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Maximize Your Visa Points & Build a Pharmacy Career in Australia

Are you an aspiring pharmacist looking to practice in Australia? Have you completed the OPRA exam (formerly KAPS) conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC)? If you're wondering about the next steps in your journey, this guide will help you navigate visa options and strategies to maximize your points, making your path to Australia smoother.

Visa Options for Overseas Pharmacists in Australia

The General Skilled Migration (GSM) program offers overseas-trained pharmacists a fantastic opportunity to live and work in Australia permanently. It includes different visa subclasses, each catering to various circumstances:

Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa): No sponsorship required.

Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa): Requires state or territory nomination, adding 5 extra points.

Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa): Ideal for regional work, offering 15 additional points upon state or regional nomination.

Strategies to Maximize Your Visa Points

1. Age Criteria

Age plays a crucial role in visa point calculation:

18-24 years: 25 points

25-32 years: 30 points (maximum for age)

33-39 years: 25 points

40-45 years: 15 points

Above 45 years: 0 points

2. English Language Proficiency

Higher proficiency in English tests such as PTE, IELTS, or TOEFL can significantly boost your points:

Superior English (PTE 79+ / IELTS Band 8+): 20 points

Proficient English (PTE 70-78 / IELTS Band 7): 10 points

Competent English (PTE <65 / IELTS Band 6): 0 points

3. Work Experience

Points are awarded based on your relevant work experience:

Overseas Work Experience:

3 years: 5 points

5 years: 10 points

8 years: 15 points

Australian Work Experience:

1 year: 5 points

3 years: 10 points

5 years: 15 points

8 years: 20 points

4. Skills Assessment (OPRA Exam)

The OPRA exam is a mandatory step for overseas pharmacists. Passing this exam validates your qualifications and is essential for registration in Australia.

5. Educational Qualifications

Points are awarded based on academic achievements:

Doctorate: 20 points

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree: 15 points

A degree closely aligned with pharmacy enhances your success prospects.

6. Regional Study

Studying in regional Australia for at least two years earns 5 extra points and may lead to additional visa opportunities through the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS).

7. Professional Year in Australia

Completing a Professional Year (PY) program related to pharmacy in Australia adds 5 points to your PR application. Those on a Subclass 407 Training Visa can claim these points after completing their training.

8. Partner Points

Your marital status and your partner’s qualifications can impact your points:

Single or married to an Australian citizen: 10 points

Partner’s occupation on the Skilled Occupation List, meeting age and English requirements: 10 points

Partner with competent English (PTE 60+ / IELTS Band 6+): 5 points (even if their occupation is not on the Skilled Occupation List)

9. State Sponsorship Points

Subclass 190 Visa: 5 additional points for state nomination.

Subclass 491 Visa: 15 additional points for state or regional nomination.

Conclusion: Take the Next Step Toward Your Pharmacy Career in Australia

To enhance your chances of qualifying for a GSM visa, focus on improving your English proficiency, gaining relevant work experience, and completing regional studies or a professional year in Australia. These steps not only boost your visa points but also strengthen your career prospects in Australia’s thriving pharmacy sector.

At Elite Expertise, we offer tailored support for the OPRA exam and guidance throughout the registration and migration process. Take the first step toward a successful pharmacy career in Australia today!