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Are you an aspiring pharmacist willing to practice in Australia? Have you completed your Overseas pharmacist licensure exam for Australia, the OPRA Exam Australia which was previously KAPS exam conducted by the APC Wondering what are the next important steps to be taken in your journey to Australia? Then this blog would help you with what are the visa options available for you and how to increase the visa points in order to make your path easy. Visa options for Australian pharmacist and how to increase the visa points for Australia is the topic of discussion once you complete your OPRA exam (previously KAPS exam), which is the licensure exam for Overseas pharmacists to move to Australia, and here is Elite Expertise’s take on it to clearly explain the process. The General Skilled Migration (GSM) program provides overseas-trained pharmacists with a fantastic pathway to live and work in Australia permanently. This program includes different visa subclasses based on individual circumstances:
- Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa): No sponsorship required.
- Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa): Requires state or territory nomination, offering 5 extra points.
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa): Ideal for regional work and provides 15 additional points when nominated by a state or region.
Also Read: OPRA Exam Reference Books
Detailed guide to earning and maximizing your visa points:
1. Age Criteria
Points are awarded based on your age:
- 18-24 years: 25 points
- 25-32 years: 30 points (maximum for age)
- 33-39 years: 25 points
- 40-45 years: 15 points
- Above 45 years: 0 points
2. English Language Proficiency
Higher proficiency in tests like PTE, IELTS, or TOEFL can significantly increase your points:
- Superior English (PTE 79+ in all modules / IELTS Band 8): 20 points
- Proficient English (PTE 70-78 / IELTS Band 7): 10 points
- Competent English (PTE <65 / IELTS Band 6): 0 points
3. Work Experience
Overseas Work Experience:
- 3 years: 5 points
- 5 years: 10 points
- 8 years: 15 points
Australian Work Experience:
- 1 year: 5 points
- 3 years: 10 points
- 5 years: 15 points
- 8 years: 20 points
4. Skills Assessment (OPRA Exam)
OPRA Exam full form Overseas Pharmacist Registration Exam is essential for overseas pharmacists. It validates your qualifications and is mandatory for registration in Australia.
5. Qualifications
Points based on academic achievements:
- Doctorate: 20 points
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree: 15 points
Qualifications closely aligned with pharmacy enhance success prospects.
6. Regional Study
Studying for at least two years in regional Australia earns 5 points. This also opens doors to Regional Sponsored Migration Schemes (RSMS).
7. Professional Year in Australia
Completing a Professional Year (PY) program related to pharmacy in Australia adds 5 points.
For those on a Subclass 407 Training Visa, completing the training in Australia allows you to claim 5 points for your Permanent Residency (PR) application.
8. Partner Points
- Single or married to an Australian partner: 10 points
- Partner’s occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (meeting age and English language proficiency criteria): 10 points
- Partner with competent English only (PTE 60+ or IELTS Band 6+): 5 points (even if their occupation is not on the Skilled Occupation List).
9. State Sponsorship Points
- Subclass 190 Visa: 5 additional points for state nomination.
- Subclass 491 Visa: 15 additional points for state or regional nomination.
Also Read: Age Limit for KAPS/OPRA Exam for Overseas Pharmacists
Conclusion: Achieve Your Pharmacy Career Goals in Australia
To increase your chances of qualifying for a GSM visa, focus on improving your English language proficiency, gaining work experience, and completing regional study or a professional year in Australia. These steps not only boost your points but also position you for success in Australia’s in-demand pharmacy sector.
At Elite Expertise, we provide tailored support for the OPRA exam Preparation and guidance through every step of the registration and migration process. Take the first step toward building a thriving pharmacy career in Australia today!
