LMIA FinderCan a Pharmacist from Iraq Immigrate to Canada?
Yes — here are the immigration pathways, active jobs, and salary data for pharmacists from Iraq looking to move to Canada.
Processing Times from Iraq
Estimated IRCC processing times for applications from Iraq. Times may vary.
| Application Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Visitor Visa | 68 days |
| Government-Assisted Refugees | 24 months |
| Study Permits | No processing time available |
| Family Sponsorship - Dependent Child | No processing time available |
| Family Sponsorship - Adopted Child | Not enough data |
| Work Permits | No processing time available |
| Super Visa | No processing time available |
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Immigration Pathways for Iraq Citizens
Express Entry
Permanent ResidenceCitizens of Iraq can apply through Express Entry (FSW, CEC, or FST) based on CRS score.
Employer-Sponsored LMIA
Temporary WorkA Canadian employer can sponsor a worker from Iraq through the LMIA process for a work permit.
Key Requirements for Iraq Citizens
Work Experience
You usually need at least one to two years of continuous paid work experience as a pharmacist or in a closely related role.
Language Tests
You must prove your English or French skills by taking an approved language test. IELTS General Training or CELPIP are accepted for English; TEF Canada or TCF Canada for French. A CLB 7 or higher in all abilities is recommended for Express Entry.
Education & Credential Assessment
Pharmacy credentials from Iraq must be assessed by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC). You will need to pass the PEBC Evaluating and Qualifying exams.
Licensing and Registration
Pharmacy is a regulated profession. Provincial licensing, jurisprudence exams, and structured practical training are required.
Job Offer
While a valid job offer no longer adds CRS points (removed March 2025), it remains an eligibility requirement for some Express Entry programs and is needed for employer-sponsored work permits. There are currently 101 active pharmacist openings on Job Bank.
Proof of Funds
You must show you have enough money to support yourself and your family when you arrive in Canada. The current minimum is $15,263 for a single applicant and $28,362 for a family of 4. This requirement is waived if you have a valid Canadian job offer.
| Family Size | Minimum Funds (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 (Single) | $15,263 |
| 2 (Couple) | $19,001 |
| 3 | $23,360 |
| 4 | $28,362 |
| 5 | $32,168 |
| 6 | $36,280 |
| 7 | $40,392 |
| Each additional member | +$4,112 |
Recent Express Entry Draws
Pharmacist may qualify for Healthcare category-based Express Entry draws with lower CRS cutoffs.
| Draw | Date | Category | CRS Cutoff | ITAs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #453 | 2026-10-28 | Transport | 477 | 150 |
| #452 | 2026-10-27 | French | 407 | 5,000 |
| #451 | 2026-10-26 | PNP | 761 | 792 |
| #450 | 2026-10-16 | French | 435 | 5,000 |
| #449 | 2026-10-15 | CEC | 519 | 2,500 |
Eligible Programs for Pharmacists
Express Entry (FSW)
High MatchFederal Skilled Worker program for qualified professionals with work experience.
Provincial Nominee Program
High MatchProvinces nominate workers with in-demand skills. Adds 600 CRS points.
Temporary Work Permit (LMIA)
High MatchEmployer-sponsored LMIA work permit — gain Canadian experience, then transition to PR.
Atlantic Immigration Program
Medium MatchEmployer-driven program for Atlantic Canada with faster processing.
International Experience Canada
Medium MatchWorking holiday or young professional visa for eligible countries.
Pharmacist Salaries in Canada
Provincial wage data for pharmacists — useful for salary expectations when immigrating from Iraq. Source: ESDC.
| Province | Median | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $55.49/hr | $40.00 | $67.00 |
| Alberta | $53.92/hr | $35.24 | $64.03 |
| British Columbia | $53.52/hr | $39.62 | $67.40 |
| Manitoba | $54.88/hr | $41.97 | $68.52 |
| New Brunswick | $52.25/hr | $40.96 | $63.75 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $50.95/hr | $35.69 | $60.95 |
| Northwest Territories | $65.93/hr | — | — |
| Nova Scotia | $50.16/hr | $39.04 | $57.40 |
| Nunavut | — | — | — |
| Ontario | $55.78/hr | $42.27 | $67.03 |
| Prince Edward Island | $50.00/hr | $43.00 | $61.93 |
| Quebec | $61.36/hr | $40.62 | $73.38 |
| Saskatchewan | $54.78/hr | $42.18 | $63.09 |
| Yukon | — | — | — |
Top Provinces Hiring Pharmacists
Current Pharmacist Openings
Pharmacist
$60.00 to $65.00 hourly (to be negotiated)Outreach Pharmacy · Nanaimo, British Columbia
Pharmacist
$55.50 hourlyMurphy's Pharmacies · Stratford, Prince Edward Island
Pharmacist
$55.50 hourlyMurphy's Pharmacies · Stratford, Prince Edward Island
Pharmacist
$55.50 hourlyMurphy's Pharmacies · Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Pharmacist
$55.50 hourlyMurphy's Pharmacies · Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
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