Types of Visas
For pharmacists, there are a total of 5 Visa types that can be your gateway to enter Australia.
 General Skilled Migration Visa under subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa),
Subclass 491 (Regional Sponsored Visa),
Subclass 482 (Temporary Skilled Shortage Visa),
Subclass 494 (Skilled employer-sponsored regional Visa, and
Subclass 407 (Training visa).
To become a pharmacist in Australia, you need to follow a step-by-step procedure that will help you pursue your dream of becoming a registered immigrant pharmacist.
Steps Involved for Overseas-Trained Pharmacists to Migrate to Australia
- Initial skill assessment
- KAPS Exam Preparation
- English Proficieny Test
General Skilled Migration Visa Under Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa)
This Visa is for the skilled workforce that migrates to Australia. Once you fulfil the requirements, you’ll be eligible to avail of permanent residency for the Skilled Nominated Subclass in Australia.
The Subclass 190 Visa, commonly known as the Skilled Nominated Visa, is a points-tested Visa created for skilled labourers who have received a nomination from a state or territory government in Australia. This Visa is part of the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, which aims to address the country's skills shortages by attracting qualified professionals from around the world.
You must have at least 65 points to apply for a Visa. The state gives you 5 points for a Vubclass 190 Visa. For example, if you applied at 65 points and the state gave you 5 points for visa sponsorship, your application will be accessed at 70 points.
Key Features of the Subclass 190 Visa
State or Territory Nomination:
- For meeting the eligibility requirements for the Subclass 190 Visa, applicants must first be nominated by a specific Australian state or territory. Each region has its own list of occupations in demand, and the nomination process involves demonstrating that your skills align with the needs of that particular region.
Points-Based System:
- Like many other Australian Visas, the subclass 190 visa operates on a points-based system. Points are distributed based on factors such as age, English language proficiency, work experience, and education qualifications. Meeting the minimum point requirement is crucial for a successful application.
Occupation List:
- Applicants must choose an occupation from the relevant skilled occupation list that matches their skills and qualifications. The selected occupation should be on the Combined List of Eligible Skilled Occupations, which is regularly updated by the Australian government.
Skill Assessment:
- Prior to applying for the subclass 190 visa, applicants must undergo a skill assessment for their nominated occupation. This process is conducted by the relevant assessing authority for the chosen occupation and ensures that the applicant's skills meet Australian standards.
Invitation to Apply:
- Once nominated by a state or territory and having met the minimum points requirement, applicants may receive an invitation to apply for the Subclass 190 Visa. It is important to submit a complete and accurate application within the specified timeframe.
What is the Maximum Age Limit for Australian PR?
Same as per other Skilled Visa types, Subclass 190 is only for main applicants under the age of 45 before the time when they receive the invitation to apply.
General Skilled Migration Visa Under Subclass 190
Under the General Skilled Migration Visa Under Subclass 190, the Visa holder:
- Is eligible for permanent stay
- May apply for permanent citizenship for eligible applicants
- Work and study anywhere in Australia
- Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
- Must pass the skill assessment to qualify for this Visa (KAPS Exam)
- Travel to and from Australia for five years
- Stay indefinitely in Australia
For citizenship purposes, your permanent residency starts on the day:
- You've been granted the Visa if you are in Australia (onshore candidates)
- You get to enter Australia on this Visa if you are an outsider (offshore candidate)
Subclass 190 Visa Costs
Main applicant fee: 4240 AUD
Dependents: 2120 AUD (Applicable for 18 years and above)
1060 AUD (Applicable for 18 years and below)
Family members who seek a Visa must be in good health and have a moral personality. Family members who are not travelling with you to Australia may also be required to meet health and character requirements.
Can Pharmacists Apply For Subclass 190 Visa?
- The Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS) exam must be passed. After passing KAPS, the candidate will obtain a skill assessment letter from the Australian Pharmacy Council. Based on this document, you can file an Expression of interest (EOI) for a Subclass 190 Visa in the state where you intend to practise, migrate, and settle in Australia.
- The KAPS (Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences) is a standardised test implemented in Australia to check if a candidate is fit to be licensed as an entry-level pharmacist in Australia. Passing it indicates that you are knowledgeable enough to practise pharmacy safely and effectively in an Australian setting.
- English requirements are to be met by the migrating pharmacists. To meet this requirement, an English proficiency test such as the IELTS, PTE, or OET can be taken.
Subclass 190 Visa Processing Time
The Visa processing time of the Subclass 190 Visa, on average, takes 3-6 months.
Step 1
Before you apply
An Expression of Interest (EOI) needs to be selected through SkillSelect to let us know you want to apply for this Visa.
Step 2
Gather your documents
The necessary documents are to be provided to support the claims you make in your EOI and show you meet the other Visa criteria.
Step 3
Apply for the visa
When you receive your invitation, you can apply online. You can be in or outside Australia.
You have 60 days from the date of your invitation to apply for the Visa.
Step 4
After you apply
You will be informed when we have received your application.
If you are granted a bridging Visa, you will receive notification of your visa grant.
Step 5
Visa outcome
You can be in or outside Australia when we decide on your Visa application, but not in immigration clearance. We will let you know our decision in writing.
Post Visa grant, the authorities will tell you,
Your Visa grant number
The date your Visa starts
Visa conditions, if applicable
Note:- Keep a copy of the decision.
If your Visa gets refused, the authorities will inform you of the reason for the cancellation of your application and whether you can review their decision.
Benefits of the Australian Visa 190
Permanent Residency:
- One of the most significant advantages of the Subclass 190 Visa is that it leads to permanent residency in Australia. This means that successful applicants can live, work, and study anywhere in the country indefinitely.
Access to Social Services:
- As permanent residents, individuals and their families are entitled to access Australia's comprehensive social services, including healthcare and education.
Pathway to Citizenship:
- The Subclass 190 Visa serves as a stepping stone to Australian citizenship. After meeting the residency requirements, individuals can apply for citizenship and enjoy the full rights and privileges of being an Australian citizen.
The Australian Visa 190 offers a compelling opportunity for skilled professionals to build a new life in one of the world's most desirable countries. With its emphasis on addressing specific regional skill shortages, this Visa not only benefits the applicants but also contributes to the economic and social development of Australia. Aspiring pharmacists should carefully navigate the application process, ensuring they meet all eligibility criteria and present a strong case for nomination. In doing so, they can unlock the doors to a brighter future Down Under.
Academically helps pharmacists aspiring to pursue their dream of working as a registered pharmacist abroad. Academically helps you prepare for the KAPS exam while also guiding you through and through with the registration and interview processes.
Fill up this form for a free one on one counselling session.
