This policy brief examines the self-reported English language skills of nearly 2,400 humanitarian migrants in the Building a New Life in Australia study over 10 years, from 2013–14 to 2023. The first part of the brief examines trends in four dimensions of English language skills: understanding spoken English, speaking, reading and writing proficiency. The second part investigates the understanding of spoken English in greater detail through analysing factors associated with acquiring language skills during the early years of resettlement and over time.

Efficiency, exposure and incentives all play a role in acquiring understanding of spoken English, and they influence each other over time. 

Key findings

• Early assessment of skills to support language education upon arrival is vital.
• Strengthening mental health support to improve English skills is critical.
• Programs that support social connections with people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds may enhance the likelihood of understanding spoken English.
• Policies and programs that support women’s access to educational programs and address their health issues may improve their likelihood of understanding spoken English.
• Completing other studies or job training in Australia was associated with increased rates of proficiency in understanding spoken English.
• By the tenth year of settlement, child care responsibilities can significantly limit opportunities to develop understanding of spoken English proficiency, particularly for primary caregivers – both men and women.