Australian Census and Migrants Integrated Dataset (ACMID)

The Australian Census and Migrants Integrated Dataset (ACMID) links two rich sources of migrant data: the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Australian Census of Population and Housing data with Australian Government permanent migrant data. This linked dataset comprises migrants whose arrival date pertaining to their permanent visa is between 1 January 2000 and Census Night.

ACMID provides insights into the characteristics of permanent migrants, including demographic information, visa characteristics, mobility (i.e., address one year ago, address five years ago), and data on employment, education, income, and cultural and language diversity.

The linkage of these two data sources allows for detailed Census information to be cross classified by migrants' entry conditions (e.g., visa status and whether a main or secondary applicant), providing valuable insights into settlement patterns of overseas born persons by visa stream as well as information on citizenship, housing, income, labour force characteristics, changing occupations, educational pathways, and family characteristics.

The project is enabled through the partnership of the ABS and the Department of Home Affairs.

The project benefits include:

• A better understanding of how well migrants are adjusting to life in Australia.
• Helps to identify the most important factors for a successful settlement.
• New and updated statistics on permanent migrants in the Skill, Family and Humanitarian and Other Permanent visa streams to inform the development of migration policies.

The ABS protects your privacy and is committed to keeping integrated data safe. The ABS respects individuals rights to privacy and is committed to keeping information safe and secure.

The ABS is subject to strong legislation protecting the confidentiality of information, including the Census and Statistics Act 1905 which makes it a criminal offence to breach secrecy provisions.

We handle personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles, and abide by the High Level Principles for Data Integration Involving Commonwealth Data for Statistical and Research Purposes. 

Understanding Migrant Outcomes - Insights from the Australian Census and Migrants Integrated Dataset, Australia provides new insights into the characteristics of permanent migrants in Australia, including employment, income, and housing.

Microdata: Australian Census and Migrants Integrated Dataset contains information about registration, pricing, and access to ACMID, as well as details about data items contained in the dataset.

Access and services provides an outline of how to apply for and access integrated data like ACMID.