The Regional Occupation List (ROL) is a specialized list of occupations that are in high demand in regional areas of Australia. Comprising 77 occupations, this list serves as a critical tool for addressing skills shortages in regional and low-population growth areas across the country^1. The ROL was introduced by the Department of Home Affairs to specifically target the labor needs of regional Australia, distinct from metropolitan centers like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane^7.
Purpose and Function
The ROL is designed to meet the specific employment needs of regional employers in areas experiencing high demand for skilled workers. The list is regularly reviewed and updated by the Australian government to ensure it accurately reflects the changing needs of regional labor markets^1. The Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business (formerly known as the Department of Jobs and Small Business) is primarily responsible for conducting these reviews^4.
This occupation list plays a crucial role in strengthening the Australian economy by addressing skilled worker shortages in specific regions. This is particularly important for regional and low-population growth areas where finding local workers with necessary skills can be challenging^2.
Eligible Visa Pathways
Having an occupation on the ROL may qualify you for several visa options:
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)^1^9
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494)^7
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187)^7
- Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) – Medium Term stream^8
- Training visa (subclass 407)^3
The ROL is specifically applicable for applicants who have been sponsored or nominated by an Australian State or Territory Government agency and received an invitation to apply on or after relevant dates specified in immigration regulations^4.
Regional Areas Definition
For migration purposes, regional areas in Australia include locations outside major metropolitan cities. These designated regional areas include:
- Regional Victoria (Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Latrobe Valley)
- Regional Queensland (Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Sunshine Coast)
- Regional South Australia (Barossa Valley, Riverland, Mount Gambier)
- Regional Western Australia (Perth, Pilbara, Kimberley)
- Regional Tasmania (Launceston, Hobart, Devonport)
- Regional Northern Territory (Darwin, Alice Springs)
- Regional ACT
- Some parts of New South Wales and regional areas of the Gold Coast and Newcastle^2
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for visas associated with the ROL, applicants must:
- Have an occupation listed on the ROL
- Meet other eligibility criteria such as age, English language proficiency, and skills assessment
- Commit to living and working in a designated regional area of Australia (for some visas, a minimum of three years)^1
- Be sponsored by an employer or nominated by a state/territory government (depending on the visa subclass)^5
Distinction from Other Occupation Lists
The ROL is distinct from other skilled occupation lists used in Australia’s immigration system:
- Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL): Used for other skilled migration visa programs
- Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL): Covers a broader range of occupations and regions^1^6
While the MLTSSL and STSOL have broader applications across Australia, the ROL specifically targets regional areas, creating migration pathways that might not otherwise be available. For example, occupations like Cook, Marketing Specialist, or Web Developer don’t have pathways to permanent residency in metropolitan areas but do have such opportunities in regional areas if they meet the requirements for visas like the subclass 494^2.
Occupations on the ROL
The ROL includes a diverse range of occupations across various sectors. Some examples include:
- Agricultural roles (Aquaculture Farmer, Cotton Grower, Beef Cattle Farmer)
- Management positions (Public Relations Manager, Project Builder, Sports Administrator)
- Healthcare professionals (Medical Administrator, Dentist, Anaesthetist)
- Education roles (Regional Education Manager, Vocational Education Teacher)
- Technical specialists (Aeroplane Pilot, Ship’s Master, Wine Maker)^4
Some occupations on the list may have caveats or special conditions that apply, which are typically indicated with an asterisk in official listings^3.
For those considering migration to regional Australia, consulting with a registered migration agent is advisable to confirm the current status of occupations on the ROL and determine the most appropriate visa pathway based on individual circumstances^9.
