For Australian immigration, a “regional area” is everywhere in the country except for the major metropolitan centers of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. This means vibrant and growing capital cities like Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart, and the Gold Coast all qualify. Instead of limiting your options,
The Australian government actively promotes these pathways to encourage skilled professionals like you to help build up the economies and communities outside of the three biggest cities through the Regional Occupation List. This specialized list, created specifically for the subclass 491 occupation list, opens doors that many skilled workers don’t realize exist. Knowing the true scope of designated regional areas and understanding how the Regional Occupation List works is the first step in unlocking a powerful visa option you may not have known you had.
Your “Stepping Stone” to Permanent Residency: The 491 Visa Explained
The main visa designed for regional Australia is the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). This visa acts as a stepping stone to permanent residency. It’s a temporary visa that lets you live and work in a designated regional area for five years, giving you a solid foundation to build a new life.
The 491 visa is part of general skilled migration and has a clear and direct pathway to permanent residency. After living and working in a regional area for at least three years while holding the 491 visa and meeting a minimum income level, you become eligible to apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191). This is the crucial final step that converts your temporary stay into a permanent one.
Regional Occupation List (ROL): Complete Jobs List for Australia
The Regional Occupation List (ROL) is a specialised list of occupations prescribed under Legislative Instrument LIN 19/051. It identifies skilled roles that are in demand, specifically in regional areas of Australia, that is, everywhere except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. The ROL is available exclusively for the Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visa, offering skilled professionals a dedicated pathway into regional Australia.
Unlike the MLTSSL and STSOL, which address national skill shortages, the ROL targets roles needed outside major metropolitan centres. If your occupation does not appear on the main national lists, it may still qualify through the ROL, opening a regional migration pathway you might not have previously considered.
The ROL currently contains 77 occupations across farming, healthcare, engineering, management, trades, and more.
| ANZSCO Code | Occupation Name | Assessing Authority | Skill Level |
| 121111 | Aquaculture Farmer | VETASSESS | 1 |
| 121211 | Cotton Grower | VETASSESS | 1 |
| 121213 | Fruit or Nut Grower | VETASSESS | 1 |
| 121214 | Grain, Oilseed or Pasture Grower / Field Crop Grower | VETASSESS | 1 |
| 121216 | Mixed Crop Farmer | VETASSESS | 1 |
| 121217 | Sugar Cane Grower | VETASSESS | 1 |
| 121299 | Crop Farmers nec | VETASSESS | 1 |
| 121312 | Beef Cattle Farmer | VETASSESS | 1 |
| 121313 | Dairy Cattle Farmer | VETASSESS | 1 |
| 121314 | Deer Farmer | VETASSESS | 1 |
| 121315 | Goat Farmer | VETASSESS | 1 |
| 121316 | Horse Breeder | VETASSESS | 1 |
| 121317 | Mixed Livestock Farmer | VETASSESS | 1 |
| 121318 | Pig Farmer | VETASSESS | 1 |
| 121322 | Sheep Farmer | VETASSESS | 1 |
| 121399 | Livestock Farmers nec | VETASSESS | 1 |
| 121411 | Mixed Crop and Livestock Farmer | VETASSESS | 1 |
| 131114 | Public Relations Manager | IML | 1 |
| 132411 | Policy and Planning Manager | VETASSESS | 1 |
| 133112 | Project Builder | VETASSESS | 1 |
| 133612 | Procurement Manager | IML | 1 |
| 134211 | Medical Administrator / Medical Superintendent | VETASSESS | 1 |
| 134412 | Regional Education Manager | VETASSESS | 1 |
| 139915 | Sports Administrator | VETASSESS | 1 |
