ROL: Regional Occupation List Explained

ROL: Regional Occupation List Explained

The ROL (Regional Occupation List) is an additional skilled occupation list that supplements the MLTSSL and STSOL specifically for regional visa pathways in Australia. It contains occupations that may not appear on the main national lists but are in demand in regional areas. The ROL is primarily relevant for the subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) and subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional) visas. Like the other occupation lists, it's being integrated into the CSOL under the Skills in Demand reforms.

What Is the ROL?

The ROL exists because regional Australia has different labour market needs than major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. An occupation that doesn't make the national skills shortage lists might still be desperately needed in Dubbo, Cairns, or Kalgoorlie.

The ROL's purpose:

• Expand the range of occupations available for regional visa pathways
• Address skills gaps specific to regional and remote communities
• Provide additional migration options for applicants whose ANZSCO code doesn't appear on the MLTSSL or STSOL
• Support regional population growth and economic development

The ROL doesn't replace the MLTSSL or STSOL — it adds to them. If your occupation is on the MLTSSL, you can already access regional visas. The ROL gives extra occupations access to regional pathways that they wouldn't otherwise have.

Which Visas Use the ROL?

Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)

The 491 is a points-tested provisional visa that requires nomination by a state or territory government or sponsorship by an eligible family member in a designated regional area. Applicants need an occupation on the MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL (depending on the nominating state's requirements).

ROL occupations and the 491:

• Give you access to the 491 even if your occupation isn't on the two main lists
• Still require you to meet the points test threshold
• Still require a skills assessment from the relevant authority
• The 491 leads to the subclass 191 permanent visa after 3 years of living and working regionally

Subclass 494 — Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional

The 494 is an employer-sponsored visa for regional areas. It requires an approved sponsor with a genuine need for the nominated occupation.

ROL occupations and the 494:

• Allow employers in regional areas to sponsor workers in occupations not available through national lists
• The 494 leads to the subclass 191 permanent visa after 3 years
• Employers must still be approved sponsors and meet all sponsorship requirements

State-Specific Variations

Here's where the ROL gets a bit complicated: not every state or territory treats it the same way. Each state runs its own nomination program with its own priority lists, and the way they incorporate the ROL varies significantly.

Common approaches:

• Some states accept all ROL occupations for their 491 nomination programs
• Others maintain their own state-specific occupation lists that may include some ROL occupations but not all
• Several states have additional requirements beyond what the ROL specifies — such as minimum experience levels, job offers, or specific regional location requirements
• Occupation ceilings may limit nominations for popular ROL occupations in some states

What this means for you: Don't assume that because your occupation is on the ROL, every state will nominate you for a 491. You need to check the specific requirements of the state or territory you're targeting. The Department of Home Affairs maintains links to each state's nomination program.

States and territories with 491 nomination programs:

• New South Wales
• Victoria
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Western Australia
• Tasmania
• Northern Territory
• Australian Capital Territory

Each publishes its own list of occupations it's willing to nominate, updated at varying intervals throughout the program year.

ROL vs MLTSSL vs STSOL

The ROL is best understood as a regional top-up. If the MLTSSL is the main course and the STSOL is the side dish, the ROL is the regional special that's only available at certain restaurants.

The Transition to CSOL

With the introduction of the CSOL (Core Skills Occupation List) in December 2024, the fragmented system of MLTSSL + STSOL + ROL is being consolidated for employer-sponsored visas.

What this means for the ROL:

• The CSOL aims to be a single, broader list that covers occupations previously spread across all three lists
• Many ROL occupations are expected to be absorbed into the CSOL
• The 494 visa will eventually operate under the CSOL framework rather than the ROL
• For the 491 (which is points-tested, not employer-sponsored), the transition timeline may differ

During the transition:

• Existing ROL-based visa holders retain their current conditions
• Applications lodged under the old framework continue under old rules
• States are updating their nomination programs to align with the new system, but at their own pace

How to Check If Your Occupation Is on the ROL

1. Find your ANZSCO code — Use the ANZSCO classification system to identify your 6-digit occupation code
2. Check the ROL — The Department of Home Affairs publishes the ROL as a legislative instrument. Search for your ANZSCO code on their occupation list search tool
3. Check state requirements — Even if your occupation is on the ROL, confirm that your target state accepts it for nomination
4. Get a skills assessment — Your occupation still needs to be assessed by the relevant assessing authority
5. Consult a professional — A registered migration agent can help you determine whether the ROL or CSOL pathway is better for your situation

Why the ROL Matters for Regional Migration

Regional migration has been a policy priority for successive Australian governments. The ROL exists because regional areas face unique challenges:

• Difficulty attracting workers who prefer capital cities
• Specific industry needs (agriculture, mining, healthcare in remote areas)
• Population decline in some regional centres
• Infrastructure projects requiring skilled workers

For applicants, the ROL opens doors that would otherwise be closed. If your occupation isn't on the MLTSSL, the ROL combined with a regional visa pathway could be your route to permanent residency through the 491-to-191 pathway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ROL the same in every state?

The ROL itself is a national list published by the Department of Home Affairs. However, each state decides which ROL occupations it will accept for nomination. So the list is the same, but how it's applied varies by state.

Can I use a ROL occupation for a 189 visa?

No. The subclass 189 visa only accepts occupations on the MLTSSL. The ROL is specifically for regional visa pathways (491, 494).

What if my occupation is on both the ROL and the MLTSSL?

Then you have more options. You could pursue the 189, 190, 491, or employer-sponsored pathways. Having your occupation on the MLTSSL is always better for flexibility.

How often is the ROL updated?

Updates have been irregular, similar to the MLTSSL and STSOL. The move to the CSOL is intended to bring more frequent, data-driven updates through Jobs and Skills Australia.

Do I still need a skills assessment for a ROL occupation?

Yes. Regardless of which list your occupation appears on, you need a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority before applying for a skilled visa. Check which authority assesses your specific ANZSCO code.