentials through the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC).
• The evaluation process involves submitting educational certificates, academic transcripts, and other relevant documents.

2. Language Proficiency

• Candidates need to demonstrate proficiency in English or French, the two official languages of Canada.
• They must appear for language proficiency tests such as IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) and achieve appropriate scores.

3. PEBC Examinations

• International candidates must pass the following PEBC examinations:
• Evaluating Exam (EE): This assesses knowledge of pharmacy practice in Canada.
• Qualifying Exam (MCQ and OSCE): The MCQ (Multiple-Choice Question) component evaluates theoretical knowledge, while the OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) assesses practical skills and competencies.

4. Structured Practical Training (SPT)

• Some Canadian provinces may require international pharmacists to complete a period of practice experience or internship.
• This experience is known as the Structured Practical Training (SPT) program.
• Candidates should refer to individual provincial guidelines to understand the specific requirements for participating in the SPT program.

5. Licensure

• Once candidates have fulfilled the above criteria, they become eligible for licensure.
• Licensure is granted by the provincial regulatory body in the province where the candidate intends to practice.

If you’re seeking guidance on Canada Express Entry, connect with our team of experts for their professional advice.