Canadian immigration - Pharmacists - NOC Code 3131

[zaink]

Hello moderator.

I am interested in working as a Pharmacist in Canada, and would like to apply for Canadian immigration (permanent resident). I have done a little research and I was pleased to know that the job outlook for pharmacist in Canada is extremely positive. I am kind of relying to use this overview of the Canadian employment prospects in my field to start planning my immigration and settlement in Canada.

I am a pharmacist (4yr program) from India, I also have a Business Administration diploma from London, UK. I don't have a relevant work experience though which is a big hindrance. I also came to know through a forum that Pharmacists are on the list of 29 qualifying occupations under the Federal Skilled Worker program. And a maximum of 500 applications will be accepted for processing in each of the 29 occupations, with an overall cap of 10,000 applications. According to the points based system I assume I fall short, as I do't have a masters degree n sufficient employment history. I am yet to write my English competency exam due next month and I feel confident & optimistic about it. I am a registered pharmacist in India, and what I am not sure about is that when I am applying under FSW program as a pharmacist do I have to qualify the PEBC examination before applying for the PR? Do I qualify to apply under FSW in my field of profession though I don't have a license to practice in Canada. Can I write the required examinations after coming down to Canada once I get the PR (fortune favors). That's a lot of questions but I kindly request you to give a feedback please, I will really appreciate.

Thanks again.

 

[scylla]

The list of occupations you're referring to is last year's list and is no longer valid. You can find this year's list in the link below. Pharmacist are not on this year's list. Since pharmacists are not on this year's list, this means you would need a job offer in Canada to qualify to apply for FSW.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/complete-applications.asp

 

[zaink]

Thank you very much for your reply and the link for the new list sir appreciate it. It is very unfortunate that pharmacist's are no longer included in the eligible list of 24 occupations accepted under the FSW Program. And as you have suggested that I might have to find an employer to be eligible to apply under FSW, my concern is that how would I get a sponsor without Canadian license to practice pharmacy? For that I have to qualify the FPGEC Certification Program I presume. I am confused... I further want to know the alternative methods of migrating to and obtaining citizenship in Canada with a Bachelor of Pharmacy if going directly to Canada only as a licensed pharmacist is not possible. Additionally, please advise me on the probability of working in Canada as a licensed pharmacist from India without having to redo the entire program in Canada. Thanks in advance.