Immigrate to Canada as a Pharmacist
Pharmacists (NOC 31120) are TEER 1 and have featured in healthcare category Express Entry draws. Guidance on PEBC licensing, CRS and provincial nomination.
Pharmacists fall under NOC 31120 (TEER 1) and are Express Entry eligible under the Federal Skilled Worker Program or Canadian Experience Class, with healthcare occupations regularly appearing in category-based draws. Pharmacy is a regulated profession in every province, so practising requires licensure through the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) and the relevant provincial college — a process handled entirely separately from immigration.
Key facts
| NOC code | 31120 Pharmacists |
|---|---|
| TEER | TEER 1 |
| Main routes | Express Entry (FSW, CEC), provincial nominee healthcare streams |
| Category draws | Healthcare occupations regularly targeted — verify current categories |
| Licensing | Regulated — PEBC certification and provincial college registration required |
Who may qualify?
- Internationally trained pharmacists with a pharmacy degree
- Pharmacists with at least one year of continuous, documented practice
- Pharmacists who have completed or are progressing through PEBC evaluation
- Canadian pharmacy graduates applying under CEC
Eligibility requirements
- Approved English or French language test results
- An ECA for pharmacy education completed outside Canada
- Employment reference letters matching NOC 31120 duties
- Provincial college registration to dispense and practise after arrival
How it works: step by step
- 1
Start PEBC evaluation early
Document assessment and qualifying exams take considerable time and should run in parallel with, not after, an immigration application.
- 2
Confirm the target province
Structured practical training, bridging programs and college requirements vary by province.
- 3
Enter Express Entry
Watch for healthcare category-based draws, which have often had more accessible cutoffs than general rounds.
- 4
Plan for interim work
Some pharmacists work as pharmacy technicians or assistants while completing licensure.
Expert insight
Pharmacists who start PEBC evaluation only after securing PR often lose a year or more of earning potential in their profession. Starting licensing during the immigration process — not after — is the biggest time saver.
Alternative pathways
Frequently asked questions
Immigration programs, fees and processing times change frequently. This page is general information, not immigration advice. Verify current requirements with official Government of Canada sources or speak with our RCIC.