The contexts into which refugees and asylum seekers resettle, particularly the socio-political context as represented through various discourses, shape their occupational opportunities, health, and well-being. This article explores current literature in regard to the contemporary Australian discursive climate, particularly in relation to the way it may shape the occupational experiences of refugees and asylum seekers. In addition, a synthesis of current research regarding the occupational experiences of refugees and asylum seekers during their period of resettlement is presented. These two topics of research, drawn from 42 articles, were thematically analyzed. Identified themes include imagined possibilities prior to arrival, establishing occupational routines on entry to the Australian community, and pursuing a personally meaningful life. The authors argue that consideration of the way in which discourse shapes the lived world, and in turn, the occupational opportunities of refugees and asylum seekers, is of key importance for those working with these marginalized groups. © The Author(s) 2016.

Cultural sensitivity Occupation cultural narrative Vulnerable populations

occupation vulnerable population narrative Australia cultural sensitivity asylum seeker human synthesis