Longitudinal Survey of Immigrants to Australia: Phase 2

The aim of Longitudinal Survey of Immigrants to Australia was to collect information on recently arrived migrants, to measure how they settle in Australia, and to provide reliable data for Commonwealth and other agencies to monitor and evaluate immigration and settlement policies, programs and services. Data collection for the first cohort, Phase 1 (SSDA NO. 1040) was completed in 1999. Interviews for the second cohort commenced in March 2000 for the purpose of evaluating the effects of immigration policy changes. Variables for the PA and MU surveys include: attitudes to their former country, and Australia; reasons for immigrating; sources of information about Australia and its States/Territories and why their chose the state they settled in; experience of and attitudes to different sources of information, support and assistance received before and after arrival, in areas including employment, education, accommodation, health and government assistance; awareness of the two year waiting period for social security benefits; education in and attainment of english language; future migration, citizenship and sponsorship plans; and indicators of happiness and satisfaction. Background variables for the PA's and MU's include country and date of birth, gender, marital status, languages spoken, occupation and employment, income and expenses, accomodation, visa and citizenship status. Background variables for the OH's include country and date of birth, gender, marital status, employment, visa and citizenship status, and income.