Types of Sponsorship Visa
There are three major types of visas offered to pharmacists in Australia through sponsorship from the employer. Read in detail about them below.
482 Visa (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa)
The 482 Visa is designed to address temporary skill shortages in Australia's labour market by allowing skilled workers to be sponsored by an approved employer. It replaced the 457 Visa in March 2018. This visa has three streams: the Short-Term Stream, the Medium-Term Stream, and the Labor Agreement Stream. Each stream has its own eligibility criteria and conditions.
To be eligible, applicants must be nominated by an approved sponsor and meet specific skill, English language, and health requirements.
407 Visa (Training Visa)
The 407 Visa is intended for individuals who want to undertake occupational training or professional development in Australia. This visa allows the holder to stay in Australia for the duration of their training, which can be up to two years. An approved sponsor must provide the training and must enhance the applicant's skills in their occupation, field of expertise, or area of tertiary study. Applicants must be sponsored by an approved training organisation or employer and meet health and character requirements.
494 Visa (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa)
The 494 Visa is a provisional visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an employer in a designated regional area of Australia. This visa allows skilled workers and their families to live, work, and study in regional Australia for up to five years. It replaced the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa (subclass 187) in November 2019.
To be eligible, applicants must be nominated by an employer who is actively operating a business in a designated regional area and meet specific skill, English language, health, and character requirements. Holders of the 494 Visa may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional)) Visa after fulfilling certain conditions.
Who is Eligible for a Sponsorship Visa?
In Australia, sponsorship visas are available for skilled workers, including pharmacists, who are sponsored by an eligible employer. To be eligible for a sponsorship visa as a pharmacist in Australia, several criteria must be met:
- Skill Assessment- As a pharmacist, you must undergo a skills assessment by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) or another relevant assessing authority approved by the Australian government. This assessment verifies that your qualifications and experience meet the standards required for practice in Australia.
- Relevant Qualifications- You must hold a degree in pharmacy recognised by the Australian Pharmacy Board. Typically, this includes completion of a minimum of Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) or equivalent 4-year qualification.
- Registration- Before being sponsored for a visa, you must be registered with the Pharmacy Board of Australia. This registration ensures that you meet the necessary professional standards and are eligible to practice pharmacy in Australia. This registration is completed only after you clear the KAPS exam and complete your internship period.
- Employer Sponsorship- To obtain a sponsorship visa, you need to be sponsored by an eligible employer in Australia. The employer must be willing to nominate you for a skilled position as a pharmacist and showcase a genuine need for your skills and expertise.
- English Language Proficiency- Expertise in the English language is crucial for practising as a pharmacist in Australia. You may need to demonstrate your English language skills by taking an approved language test such as IELTS, OET or PTE.
How to Get a Sponsorship Visa?
Once you meet these eligibility criteria and secure sponsorship from an Australian employer, you can apply for a sponsorship visa through the Australian Department of Home Affairs. The specific visa subclass you apply for will depend on factors such as your qualifications, work experience, and the employer's requirements.
The step by step process to get sponsorship is mentioned below.
Clear the KAPS Exam
The first and foremost step is to clear the KAPS exam, which is the mandatory registration exam for global pharmacists. The Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences examination is conducted after you get a positive skills assessment from the APC. After clearing the KAPS exam, you become eligible to work in Australia.
Get Registered in Australia
As the next step, you must get registered with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulatory Agency (AHPRA). This can bo done after you clear the KAPS and an English proficiency test like IELTS, PTE or OET.
Find Jobs Offering Sponsorship
Once you are registered with AHPRA, you are eligible to get jobs in Australia, most of which would be at a beginner level. You can search for jobs on famous Australian job platforms such as Seek, Indeed, LinkedIn, etc. However, to get a sponsorship, you must filter your search with the organisations that are ready to offer sponsorship to you.
Meet Visa Criteria
Complete your documentation and meet any other requirements to be eligible for a visa in Australia. Visit the website of the Australian immigration authorities to know more about these requirements.
Final Words
By understanding the different visa options, eligibility criteria, and application processes outlined in this guide, you can navigate the complexities of immigration with confidence and clarity. Whether you're aspiring to gain invaluable experience through temporary work or aiming for long-term settlement, Australia welcomes pharmacists with open arms.
Get in touch with Academically today to prepare for the KAPS and the English proficiency exam, and navigate your way through the visa application process in Australia.
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