I arrived in Australia in February on a 417 working holiday visa. We later decided that we wanted to stay here longer and because our occupations are on the skills shortage list decided that a 457 visa was the way to go.

I've now been offered a permanent job who said they will assist with my 457 visa application subject to 4 weeks probationary period which is exactly what we were after.

I know that this visa is still only temporary, so my question is what would our next step be in order to apply for PR?

How many years would I need to stay on the 457 visa and what are the visa options after this?

You can apply for PR any time..

I understand that I can put in an EOI at anytime, however in order to be considered I would first need to update my certifications at great expense followed by the application fee if invited.

I've seen other threads saying they have worked for their employer for 2 years on a 457 and can then apply for PR. Is this application process the same as if I just lodged an EOI now?

Your employer can sponsor you at any time for PR. If you've worked for your employer for two years though, you don't have to do the skills assessment.

OK, thanks. So if that happened (employer sponsored for PR) and it was granted would that mean that I would no longer be tied to that employer? From what I understand, on a 457 if I leave the company sponsoring me I have 28 days to find somewhere else or get booted out.

As far as I'm aware, you'd be tied to that employer for two years. Which is fair enough, since they're helping you to gain PR! You wouldn't have the problem of having 28 days to leave or find new employment, which is a massive drawback to the 457. However, it'd be pretty poor to leave the employer soon after getting PR. Have a read of the employer sponsorship information booklet.

If you want PR without any ties, you'll need to look at the 189 - independent skilled PR visa.

mrsgreenstar is correct - you will be tied to the employer for 2 years (exceptional circumstances would be considered by DIAC).

Ems