I would speak to them as soon as possible and state that you are looking for a permanent move, see whether they will go for the 457 and then sponsor you for
PR as this takes a bit longer. If they are only interested in the 457 visa then unless you can apply for
PR through another route (ie points etc) then this will only be temporary and you will have to leave at the end of the visa. We are here on a 457 and are going through the
PR with the company sponsoring us as we wouldn't have enough points otherwise. It is working out well for us but you have to be sure of the company's commitment up front especially with kids and have no illusions if you are here temporarily that that is what it is. The 457 is a quick and easy way in for a company but you need to find out if they are looking at you in terms of a fixed term contract or a permanent employee.
Feel free to contact me if you want any more info on what we are doing as we are about 3 hours from Melbourne and loving it here.
Good luck.
Nicky
