How to Immigrate to Canada as a Pharmacist

On This Page You Will Find:

• How pharmacists can immigrate to Canada in 2025
• Canada’s shortage of pharmacists and job outlook
• Express Entry occupation-specific draws for pharmacists
• Salary expectations and job demand across provinces
• Steps to qualify for permanent residence

Are you a skilled pharmacist looking to immigrate to Canada? With increasing demand for professionals in this field, Canada offers excellent immigration opportunities. Submit your credentials today.

Canada’s Demand for Pharmacists in 2025

Canada continues to face a shortage of pharmacists, making it an ideal time for qualified foreign professionals to apply for immigration. With nearly 26% of pharmacists aged 50 and over and a strong risk of labour shortages expected through 2033, the outlook points to stable and sustained job opportunities.

Since 2023, IRCC has focused on prioritizing in-demand professions through occupation-specific Express Entry draws. 

Pharmacists Qualify for Occupation-Specific Express Entry Draws

Under National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 31120, pharmacists are eligible for occupation-specific Express Entry draws. This means candidates with at least six months of continuous work experience in the past three years—either in Canada or abroad—can apply without requiring a job offer.

Eligible roles include:

• clinical pharmacist
• community pharmacist
• hospital pharmacist
• industrial pharmacist
• pharmacist
• retail pharmacist

These roles align with other healthcare professions, offering a variety of career pathways for immigrants.

Strong Job Demand and Salary Outlook for Pharmacists in Canada

According to Job Bank Canada, the job outlook for pharmacists is good to very good in provinces like Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. 

The median hourly wage for pharmacists in Canada is approximately $53.85, with a range from $37.00 to $65.00 per hour. Based on a standard 37.5-hour workweek, annual earnings can reach up to $126,750

Given the rising need for pharmaceutical services, pharmacists can expect stable employment and career growth opportunities in Canada.

How to Immigrate to Canada as a Pharmacist in 2025

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

To qualify for Express Entry, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• At least six months of continuous work experience as a pharmacist in the past three years
• Language proficiency in English or French at the required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level
• Educational credentials (foreign degrees may require an Educational Credential Assessment)
• Proof of settlement funds if applying through the Federal Skilled Worker Program

Step 2: Create an Express Entry Profile

Candidates must submit an Express Entry profile and select NOC 31120 as their occupation. If eligible, they may be invited in an occupation-specific draw.

Step 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Candidates selected in an occupation-specific draw will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Step 4: Submit a Complete Application

Once an ITA is received, candidates must submit all required documents within 60 days, including:

• Proof of work experience
• Language test results
• Educational credential verification
• Medical and police clearance certificates

Express Entry Targeted Draws for Pharmacists: What You Need to Know

Canada’s Express Entry system consists of three main immigration pathways:

• Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Federal Skilled Trades (FST) Program

Occupation-specific draws focus on high-demand professions. These draws select candidates based on their job title rather than just their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, increasing the chances of receiving an ITA.

Benefits of occupation-specific draws:

• No job offer required for eligibility
• Higher selection chances compared to general draws
• Additional immigration options through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

Why Choose Canada for Your Pharmacy Career?

• The demand for pharmacists continues to rise due to population growth and healthcare service expansion.
• Express Entry occupation-specific draws provide a clear immigration pathway.
• Salaries are competitive, and professionals can access universal healthcare and social benefits.
• Professional licensing bodies and networks support newcomer pharmacists in career development.

Start Your Journey to Canada Today

If you are a qualified pharmacist, now is the time to apply for Express Entry and build your future in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions