Migration Agents for Pharmacists

Why Pharmacists Choose Australia

Australia has a strong demand for pharmacists, particularly in regional and rural areas where pharmacy services are limited. Pharmacists enjoy competitive salaries ranging from $70,000 to $110,000 per year, with rural incentives and loading that can push total packages higher. The profession is well-regulated and respected, with opportunities in community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, and the pharmaceutical industry.

Visa Options for Pharmacists

Pharmacists can access all major skilled visa pathways. The Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) visa is available since pharmacy is on the MLTSSL. The Subclass 190 (State Nominated) visa offers 5 extra points and is popular for pharmacists willing to live in specific states. The Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visa provides 15 extra points for regional areas, where pharmacists are in particularly high demand. Employer-sponsored pathways via Subclass 482 and 186 are also common.

Skills Assessment for Pharmacists

The Australian Pharmacy Council (APhC) conducts skills assessments for pharmacists. The process involves submitting your qualifications for review, and most overseas-trained pharmacists must pass the Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS) exam. This exam tests competency across pharmacology, pharmaceutics, and pharmaceutical chemistry. The process typically takes 3-6 months from initial application to exam completion. You must also demonstrate English proficiency with IELTS 7.0 in each band or equivalent.

Why Use a Migration Agent for Pharmacy Visas

The pharmacy migration pathway involves multiple steps that must be sequenced correctly: APhC skills assessment, KAPS exam preparation and scheduling, AHPRA registration, and the visa application itself. A migration agent experienced in healthcare visas can advise on the optimal order of these steps, help you understand whether to pursue a skills assessment before or after sitting the KAPS, and guide you through state nomination options. Mistakes in sequencing can add 6-12 months to your timeline.

How Much Does a Migration Agent Cost for Pharmacists?

Migration agent fees for pharmacist visa applications typically range from $3,000 to $6,000 for a standard Subclass 189 or 190 application. This usually covers initial assessment, skills assessment guidance, visa application preparation, and lodgement. Employer-sponsored applications may cost $4,000-$7,000 depending on complexity. Always get a written cost agreement and check the agent is MARA-registered before engaging them.

AHPRA Registration

To practise as a pharmacist in Australia, you must be registered with the Pharmacy Board of Australia through AHPRA. The registration process requires completion of the KAPS exam, an intern year (or supervised practice), and the oral examination. Some visa pathways allow you to enter Australia to complete these requirements, while others require full registration before the visa is granted. Your migration agent should advise on the correct pathway.

Relevant Visa Pathways

Find Agents by State

Browse migration agents who handle pharmacists visa applications in each Australian state and territory.

Frequently Asked Questions