| 141211 | Caravan Park and Camping Ground Manager | VETASSESS | 2 |
| 142115 | Post Office Manager | VETASSESS | 2 |
| 149111 | Amusement Centre Manager | VETASSESS | 2 |
| 149112 | Fitness Centre Manager | VETASSESS | 2 |
| 149113 | Sports Centre Manager | VETASSESS | 2 |
| 149912 | Cinema or Theatre Manager | VETASSESS | 2 |
| 149914 | Financial Institution Branch Manager | VETASSESS | 2 |
| 223111 | Human Resource Adviser | VETASSESS | 1 |
| 223113 | Workplace Relations Adviser | VETASSESS | 1 |
| 224412 | Policy Analyst | VETASSESS | 1 |
| 224912 | Liaison Officer | VETASSESS | 1 |
| 225112 | Market Research Analyst | VETASSESS | 1 |
| 231111 | Aeroplane Pilot | CASA | 1 |
| 231113 | Flying Instructor | VETASSESS | 1 |
| 231114 | Helicopter Pilot | CASA | 1 |
| 231213 | Ship’s Master | AMSA | 1 |
| 232413 | Multimedia Designer | VETASSESS | 1 |
| 234213 | Wine Maker | VETASSESS | 1 |
| 234311 | Conservation Officer | VETASSESS | 1 |
| 234915 | Exercise Physiologist | VETASSESS | 1 |
| 242211 | Vocational Education Teacher / Polytechnic Teacher | VETASSESS / TRA | 1 |
| 251311 | Environmental Health Officer | VETASSESS | 1 |
| 252312 | Dentist | ADC | 1 |
| 253211 | Anaesthetist | MedBA | 1 |
| 271214 | Intellectual Property Lawyer | VETASSESS | 1 |
| 272413 | Translator | NAATI | 2 |
| 272611 | Community Arts Worker | VETASSESS | 2 |
| 311111 | Agricultural Technician | VETASSESS | 2 |
| 311214 | Operating Theatre Technician | VETASSESS | 3 |
| 311216 | Pathology Collector / Phlebotomist | AIMS | 3 |
| 312114 | Construction Estimator | VETASSESS | 2 |
| 312116 | Surveying or Spatial Science Technician | VETASSESS | 2 |
| 312511 | Mechanical Engineering Draftsperson | EA | 2 |
| 312611 | Safety Inspector | VETASSESS | 2 |
| 312911 | Maintenance Planner | VETASSESS | 2 |
| 312999 | Building and Engineering Technicians nec | EA / VETASSESS | 2 |
| 324311 | Vehicle Painter | TRA | 3 |
| 332111 | Floor Finisher | TRA | 3 |
| 342211 | Electrical Linesworker / Electrical Line Mechanic | TRA | 3 |
| 361114 | Zookeeper | VETASSESS | 3 |
| 362411 | Nurseryperson | TRA | 3 |
| 399212 | Gas or Petroleum Operator | TRA | 3 |
| 411211 | Dental Hygienist | VETASSESS | 1 |
| 411214 | Dental Therapist | VETASSESS | 1 |
| 441211 | Emergency Service Worker | VETASSESS | 3 |
| 451211 | Driving Instructor | VETASSESS | 3 |
| 451399 | Funeral Workers nec | VETASSESS | 3 |
| 451711 | Flight Attendant | VETASSESS | 3 |
| 451815 | First Aid Trainer | VETASSESS | 3 |
| 452313 | Jockey | TRA | 3 |
| 599915 | Clinical Coder | VETASSESS | 3 |
| 612112 | Property Manager | VETASSESS | 3 |
| 612115 | Real Estate Representative | VETASSESS | 3 |
The Regional Occupation List (ROL) is your starting point for seeing if your skills align with what regional Australia needs. However, Australia uses several occupation lists, and understanding how they differ is the next step in mapping out all your potential visa options.
Related Article
Subclass 491 Regional Visa Guide: Benefits, Requirements & PR Pathway
ROL vs. STSOL vs. MLTSSL: A Simple Guide to Australia’s Skilled Occupation Lists
Beyond the Regional Occupation List (ROL), Australia has two other major lists you might hear about. Understanding the difference is key to seeing all your options. These lists are designed to address different types of skill shortages across the country, from nationwide gaps to very specific local needs.
The two main national lists are the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
The MLTSSL contains professions Australia needs for its long-term future, like nurses and engineers. The STSOL covers jobs needed to fill more immediate, temporary gaps in the national workforce.
Each list serves a distinct purpose in Australia’s skilled migration program, designed to fix different types of skill shortages:
- MLTSSL: For critical, long-term skills needed nationwide.
- STSOL: For temporary, short-term skills needed nationwide.
