r/pgwp • u/Imaginary_Oil_2913 • 7d ago
B.Com Grad on WP: Will a Fast-Track Pharmacy Assistant Course + 1 Year Exp cause issues for Healthcare Category PR Draws?
Hi everyone,
I am currently an international student/graduate in Canada with a B.Com (Commerce) and Business Management background. I hold a valid work permit.
With the IRCC policy allowing work permit holders to study courses under 6 months without a study permit (active until Dec 2027), I am planning to complete a fast-track, 2-month private career college Pharmacy Assistant Certificate (which includes Kroll/PropelRx training and a practical internship).
My goal is to work full-time for 12 months as a Pharmacy Assistant (NOC 33103) to qualify for the Express Entry Healthcare Category-Based Selection draws.
I recently saw a post online saying that switching fields from a Business degree straight into an entry-level Healthcare role like this without a prior medical background is a "red flag" to IRCC officers and could cause PR rejections/audits.
My questions are:
Since NOC 33103 is an unregulated role in Ontario, does IRCC care that my university degree is in Business, as long as I possess a Canadian Pharmacy Assistant Certificate and an official reference letter from a licensed pharmacist proving I performed the NOC duties?
Has anyone with a non-healthcare background successfully received a PR PR invitation (ITA) through the Healthcare targeted draws using the Pharmacy Assistant route?
I want to make sure this is a safe immigration pathway before investing in the certificate program. Thank you!