Do you wish to have a fresh start in Australia’s scenic regions? It is then essential to understand that the Regional Occupation List (ROL) could be your ticket to a vibrant and peaceful place. With the Subclass 491 and 494 visas, skilled professionals can grab the opportunity to build successful careers in Australia’s growing regional communities.
🔔 Let’s understand Australia’s Regional Skilled Visas: Subclass 491 and 494
The Australian government provides two special visas for skilled workers who are interested in living and working in regional areas:
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional – Provisional) Visa: For those nominated by a state or sponsored by an eligible relative in regional Australia.
- Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional – Provisional) Visa: For workers with employer sponsorship in regional Australia.
Both visas are provisional, providing a clear pathway to permanent residency after meeting certain criteria.
🌐 491 vs. 494 Visas: What’s the Difference?
| 💼 Feature | 🔹 Subclass 491 | 🔹 Subclass 494 |
| 🔢 Type | Points-tested provisional visa | Employer-sponsored provisional visa |
| 👥 Who Can Nominate | State/Territory govt or eligible family in regional Australia | An eligible regional employer |
| 🌐 Job Offer Required? | Not mandatory (but helpful) | Mandatory job offer from regional employer |
| 📅 Visa Validity | 5 years | 5 years |
| 👮 Pathway to PR? | Yes, via Subclass 191 | Yes, via Subclass 191 |
| ✍️ Work Experience Required? | Not always | Typically 3 years in nominated occupation |
Always refer to the Department of Home Affairs’ official website for the most up-to-date information.
🤔 What is the Regional Occupation List (ROL)?
The Regional Occupation List (ROL) is a special list of jobs specifically needed in regional areas of Australia. Unlike the other skilled visas which requires broader occupations, the ROL focuses on roles in demand outside metro capitals. If your expertise matches one of these occupations, you could be eligible to apply for a regional skilled visa.
🥇 Popular In-Demand ROL Occupations (Examples)
| 💼 Sector | 🔹 Sample Occupations |
| 💉 Healthcare | General Practitioners, Nurses, Physiotherapists, Medical Technicians |
| 🛠 Trades | Electricians, Carpenters, Plumbers, Motor Mechanics |
| 🌿 Agriculture | Farmers, Agricultural Scientists, Winemakers |
| 🏫 Education | Early Childhood Teachers, Secondary Teachers, Lecturers |
| 👨💼 Engineering | Civil, Mechanical, Electrical Engineers (some with caveats) |
| 💻 IT | Select roles only (e.g., regional-based ICT roles) |
Tip: Always visit the specific state/territory government’s website for their updated ROL and go through their particular requirements or quotas.
📋 Comparing Australia’s Skilled Occupation Lists
| 🏷️ List Name | 📍 Focus Area | 🧠 Who It’s For | 🛣️ PR Pathway | 📌 Key Highlights |
| 🟢 MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List) | Nationwide (all of Australia) | Professionals in long-term demand sectors like engineering, healthcare, and ICT | ✅ Strong pathway to permanent residency | Ideal for skilled migrants targeting major cities and PR-eligible visas like Subclass 189, 190, and 186 |
| 🔵 STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List) | Mostly metro/urban areas | Workers filling short-term gaps | ⚠️ Limited or no direct PR pathway | Mostly supports Subclass 482 (short-term stream);limited options for long-term settlement |
| 🟡 ROL (Regional Occupation List) | Regional Australia only | Skilled workers willing to live and work in designated regional areas | ✅ Leads to PR via Subclass 191 after meeting residency/work conditions | Includes unique occupations not on MLTSSL or STSOL; great for regional migration via 491 or 494 visas |
| 🔴 PMSOL (Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List) (now closed) | Critical sectors during COVID-19 | Temporary high-priority workers | ❌ No longer active | Introduced for pandemic recovery; discontinued post-2023 |
📝 Eligibility Requirements for 491 and 494 Visas Based on ROL Occupations
| 🏷️ Criteria | 🔵 Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa | 🟢 Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa |
| 🎂 Age Limit | Must be under 45 years at the time of invitation | Must be under 45 at the time of application (some exemptions apply) |
| 👷♀️ Occupation | Must be on a ROL | Must be on a ROL |
| 🛠️ Skills Assessment | Required from the relevant authority; valid at time of invitation | Required from the relevant authority; valid at time of application |
| 🗣️ English Proficiency | At least Competent English: IELTS 6.0 in all bands or equivalent | Same – IELTS 6.0 in all bands or equivalent approved test |
| 🧠 Points Test | Must score 65+ points on the SkillSelect points test | ❌ Not points-tested |
