How long does the subclass 494 visa last and how does it lead to permanent residence?

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa is granted for up to five years. It is a provisional, not permanent, visa, designed as a stepping stone to settling in regional Australia.

After you have held the visa and met conditions such as living and working in a designated regional area and meeting the income requirements for the required period, you can apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa, subclass 191. The 191 is the permanent outcome at the end of the 494 pathway.