Can a Pharmacists from New Zealand Immigrate to Canada?

Q: Can a Pharmacists from New Zealand immigrate to Canada?

Yes, Pharmacists from New Zealand can immigrate to Canada. New Zealand citizens are eligible for International Experience Canada (IEC) working holiday visas. Programs include Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, and employer-sponsored LMIA work permits. There are currently 92 active job openings.

Yes — here are the immigration pathways, active jobs, and salary data for pharmacists from New Zealand looking to move to Canada.

Active Jobs

Employers

High

Demand Level

Yes

IEC Eligible

Immigration Pathways for New Zealand Citizens

International Experience Canada (IEC)

Working Holiday / Young Professional

Citizens of New Zealand are eligible for IEC. Apply for a working holiday visa (up to 2 years) or young professional permit.

Express Entry

Permanent Residence

Citizens of New Zealand can apply through Express Entry (FSW, CEC, or FST) based on CRS score.

Employer-Sponsored LMIA

Temporary Work

A Canadian employer can sponsor a worker from New Zealand through the LMIA process for a work permit.

Key Requirements

Work Experience

You usually need at least one to two years of continuous paid work experience as a pharmacists 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 New Zealand 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 92 active pharmacists 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

IEC Working Holiday (New Zealand)

Citizens of New Zealand aged 18-35 can apply for an International Experience Canada working holiday visa (up to 2 years). This lets you gain Canadian work experience, which counts toward Express Entry CRS points and CEC eligibility.

Eligible Programs for Pharmacists

Express Entry (FSW)

High Match

Federal Skilled Worker program for qualified professionals with work experience.

Provincial Nominee Program

High Match

Provinces nominate workers with in-demand skills. Adds 600 CRS points.

Temporary Work Permit (LMIA)

High Match

Employer-sponsored LMIA work permit — gain Canadian experience, then transition to PR.

Atlantic Immigration Program

Medium Match

Employer-driven program for Atlantic Canada with faster processing.

International Experience Canada

Medium Match

Working holiday or young professional visa for eligible countries.

Pharmacists Salaries in Canada

Province	Median	Low	High
Alberta	$111k/yr	$59k	$136k
British Columbia	$101k/yr	$73k	$130k
Manitoba	$110k/yr	$72k	$138k
New Brunswick	$99k/yr	$75k	$136k
Newfoundland and Labrador	$96k/yr	$68k	$131k
Northwest Territories	—	—	—
Nova Scotia	$93k/yr	$65k	$119k
Nunavut	—	—	—
Ontario	$108k/yr	$54k	$148k
Prince Edward Island	—	—	—
Quebec	$111k/yr	$58k	$164k
Saskatchewan	$108k/yr	$75k	$141k
Yukon	—	—	—