Understanding the ROL: Regional Occupation List Explained
The Regional Occupation List (ROL) features 77 occupations that are in high demand across regional and low-population growth areas of Australia. The list was introduced under legislative instrument LIN 19/050 and has been effective since March 2019. It is maintained by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) in consultation with the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.
The ROL is designed to support employers in regional Australia who face skill shortages and cannot find suitable talent within the local workforce. For skilled migrants, the ROL provides multiple visa opportunities and strong pathways towards permanent residency (PR).
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Why the ROL Was Introduced
The Australian Government created the Regional Occupation List to:
- Fill critical regional skill shortages
- Encourage skilled migrants to live and work in regional communities
- Support regional economic growth and development
- Provide targeted and streamlined PR pathways
- Help employers in regional areas sponsor talent when local workers are unavailable
The list ensures Australia’s migration system continues to support industries essential to regional development.
Visa Categories That Use the ROL
The ROL is applicable to specific skilled visa subclasses. Applicants must select an occupation listed under ROL for the following visas:
- Training Visa (Subclass 407): For workplace-based training and professional skill enhancement programs.
- Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482 - Short-Term Stream): Allows regional employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers to fill regional labour shortages.
- Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 489 - Replaced by Subclass 491): While Subclass 489 has been replaced by the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 491, the ROL still plays an important role in regional nomination and assessment.
Key Eligibility Requirements for ROL Applicants
To apply using an ROL occupation, applicants must:
- Be nominated or sponsored by an Australian State or Territory Government, or by a regional employer
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- Hold a positive skills assessment for their nominated occupation
- Meet relevant English language, age, and points-based requirements
- Be willing to live and work in a designated regional area
Regular Updates to the ROL
The Department of Home Affairs reviews the ROL periodically to ensure it aligns with current labour market needs. Updates may include:
- Adding new occupations
- Reintroducing previously removed occupations
- Adjusting visa eligibility
- Responding to emerging regional workforce shortages
This ensures regional employers have access to skilled labour and that migrants receive relevant and updated visa pathways.
Major Expansion: 59 Additional Occupations Added
In a significant update, the government added 59 new occupations to the Regional Occupation List to support the Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa stream. Several occupations that were previously removed from Australia’s skilled occupation framework were reinstated to meet regional workforce demand.
This expansion created more opportunities for skilled migrants seeking PR through regional pathways.
| ANZSCO Code | Description | 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>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 | 2 |
| 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 | 1 |
| 272611 | Community Arts Worker | VETASSESS | 1 |
| 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 |
| 452413 | Jockey | TRA | 3 |
| 599915 | Clinical Coder | VETASSESS | 3 |
| 612112 | Property Manager | VETASSESS | 3 |
| 612115 | Real Estate Representative | VETASSESS | 3 |
Why Choose Apical Immigration Experts?
When it comes to migrating to Australia through the Regional Occupation List (ROL), you need a trusted partner who understands the process, the policies, and the pathway to success. Apical Immigration Experts ensures your journey is smooth, transparent, and strategically planned for the best outcome.
- ROL-Focused Expertise: Our team specializes in Regional Occupation List pathways and understands the eligibility criteria, occupation demand, and visa requirements for regional Australia.
- Tailored Migration Roadmaps: Every applicant’s profile is different. We design personalized migration strategies that align with your occupation, experience, and long-term goals.
- Accurate Skill Assessment Guidance: We help you prepare and submit skill assessments with precision-ensuring your documents meet the required standards for ROL-listed occupations.
- End-to-End Case Handling: From profile evaluation to visa lodgment, we manage every step of your process with care, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
- Real-Time Immigration Updates: Australian immigration policies change frequently. We keep you fully updated so you never miss important rules, changes, or opportunities.
- High Success Rate & Proven Experience: With years of experience and a strong track record in regional visa approvals, we know exactly what it takes to build a strong, compliant application.
- Transparent & Ethical Guidance: No hidden fees, no confusion-just honest advice based on your eligibility and the latest immigration standards.
- Dedicated Support Team: Our experienced consultants and case managers stay connected with you throughout the process, offering reliable support and timely solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Regional Occupation List (ROL) includes occupations that are in demand specifically across Australia’s regional areas. It is used for selected skilled visa pathways, mainly regional visas. Applicants must have an occupation listed on the ROL to be eligible for these programs. The list is reviewed regularly to match Australia’s workforce shortages and regional needs.
The ROL is primarily used for regional-focused skilled visas such as Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional), Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional), and certain streams of Subclass 482. These visas encourage skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia. Only applicants with occupations on the ROL can apply under these streams. State nomination or employer sponsorship may also be required.
The ROL focuses specifically on occupations needed in regional areas, while the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) cover nationwide needs. ROL visas often require living and working in regional locations for a certain period. It provides additional pathways for occupations that are not eligible under national-level skilled migration lists.
The ROL is updated depending on changes in regional labor market conditions. Government agencies review occupation demand, industry shortages, and economic trends before making adjustments. These updates help ensure that migration supports long-term workforce needs. Applicants should regularly check for the latest occupation changes before applying.
To apply for a visa under the ROL, you must have an occupation listed on the Regional Occupation List and meet the required skill assessment criteria. You may need state nomination or an employer willing to sponsor you, depending on the visa subclass. Applicants must also satisfy points test requirements, English proficiency, health checks, and character standards. Living and working in regional Australia is usually mandatory.
