Switch careers from tech to pharma assistant

[sudheer.167]

I am currently working in the tech industry on a closed work permit, but lost my job recently. My closed work permit is valid until May 2026. I am planning to enroll in a Pharmacy Assistant program (5.5 months, online + in-person), which I expect to complete by March 2026, followed by a 1.5-month practicum.

I have a couple of questions regarding my situation:

1. Since my existing work permit is valid only till May 2026, can i change my status to a visitor after may,2026 . Would I be legally allowed to apply for Pharmacy Assistant positions after transitioning to visitor status?
2. Are Pharmacy Assistant roles eligible for LMIA, and do employers typically sponsor work permits for this NOC code(33103)?
3. I am not sure if IRCC is bothered about career switching and sees it a red flag in the PR application. Since I have only 9 months left for my WP, I am exploring all possibilities for staying along with PR options.

Could anyone who has gone through similar situation reply?

Thanks.

 

[Naturgrl]

I am currently working in the tech industry on a closed work permit, but lost my job recently. My closed work permit is valid until May 2026. I am planning to enroll in a Pharmacy Assistant program (5.5 months, online + in-person), which I expect to complete by March 2026, followed by a 1.5-month practicum.

I have a couple of questions regarding my situation:

1. Since my existing work permit is valid only till May 2026, can i change my status to a visitor after may,2026 . Would I be legally allowed to apply for Pharmacy Assistant positions after transitioning to visitor status?
2. Are Pharmacy Assistant roles eligible for LMIA, and do employers typically sponsor work permits for this NOC code(33103)?
3. I am not sure if IRCC is bothered about career switching and sees it a red flag in the PR application. Since I have only 9 months left for my WP, I am exploring all possibilities for staying along with PR options.

Could anyone who has gone through similar situation reply?

Thanks.

What pharmacy program is only 5.5 months.

1. You change status to visitor before May.
2. Need LMIA, and chances are almost zero to get one. There are thousands of Canadians who can do the job and you have no work experience in the field to prove you are the only person to do the job. Plus must be high wage and PA is not high wage.
3. Not a red flag but not sure how you are getting ITA with your current plan.

 

[scylla]

I am currently working in the tech industry on a closed work permit, but lost my job recently. My closed work permit is valid until May 2026. I am planning to enroll in a Pharmacy Assistant program (5.5 months, online + in-person), which I expect to complete by March 2026, followed by a 1.5-month practicum.

I have a couple of questions regarding my situation:

1. Since my existing work permit is valid only till May 2026, can i change my status to a visitor after may,2026 . Would I be legally allowed to apply for Pharmacy Assistant positions after transitioning to visitor status?
2. Are Pharmacy Assistant roles eligible for LMIA, and do employers typically sponsor work permits for this NOC code(33103)?
3. I am not sure if IRCC is bothered about career switching and sees it a red flag in the PR application. Since I have only 9 months left for my WP, I am exploring all possibilities for staying along with PR options.

Could anyone who has gone through similar situation reply?

Thanks.

1. Yes, you can legally apply for positions. However if you secure an LMIA supported job, you will need to apply for the work permit from outside of Canada. You cannot apply from within Canada.
2. Technically any occupation is eligible for an LMIA. You will have to see if you can find an employer willing to go through the process.
3. It shouldn't be an issue provided you have the required training / education and then complete the work experience.

 

[canuck78]

Just like everyone started becoming PSWs to try and secure PR this is now happening in large number to for pharmacy techs so the competition will be much higher and there is no guarantee that with higher unemployment many already in Canada may start filling the labour need. Getting an employer to apply for a LMIA and getting offered a job will likely be hard since most employers will anticipate you will likely leave after 6 month or as soon as possible given your background. IRCC may also be concerned about your background when it comes to WP approval. You don’t technically have to have a degree to work as a pharmacy tech especially in a community pharmacy. Worked as while in high school. Nobody can guarantee any pathway to PR but there are ways to increase your chances. Assume you have maxed out points for education, IELTS, in Canada and foreign work experience. Learning French would increase your chances of securing PR.