- ROL: For specific skills needed only in regional areas.
The Regional Occupation List provides a unique, targeted pathway. Even if your job isn’t on the MLTSSL or STSOL, it might be on the ROL, giving you a dedicated route through the 491 regional visa.
To understand the difference between MLTSSL vs STSOL, read our guide STSOL vs MLTSSL.
How to Check the Official 491 Occupation List for Your Job
To find out if your job is on the list, it’s vital to check the source directly from the Australian Government. The official document is called a Legislative Instrument, but it’s just a public list of occupations.
To find your occupation on the official 491 list, follow these three simple steps:
STEP 1:
Go to the Department of Home Affairs website and search for “skilled occupation list.”
STEP 2:
Open the link for the current legislative instrument (it will have a name like “LIN 19/051“). This document contains the ROL, MLTSSL, and STSOL.
STEP 3:
Once the document is open, use the search function and type in your job title, like “Marketing Specialist” or “Carpenter.”
Your Skill are listed on the ROL and ready to move Australia, Book your consultation with the migration and achieve you Australian Dreams.
Found Your Job on the ROL? Here’s What You Must Do Next
Seeing your profession on the ROL is the starting line, not the finish line. It confirms a potential pathway exists, but you must clear two more essential hurdles before being considered for the 491 regional visa.
First, you will need a positive Skills Assessment. This is an official evaluation by a designated Australian authority that verifies your qualifications and work experience meet the standards for your occupation. It’s the government’s way of getting a professional “stamp of approval,” confirming you have the skills you claim. A positive assessment is non-negotiable for all skilled migration pathways.
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Book ConsultationFinally, you must secure a State or Territory Nomination. Because the 491 is a regional visa, you need an “invitation” from a specific state or territory government that needs your skills. Each region, like South Australia or Tasmania, has its own list of desired occupations and specific requirements. Your next critical mission is to find a state that is actively looking for someone with your exact profession.
Your ROL Action Plan: Turning Regional Opportunity into Reality
Knowing about the Regional Occupation List (ROL) and the 491 visa gives you a clear, alternative pathway to living and working in Australia. You’re no longer limited by the main lists; you’re empowered to look beyond the big cities toward unique opportunities.
This knowledge transforms your migration research from a passive search into an active plan. Here is a simple guide to get you started.
Your Action Plan
Confirm Your Occupation. Use the official guide on the Department of Home Affairs website to see if your job appears on the ROL.
Research Your Regions. Explore the vibrant regional cities and areas where your skills are in high demand.
Prepare for Assessment. Begin learning about the skills assessment process required for your specific occupation.
Conclusion
The Regional Occupation List opens significant opportunities for skilled professionals whose careers align with regional Australia’s needs. Rather than viewing the 491 regional visa occupation list as a secondary option, understand it as a strategic pathway offering exclusive occupations, additional points, and a clear route to permanent residency through the subclass 191 visa.
Ready to explore your 491 visa options? The Migration offers expert guidance for clients in Sydney and Melbourne through in-office and online consultations. Our experienced migration agents will assess your eligibility, check if your occupation appears on the Regional Occupation List, and guide you through every step from skills assessment to state nomination.
Book your consultation with our migration expert and turn your regional Australia migration dream into reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
1:Can I apply for 491 visa with ROL occupation?
Yes, if your occupation appears on the Regional Occupation List (ROL), you can apply for the subclass 491 visa, provided you also obtain a positive skills assessment and secure nomination from a state or territory that needs your occupation.
2: Does ROL lead to PR in Australia?
Yes, the ROL pathway through the 491 visa leads to permanent residency via the subclass 191 visa after living and working in a regional area for three years and meeting minimum income requirements.
3: How is the ROL different from MLTSSL and STSOL?
The ROL specifically targets occupations needed in regional Australia, while MLTSSL covers long-term national skill shortages and STSOL addresses short-term nationwide needs, making the ROL exclusive to regional visa pathways.
4: What is the Regional Occupation List (ROL) in Australia?
The Regional Occupation List (ROL) is a specialized list of occupations in demand specifically in regional areas of Australia, available exclusively for subclass 491 visa applications to encourage skilled migration outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
