Dreaming of a career in Australia beyond the major cities? Explore the Australian Regional Occupation List, your potential key to skilled migration. Discover 77 high-demand occupations waiting for professionals like you in the beautiful regions of Australia.
The Regional Occupation List stands apart from standard migration pathways. Through the Subclass 491 visa programme, qualified professionals can build their careers in regional Australia for up to five years. While the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) cover metropolitan areas, this specialised list focuses on enriching communities outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Let this guide be your roadmap to understanding the Regional Occupation List. We’ll explore every aspect you need to know, from available visa pathways to eligibility requirements.
Understanding the Regional Occupation List in 2025
The Regional Occupation List (ROL) shapes Australia’s skilled migration landscape with 77 occupations carefully selected to fill skill gaps in regional communities. Think of it as a specialised talent map, guiding skilled professionals to areas where their expertise makes the greatest impact.
What makes the ROL unique? Unlike metropolitan-focused programmes, this list exclusively serves regional Australia. You won’t find ROL positions in big city centres. This targeted approach shows the government’s dedication to building stronger regional communities and creating balanced economic growth across the country.
Stay confident about the list’s relevance—the Department of Home Affairs keeps the ROL current through regular updates based on regional job market needs. The Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business watches market trends closely, ensuring the list matches real workforce demands across regional Australia.
The ROL unlocks three main visa pathways for skilled professionals:
- Training visa (Subclass 407)
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 494)
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491)
Want to make Australia your permanent home? The ROL creates that opportunity. Your commitment to spend at least three years living and working in regional areas builds strong community connections while opening doors to permanent residency.
The ROL doesn’t work alone; it’s part of Australia’s broader migration strategy. Regional employers and skilled workers enjoy access to more occupation choices compared to city-based options, creating wider opportunities for both parties.
Success comes through teamwork. The Australian Government partners with state, territory and local authorities to welcome skilled migrants to regional areas. This united approach ensures regional communities get the skills they need while offering promising futures to international talent.
Navigating visa pathways through the Regional Occupation List
Explore your options for skilled migration to regional Australia! Discover the diverse opportunities and specific requirements within the Regional Occupation List to find the right visa pathway for your career.
Looking for the most popular route? The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) might be your answer. This points-tested visa lets you call regional Australia home for five years. Here’s the bonus: state nomination adds 15 valuable points to your Department of Home Affairs points score.
Regional employers also have a dedicated pathway through the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494). When Australian talent isn’t available, this visa helps businesses find skilled professionals like you. Remember, you’ll need to be under 45 and prove your skills match the role.
Both visas lead to permanent residency after three years. For the subclass 494 visa, you need to tick these lists.
- Valid skills assessment for your occupation
- Proven English language skills
- Support from an approved employer
Australian states and territories welcome skilled professionals through their nomination schemes. Take Western Australia, for example – they offer two main pathways:
- Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
Each state brings something special to the table. South Australia features an extensive occupation list, while Queensland offers nominees work rights equal to Australian citizens.
Planning requirements vary by state. Tasmania asks for a two-year commitment after nomination, and Victoria expects offshore applicants to move to regional Victoria once their visa arrives.
States tailor their occupation lists to local workforce needs. These carefully curated lists ensure your skills perfectly match regional job markets.
Step-by-step guide to using the occupation list for your visa application
Wondering how to turn your regional Australia dreams into reality? Let’s break down the visa application process into clear, manageable steps.
Start your journey by checking the combined skilled occupations list. The Department of Home Affairs offers three distinct pathways: the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List featuring 212 occupations, the Short-term Skilled Occupation List with 215 occupations, and the Regional Occupation List covering 77 occupations.
Found your occupation? Brilliant! Your next step is securing a skills assessment from the right Australian authority. This assessment stays valid for three years after your invitation date. Professional bodies like Engineers Australia and CPA Australia evaluate qualifications in their respective fields.
Now comes the points challenge. You’ll need to score at least 65 points on the Department of Home Affairs points test. Here’s what counts towards your score:
- Age (under 45 years)
- English language skills
- Work experience
- Educational background
- State nomination (5 points)
- Regional nomination (15 points)
Ready to make your move? Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. Your EOI stays active for two years, and you can update it as needed. State and territory authorities will carefully review your application against their requirements and occupation lists.
Different regions have unique expectations. Take Victoria, for example; nominees must move to regional Victoria when granted their visa. Did you know places like the Mornington Peninsula and Geelong count as regional areas?
Here’s something exciting: regional employers can choose from 650 occupations under the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa. The skilled work regional visa offers 504 occupations. These expanded options show Australia’s dedication to bringing talented professionals to regional communities.
Conclusion
Ready to write your own success story in regional Australia? The Regional Occupation List creates exciting possibilities for skilled professionals seeking a rewarding future in Australia’s vibrant regional communities.
Picture yourself three years from now—stable in your chosen regional area, building strong community connections, and preparing for permanent residency. This journey starts with understanding your pathway. While the process asks for careful attention to detail, your organised approach will make each step achievable.
Your success blueprint includes three key elements:
- A positive skills assessment that showcases your expertise
- A competitive points score that highlights your potential
- A genuine commitment to enriching regional communities
Australian states welcome skilled professionals with diverse opportunities. From Tasmania’s pristine landscapes to Western Australia’s growing regions, you’ll find the perfect match for your career aspirations and lifestyle goals.
Whether the points-boosted Subclass 491 visa or the employer-sponsored Subclass 494 aligns with your goals, meticulous preparation is key. Ensure your occupation is eligible, compile your documents thoroughly, and understand the specific state requirements that fit your professional aspirations. For expert guidance through this process, consider consulting a trusted registered migration agent. Your regional Australian adventure awaits!