Moving to Oz in new year...lots of questions!

Hi all, I will be moving to Oz in the new year on a 457 visa. The company has asked me if I would like to be a permanent employee for them, or hired as a contractor. Does anyone know the pros/cons of each?

Also, how do I know if I am eligible for the LAFHA program? I currently don't own any properties, pay rent, or have a mortgage.so I'm guessing I can't claim anything?

I'm sure I will have a million other questions.but this is a good start.

Thanks for any feedback!

As far as I know, the Oz government has amended the 457 visa requirements and you just have to be directly hired by a company.not a headhunter. You would have to ask your company if you qualify for the LAFHA, I do and it is quite a nice sum monthly. I am currently doing this process and will try to help you out if I can. Cheers

Thanks for the reply. How do you know if you qualify for LAFHA?

The company I will be working for told me that I do, they even gave me a calculation to tell me how much it was. I have no idea how I qualify to tell you the truth

Well, the Living Away from Home fund is given to non-residents and it is so that there is a portion of your salary that is not taxable and then put right back onto your paycheck.
It makes a huge difference in salary and I'm pretty sure anyone coming from outside of australia is entitled to it as you are "living away from home" right?
You shouldn't have to worry about it. As long as it is in the contract then it's final.