ITWhiz

Hi, I have been working in Australia for the past 3 years on a 457 visa. My current employer transferred the sponsorship of my 457 visa from my previous employer 12 months ago since my skill is niche. This 457 visa will expire in 6 months. And my current employer is contemplating the idea of employer sponsored PR. Since I have only worked for them for just a year, I suppose we will have to go for the Direct entry stream. Am I eligible for this application? What are the problems that we can face in this process? And lastly how long would the visa process take?