| 💼 Work Experience | Points awarded based on skilled work history | Minimum 3 years full-time, relevant experience within last 5 years |
| 🧑🤝🧑 Nomination/Sponsorship | Nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by an eligible family member | Nominated by an approved regional employer |
| 📝 EOI Requirement | Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an invitation to apply | No EOI required, apply directly after nomination |
| 🧾 Labour Market Testing | Not applicable | Required: employer must show genuine attempt to hire locally |
| 🏢 Regional Certifying Body (RCB) | Not required | Required: RCB must validate job need and market salary |
| 💰 Minimum Salary (TSMIT) | Not applicable | Must be at least AUD 76,515 (from 1 July 2025), consistent with Australian norms |
| 💸 Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy | Not applicable | Employer must pay SAF levy |
| 🩺 Health & Character | You and family members must meet health and character requirements | Same, health exams + police clearances required |
| 📍 Regional Commitment | Must genuinely intend to live, work, and study in regional areas | Must live and work in the designated regional area and for sponsoring employer |
| 🔐 Visa Conditions | Can live/work/study in any designated regional area | Must stay with sponsoring employer in the nominated position |
🛤️ Navigating the ROL: Finding Your Eligible Occupation
Here’s how to check:
- Consult the official ROL by visiting the Australian Department of Home Affairs website for the latest updates.
- Identify your occupation: Scan the list for your profession or its closest equivalent.
- Check skill assessment authorities: Confirm which organization can assess your skills.
- Review state requirements: Each state may prioritize certain occupations, so check the relevant state’s migration portal for updates.
➡️ The Application Process: Step-by-Step for ROL Visa Pathways
1️⃣ Check Your Occupation and Eligibility on the ROL
- Meet the points test for Subclass 491.
2️⃣ Skills Assessment
- Apply with the nominated authority to assess your qualifications and experience.
3️⃣ Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Create a SkillSelect account to register your interested state/territory and provide the required details.
4️⃣ Seek Nomination or Sponsorship
- For 491: Approach a regional state or territory for nomination.
- For 494: Secure an employer willing to sponsor you.
5️⃣ Receive an Invitation
- Wait for the invitation to apply after EOI submission.
6️⃣ Submit Your Visa Application
- Submit your complete documents
7️⃣ Wait for Decision
- The officials will review your application and notify you of the outcome.
🌱 Life in Regional Australia: Benefits and Opportunities
There’s something more about regional areas of Australia than stunning scenery:
- Strong community vibe: Enjoy a friendly society and a slower pace of life.
- Reduced competition for jobs and housing: MMore opportunities for better lifestyle and affordability.
- Higher priority for visa processing: Regional applicants often get quicker decisions.
- Pathway to permanent residency: Meet the requirements and settle down permanently.
- Access to support and financial incentives: Some regions offer bonuses for newcomers.
🎯 Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
- Finding Regional Jobs: Network through local employment agencies and jobs focused on regional roles.
- Adjusting to Lifestyle: Engaging with community events and local groups to connect with others.
- Accessing Services: Research healthcare, education, and transport options ahead of your move for a smoother transition.
🤔 FAQs about the Regional Occupation List and Skilled Regional Visas
❓ Q1: Can I move to a city after getting my 491 or 494 visa?
✅ No—these visas require you to live, work, and study in designated regional areas.
❓ Q2: What counts as ‘regional Australia’?
✅ Most Australian areas outside major cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane) are classified as regional. Check the government’s regional area map for details.
❓ Q3: How long is the ROL updated?
✅ The list is reviewed regularly; always check the official government site before applying.
❓ Q4: Can my family come too?
✅ Yes, your family members, such as your spouse, dependent children, and parents, can come along with you.
❓ Q5: Is permanent residency guaranteed?
✅ No, but if you fulfil the requirements (such as regional residence and work), you can apply for permanent residency from the provisional visa.
🏴 The Final Thoughts
Ready to explore regional Australia?
The ROL might be on your vision board for a fresh career, a thriving community, and a new Aussie chapter. Applying may feel stressful, but understanding the process and what’s waiting for you on the other side is the most exciting part of your journey. Let’s have wonderful moments while exploring the new world!