Australia has always been a dream destination for healthcare professionals, and pharmacists are no exception. The country has a high demand for pharmacists. It offers high salaries, and an excellent quality of life.
Australia also offers one of the fastest and most reliable Permanent Residency pathways for pharmacists. And if you are an overseas pharmacist, you too can get on this wagon after clearing the OPRA exam.
If you are an overseas-trained pharmacist wondering about PR in Australia after OPRA, and how fast is the PR process for pharmacists, this blog is for you.
This blog breaks everything down. Let’s dive in
Why Australia Needs Pharmacists
Australia has a growing population, an ageing society, and expanding healthcare needs. This has created a consistent shortage of qualified pharmacists, especially in:
- Regional areas
- Community pharmacies
- Hospitals
- Aged care facilities
Being on the Skilled Occupation List means pharmacists are eligible for multiple skilled migration visas, including PR pathways.
Is Pharmacist on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List?
Yes, they are! Pharmacists are included under:
- ANZSCO Code: 251511 – Hospital Pharmacist
- ANZSCO Code: 251512 – Industrial Pharmacist
- ANZSCO Code: 251513 – Retail Pharmacist
These occupations commonly appear on:
- Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- State and territory skilled occupation lists
So, what does this mean for you? You can apply for points-based PR visas, state nomination visas, and even employer-sponsored PR.
What Is the OPRA Exam and Why Is It Important?
The OPRA exam (Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment) is conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council. It is designed to assess whether overseas pharmacists meet Australian professional standards.
Clearing OPRA helps you:
- Prove your competency as a pharmacist
- Register with the Pharmacy Board of Australia (AHPRA)
- Become eligible for skilled migration
- Increase your PR points
- Access jobs that sponsor visas
Think of OPRA as your golden key. Once you pass it, Australia’s pharmacy and PR doors start opening.
How OPRA Helps Overseas Pharmacists Get PR Faster
Passing OPRA is not just about licensing, it directly impacts your PR journey.
Here’s how:
1. Positive Skills Assessment
After you pass OPRA, you can obtain a positive skills assessment from the Australian Pharmacy Council. This is mandatory for skilled migration visas.
If you do not have skills assessment, you will not be able to file a PR application.
2. Higher PR Points
Clearing OPRA and registering as a pharmacist helps you score points for:
- Skilled occupation
- Australian work experience
- State nomination
- English proficiency
As you move up in points, you get faster invitations for PR.
3. Access to State Nomination (Subclass 190 and 491)
Many Australian states prioritize pharmacists because of workforce shortages. After OPRA, you become eligible for:
- Subclass 190 (State Nominated PR Visa): This results in a direct PR path.
- Subclass 491 (Regional Visa): With this, you can get PR after 3 years.
States often give extra points or faster invitations to pharmacists willing to work in regional areas.
4. Employer Sponsorship Opportunities
Once you pass OPRA and register:
- Pharmacies
- Hospitals
- Aged care providers
can sponsor you for:
- Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa)
- Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme – PR)
Many overseas pharmacists move from job to sponsorship and finally get their PR within a few years.
Popular PR Pathways for Pharmacists After OPRA
Here are the most common PR routes overseas pharmacists take:
| Visa | Sponsorship/Nomination | PR Status | Points Bonus | Pathway to PR |
| 189 | No sponsor | Direct PR | None | Yes (direct) |
| 190 | State nomination | Direct PR | 5 | Yes |
| 491 | Regional/ State Family | Temporary | 15 | Yes. Via subclass 191 |
| 186 | Employer nomination | Direct PR | N/A | Yes |
How Long Does PR Take After OPRA?
While timelines vary, many overseas pharmacists achieve PR in 12 to 36 months after OPRA. However, it all depends on:
- Visa pathway
- State nomination
- Job location (regional areas are faster)
- Points score
Pharmacists are among the faster PR occupations in Australia compared to many other professions.
Tips to Speed Up Your PR as a Pharmacist
- Clear OPRA as early as possible
- Aim for high English scores (IELTS/PTE/OET)
- Consider regional Australia
- Apply for state nomination strategically
- Gain Australian pharmacy work experience
- Stay updated with occupation lists
And a smart plan means a faster PR.
Is OPRA Your Ticket for PR?
Absolutely yes. If you’re an overseas pharmacist dreaming of Australia, OPRA is not just an exam. It’s a career and PR accelerator.
With:
- Pharmacists on the Skilled Occupation List
- Strong demand across Australia
- Multiple PR visa pathways
- Faster processing compared to many fields
Australia remains one of the best countries for pharmacists to settle permanently. So, if PR in Australia is your goal, OPRA is your first big win.
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