Pharmacy in Canada is a regulated field wherein applicants have to fulfill certain criteria & be licensed by the appropriate regulatory authority. Here’s how one can move to Canada as a Pharmacist. 

Well, Pharmacists play an important role in the healthcare system in Canada. They are accountable for dispensing medications, offering medication counseling, & collaborating with numerous healthcare professionals.

Today, we will discuss various immigration pathways via which you can move to Canada as a Pharmacist. 

So, without further ado, let us begin!

Job Prospects & Salary Of Pharmacists In Canada 

Pharmacists in Canada have numerous job opportunities, with positions available in community pharmacies, long-term care facilities, hospital pharmacies, & other healthcare settings. 

In addition, Pharmacists in Canada also have the opportunity to advance their careers via specialization & management positions. They can specialize in areas like oncology, geriatrics, pediatrics, etc., & can also pursue management roles in pharmacy operations. 

As far as job prospects are concerned, the Pharmacy industry has a high demand for professionals. According to the Canada Job Bank, this period will call for around 12,500 new job openings for pharmacists. 

On the other hand, over 16,600 new job seekers will be competing for these job vacancies. Therefore, there is an excess demand for pharmacist jobs in Canada & if you wish to secure a job, searching for a job as early as in your application process will ultimately be beneficial.

Now, regarding the salaries of pharmacists in Canada, the amount might vary from province to province. Moreover, pharmacists can earn an average base salary of 146,567 CAD every year. In addition, a pharmacist in the US earns up to 174,839 CAD. 

Well, salary can vary based on factors like location, practice setting, & the level of experience. 

How To Move To Canada As A Pharmacist 

Moving to Canada can be a fulfilling & meaningful experience. Well, here’s how you can move to Canada as a Pharmacist. 

  • Step 1: Check Eligibility

Applicants need to conduct necessary research when applying for an immigration program/ profession. Moreover, applicants must ensure that they meet the criteria & have the right credentials to validate the information you have provided. 

Alternatively, applicants can also request the help of RCICs to find their eligibility as a pharmacist. 

  • Step 2: Have Accredited Qualifications 

Applicants need to ensure that they can meet the criteria with the apt qualifications & that they align with the Canadian standard.

What Is An ECA? 

Similar to different professions that can do their ECA via companies like WES, pharmacists should have their degrees verified through the PEB, i.e., the Pharmacy Examining Board Of Canada. 

The ECA proves that an applicant’s qualification is equal to Canadian standards. In addition, it is vital to note that it takes around eight weeks to get your ECA. 

Once an applicant applies for an ECA, they do not need to worry about the Evaluation Examination, which they will be required to take once they arrive in Canada. 

  • Step 3: Find The Suitable Immigration Program

If you wish to become a permanent resident, you must earn Canadian PR as a pharmacist & determine which immigration programs & categories you can apply under. Out of Canada’s 80 PNP streams, programs, & pilots, the following demonstrates the best provincial immigration pathways that can be helpful to move to Canada as a pharmacist. 

  • Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program 

The MPNP has an in-demand list of professions, which includes pharmacists. Because it functions under the Express Entry system, applicants are likely to obtain an ITA. In addition, Express Entry is one of the top pathways to apply to a PNP. Applicants can apply directly to Manitoba PNP for in-demand professions without using the Express Entry system at any point. 

In addition, applicants must also ensure they have excellent French language abilities as more emphasis is placed on French than English. 

Furthermore, if an applicant scores a seven on the CLB test for reading, writing, speaking, & listening, then they could easily apply for the program. 

  • Express Entry Federal Skilled Worker Class

The FSWP will enable one to move to Canada as a pharmacist. However, applicants have to pass the selection criteria set out in the program. This criteria will take into account an applicant’s education, language skills, age, work experience, adaptability, & arranged employment. 

What Are The Required Documents? 

The documents you need will vary & depend upon the nation an applicant is born in or presently living in. Here is the list of documents required 

  • Biometric
  • Medical examination by a Canadian Panel of Physician approved doctor 
  • Language test results for TEF or IELTS
  • ID
  • Birth records
  • Police clearance certificates
  • ECA 

What’s Next? 

If an applicant passes the basic requirements for the program, the application will be entered into the Express Entry pool. When an applicant enters the pool, the application is awarded scores using the CRS, which is based on factors like: 

  • Educate
  • Language Capability 
  • Age
  • Provincial Nomination
  • Profession
  • Valid Employment Offer
  • Adaptability Factors 

  • British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program

In case an applicant is a clinical pharmacist, then they can apply for the BC PNP.

To begin with, applicants have to complete an online application with the help of a consultant via the BC PNP. Further, they have to apply as a healthcare professional. Under this program, applicants must: 

  • Have a valid employment offer from a British Columbian employer.
  • Qualify for any one of the three federal programs via Express Entry. 
  • Qualify to work in present professions. 
  • Meet the minimum language requirements. 
  • Have a minimum of two years of work experience as a clinical pharmacist.

Once an applicant completes their online application on the official site of BC PNP, they will be given a score based on their profession as well as experience. If applicants score high enough, they could get an ITA to apply for Canadian PR.    

  • Step 4: Search For A Job & Use Legal Job Sites 

Below are some of the genuine & highly reputable job sites that applicants can utilize when searching for in-demand professions: 

  • Indeed
  • Glassdoor
  • Canada Job Bank
  • Jobboom

Applicants need to double-check the requirements of the job & ensure that they can meet them before applying. 

Finally, applicants also need to ensure that they stay truthful in the information they provide & that all supporting documents are in place. Failure to do so will lead to delayed processing times, resulting in the return of the application. 

Benefits Of Being A Pharmacist In Canada 

Working as a pharmacist in Canada can be very advantageous. Here are some of the benefits of the same: 

  • A competitive Salary 

Pharmacists in Canada have the most competitive salaries. The annual base salary of a pharmacist is 146,567 CAD, depending upon the applicant’s work experience and the province they immigrate to. Thus, pharmacists in Canada can earn anywhere between 143,848 CAD to 160,324 CAD. 

  • Excellent Healthcare 

As permanent residents of Canada, pharmacists are well acquainted with the healthcare benefits of Canada’s healthcare system. This includes free medical screenings, MRI scans, check-ups, etc.

  • A High Standard Of Living 

According to the UN Human Development Report, the Human Development Index is 0.963, which puts Canada in the top 15 nation’s list with the highest standard of living. This ranking is based on the nation’s top credentials in affordable housing, healthcare provision, & low unemployment rates. As a pharmacist in Canada, applicants will be entitled to these benefits. 

Conclusion 

Pharmacists in Canada have the opportunity to work in numerous practice settings & specialize in areas of interest. Moreover, pharmacists in Canada are highly reputed & considered vital members of the healthcare system. They play an integral role in ensuring that patients obtain safe & effective medication treatment.     

Thus, to move to Canada as a pharmacist effortlessly, applicants must adhere to the steps mentioned above, opt for a more suitable immigration program, & fulfill its eligibility criteria.