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Fact Sheet 16 – Immigration Research

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The Department of Immigration and Citizenship undertakes research and evaluation to assist it in policy-making, operational decisions and to inform the general public. There are three aspects to this research and evaluation:

  • the undertaking of surveys to evaluate the outcomes of recent migrants
  • the commissioning of independent research on current and emerging issues associated with immigration, population, multiculturalism and settlement
  • the collection of immigration related statistics.

Migrant surveys

Building a new life in Australia

This is a longitudinal survey of refugees and other migrants designed to trace the settlement journey from arrival in Australia through to citizenship. The survey will commence in the second half of 2012 and is planned to continue until 2017.

The survey will enable the department to better understand the factors that give people the best possible start and aid successful settlement.

The survey will follow a large group of new refugees — supplemented by a smaller group of other migrants — on the course of their settlement journey, checking in on them at different stages. The findings are intended to build the evidence base on the factors that aid successful settlement and lead to improved policies and program delivery.
See: Building a New Life in Australia

The Continuous Survey of Australia's Migrants (CSAM)

The Continuous Survey of Australia's Migrants (CSAM) is designed to monitor the outcomes of recent migrants to Australia. Every six months two cohorts of migrants are surveyed:

  • Cohort 1 — primary Applicants who have been in Australia for about six months
  • Cohort 2 — primary Applicants who have been in Australia for about 12 months.

The survey is designed to provide timely information across a range of areas, including:

  • What are migrant labour market outcomes at any point in time?
  • How do these outcomes improve with an additional six months of living in Australia?
  • Which categories of migrants are associated with particularly good or particularly poor labour market outcomes?
  • How strong is the association between good English and positive labour market outcomes?
  • Are skilled migrants working in skilled jobs?
  • Are migrants having problems with housing affordability?
  • How satisfied are migrants with their housing?

Fieldwork for the survey began in September 2009. Results and more information about the survey are available on the department's website.
See: Continuous Survey of Australia's Migrants

Research and evaluation program

The department invests in research and evaluation activities in order to better manage migration and understand migration outcomes. Good research and evaluation enables well-informed, robust policies and effective programs. It enhances accountability by providing clear evidence to support decision making on policy and program directions. It helps to identify what works, what doesn't, and in what circumstances.

Research projects and publications are available on the department's website.
See:
Australian Immigration Research
Research Publications

Copies of research reports can be obtained by using the Research Enquiry Form.
See: Research enquiry form

Migrant Statistics

Each year the department produces the report Population Flows – Immigration Aspects. This publication provides a succinct and up-to-date summary of the characteristics of Australia's population, the composition of Australia's immigration programs and the movement of people into and out of Australia.

The department regularly publishes detailed statistics on Australia's stock of temporary entrants, emigration from Australia, settler arrivals, citizenship and Migration Program outcomes. The department also publishes analysis and estimates of net overseas migration.

More statistical information is available on the department's website.
See: Statistics

Further information is available on the department's website.
See: www.immi.gov.au

The department also operates a national general enquiries line.
Telephone: 131 881
Hours of operation: Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm (recorded information is available outside these hours).

Fact Sheet 16. Produced by the National Communications Branch, Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Canberra.
Last reviewed February 2012.

© Commonwealth of Australia 2009.