Immigration Corner | Pharmacist seeks opportunity in Canada

Immigration Corner | Pharmacist seeks opportunity in Canada:  

Dear Ms Powell,

I am a pharmacist in Jamaica, and I would like to live in Canada permanently. How would I go about being able to live and work in Canada? What are my chances of getting a job in Ontario? I have a half-sister living there.

- E.T.

Dear E.T.,

Thank you for your enquiry. The prospect of living and working in Canada as a pharmacist is extremely positive at this time. The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CphA) reported that there is a national shortage of pharmacists in Canada, and, therefore, the immigration authorities are keen on attracting individuals who have the education, skills, and experience to fill these gaps.

Additionally, the CphA identified that due to Canada's aging population, there are certain factors that have lead to a significant growth in demand for pharmacists throughout the country. These factors include an increase in the drug requirements, more recruitment by pharmaceutical and biotech companies, and the increasing number of retail outlets offering pharmaceutical services.

EXPRESS ENTRY SYSTEM

Although there is no specified list of professionals/skilled workers who can apply under the express entry system, many professionals such as pharmacists, nurses, clinical researchers, doctors, and biochemists have a good chance of being selected to get permanent residence to live in Canada within six months.

In order for your application to be successful under the express entry system, you will need to have a bachelor or master of science degree. You are also required to have a minimum of one-year post-licensure work experience as a pharmacist or in a connected field that requires qualifications as a pharmacist.

Before you can apply as a federal skilled worker to go to Canada, you will need to prove that your degree is the equivalent to one being offered by a Canadian university. Therefore, you will be required to send your transcript to the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada for assessment and to provide details of the report when your application is submitted.

Other qualifying factors are your age, your language skills, and your adaptability into the Canadian society. Since you have a sister living in Ontario, you could be a very strong candidate under the express entry system. You could even qualify as a provincial nominee and have your application approved within six months.

Licensure will be required in all provinces and territories for community and hospital pharmacists before you can practise. Therefore, I recommend that you contact the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authority (NAPRA) to find out their requirements as it is a mandatory first step towards licensure in Canada for all international pharmacy graduates in all provinces except Quebec.

The NAPRA is the regulatory authority directly responsible for granting pharmacist licenses, assessing the competency of pharmacists, and ensuring public safety. To practise pharmacy in Ontario, you must also have a Certificate of Registration or a licence as a pharmacist from the Ontario College of Pharmacists. To find out more information about qualifying to come to Canada within six months, I recommend that you consult directly with an immigration attorney. ( click link)

- Deidre S. Powell is a lawyer, mediator, and notary public who is a member of the Jamaican and Ontario, Canada bars. Her office is located in Ottawa. Submit your questions to info@deidrepowell.com or call 613.695.8777. Find out if you qualify by completing a free assessment at www.deidrepowell.com.