How Age at Migration and Language Skills Shape the Future of Immigrants in Australia; research by Cahit Guven and Asadul Islam

 Migration is more than just a change of address—it is about building a new life. For immigrants to Australia, two factors powerfully shape how successful and integrated that new life will be: the age at which they arrive and the level of English language proficiency they achieve. Recent research by Cahit Guven and Asadul Islam sheds new light on these critical influences, offering important insights for individuals, families, and policymakers alike.

The Early Bird Advantage: Why Younger Migrants Succeed More

The research draws on a rich, nationally representative dataset (the HILDA survey, 2001–2011) to analyze outcomes for those who migrated to Australia as children. The findings are striking: children who arrived before the age of 11 generally attain much higher levels of English proficiency than those who arrived older. Early exposure enables them to acquire near-native fluency, aligning with well-known learning science. As a result, these early arrivals go on to fare much better socially, academically, and economically. Their prospects for employment, income, promotions, and social integration are significantly brighter than those who arrive later in adolescence.

English Proficiency: Fuel For Economic and Social Mobility

The researchers show that English fluency is a key determinant of immigrants’ socioeconomic outcomes:

• Higher Wages and Promotions: Every one-unit increase in English proficiency is associated with up to a 25% boost in wages (as per OLS estimates) and even bigger effects using more robust statistical methods.

• Job Security and Advancement: Better English speakers are more likely to feel secure in their jobs and get promoted.

• Health and Lifestyle: English proficiency is linked to better health for women, more exercise and risk-taking among men, and healthier partner choices overall.

Gender-Specific Impacts

The study finds intriguing differences between men and women:

• Men with high English skills are more likely to take risks, exercise, and smoke, while enjoying higher earnings.

• Women experience significant health gains, such as better self-reported health and fewer chronic conditions, along with higher workplace promotions and life satisfaction.

The Ripple Effect: Family and Intergenerational Outcomes

Language skills do not just affect the individual immigrant. Parents’ English proficiency strongly influences the educational and social achievements of their children. Children whose parents are fluent in English perform better in school (especially in math), have greater social capital, and are more likely to enter higher-status jobs. Moreover, better language skills among parents foster healthier family dynamics and richer social lives for their children.

Policy Implications

Given Australia’s point-based immigration system, these findings provide valuable policy guidance. Prioritizing younger migrants and supporting language learning programs can deliver enduring social and economic dividends, not only for the first generation but for future generations as well.

Key Takeaways

• Arriving at a younger age dramatically boosts language acquisition and life outcomes.

• English proficiency remains a strong predictor of long-run economic and social success.

• Women and men experience the benefits of language skills differently, especially in health and social integration.

• The positive effects of parental language skills “cascade” into the wellbeing and achievement of their children.

To read the full article, please click on this link - https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=view_citation&hl=en&user=0NXsy30AAAAJ&citation_for_view=0NXsy30AAAAJ:kNdYIx-mwKoC