The United States needs more skilled pharmacists, and many pharmaceutical companies are ready to sponsor foreign pharmacists for work visas. If you are a pharmacist who wants to move to the U.S. with job sponsorship, this guide will help you understand the key steps, visa options, and companies that provide sponsorship.
Step 1: Understand the Licensing Requirements
To practice as a pharmacist in the U.S., you must be licensed by the state where you plan to work. The licensing process involves several steps:
1. Pass the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination (FPGEE)
• The FPGEE is administered by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).
• It assesses the knowledge of foreign-trained pharmacists to determine if they meet U.S. standards.
• To qualify, you must have a degree from an accredited pharmacy school in your home country.
2. Pass the TOEFL iBT (English Proficiency Test)
• Since pharmacy is a communication-intensive profession, the TOEFL iBT exam is required to prove English proficiency.
• Minimum required scores:
• Reading: 22
• Listening: 21
• Speaking: 26
• Writing: 24
3. Complete the Internship (Practical Training)
• After passing the FPGEE, you need to complete a pharmacy internship.
• The required number of hours varies by state (typically 1,500).
• You must work under a licensed pharmacist in a U.S. pharmacy.
4. Pass the NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination)
• The NAPLEX is a comprehensive test of your pharmaceutical knowledge and ability to practice safely.
• Each state has its passing score requirement.
5. Obtain State Licensure
• Each U.S. state has its pharmacy board with specific licensure requirements.
• Some states may require an additional exam, the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE), which tests knowledge of state-specific pharmacy laws.
Step 2: Secure a Job with Visa Sponsorship
Once you have met the licensing requirements, the next step is to secure employment with a company that offers visa sponsorship.
Visa Options for Foreign Pharmacists
1. H-1B Visa (Skilled Workers)
• Many pharmaceutical companies sponsor foreign pharmacists under the H-1B visa.
• You must have a U.S. employer willing to file the petition on your behalf.
2. TN Visa (For Canadian & Mexican Pharmacists)
• If you’re from Canada or Mexico, you can work in the U.S. under the TN visa, which is part of NAFTA.
• This visa is easier to obtain than the H-1B.
3. Green Card (Employment-Based Sponsorship – EB-2 or EB-3)
• Some employers may sponsor you for permanent residency (Green Card).
• The EB-3 category is most common for pharmacists.
Step 3: Apply to Pharmaceutical Companies that Offer Sponsorship
Several major pharmaceutical and healthcare companies in the U.S. sponsor foreign pharmacists. Here are five companies known for offering job sponsorship:
1. CVS Health
• One of the largest pharmacy chains in the U.S.
• Frequently sponsors pharmacists under the H-1B visa and helps with the Green Card process.
2. Walgreens
• A leading pharmacy retailer with thousands of locations nationwide.
• Actively recruits foreign pharmacists and provides sponsorship opportunities.
3. Rite Aid
• Another major pharmacy chain that sponsors foreign-trained pharmacists.
• Offers training and certification support for licensing.
• Website: www.riteaid.com
4. Pfizer
• A global pharmaceutical company involved in drug development and healthcare solutions.
• Offers H-1B sponsorship for clinical pharmacists and research positions.
• One of the world’s largest healthcare and pharmaceutical companies.
• Sponsors foreign professionals in various pharmaceutical roles, including research and development.
Conclusion
To move to the U.S. as a pharmacist, you must plan carefully. First, pass the licensing exams. After that, find an employer who can sponsor your visa. With determination and effort, you can reach this goal. With the right approach, you can successfully join the U.S. pharmaceutical industry.
