Research note Individual characteristics and expectations about opportunities in Australia among prospective Vietnamese migrants

The objective of this study was to describe the expectations about future opportunities in Australia among prospective Vietnamese migrants, and the association of these expectations with individual characteristics. We surveyed 1,352 prospective Vietnamese migrants aged 16 years or more who were recruited from a pre-departure medical screening programme for an Australian visa. Prospective migrants generally believed that future educational, socio-economic and employment opportunities in Australia were better than in Vietnam. Pre-migration socio-demographic characteristics and perceived health status were significantly and independently associated with expectations about future opportunities in Australia. Migrant expectations about educa tional, socio-economic and employment opportunities in Australia are modified by individual socio-demographic and health-related characteristics, which may also influence experiences post-migration.