immigrate
B2Neutral to formal. Common in news, policy, and academic contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To come to live permanently in a country that is not one's native country.
To enter a new country with the intention of settling there. Implies a movement into a country, contrasting with 'emigrate' which means to leave one's country.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Specifically denotes the act of entering and settling. Often implies a degree of formality or permanence (applying for visas, residency). Differs from 'migrate', which can be temporary and applies to animals.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is used identically in meaning and register. Spelling and grammar are consistent.
Connotations
Both varieties carry the same neutral-to-formal connotation. It is a standard term in immigration law and discourse.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both dialects. Slightly more common in American media due to the prominence of immigration policy debates.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] immigrated to [Country].[Subject] immigrated from [Country] to [Country].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(no common idioms use 'immigrate' as the core verb. Related idiom: 'seeking a better life')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in contexts of global talent mobility and relocation services (e.g., 'The company assisted key employees to immigrate.').
Academic
Used in sociology, political science, and demographics studies (e.g., 'Populations that immigrate often face initial cultural challenges.').
Everyday
Used when discussing personal or family history (e.g., 'My grandparents immigrated in the 1950s.').
Technical
Used in legal and governmental contexts regarding immigration law, visas, and residency status.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They decided to immigrate to Australia for a better climate.
- To immigrate legally, one must complete extensive paperwork.
American English
- Her family immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island.
- He hopes to immigrate and become a citizen.
adverb
British English
- (No common adverb form. 'Immigrately' is non-standard.)
- (Concept expressed via phrases: 'He arrived as an immigrant.')
American English
- (No standard adverb derived from 'immigrate'.)
- (One might say 'They came here immigrating,' but it's awkward.)
adjective
British English
- (The related adjective is 'immigrant', e.g., 'immigrant community')
- (No direct adjective form for 'immigrate')
American English
- (The related adjective is 'immigrant', e.g., 'immigrant population')
- (No direct adjective form for 'immigrate')
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My friend wants to immigrate to Canada.
- They immigrated last year.
- It is difficult to immigrate to a new country without knowing the language.
- Her grandparents immigrated from Italy after the war.
- The government has revised its policies for those who wish to immigrate based on skilled employment.
- Many people immigrate in search of political asylum and safety.
- The study analysed the socioeconomic factors that influence an individual's decision to immigrate.
- Historically, waves of populations have immigrated to this region during periods of famine.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
IMMIgrate = IMagine Moving In. You are coming INto a new country.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMMIGRATION IS A JOURNEY / IMMIGRATION IS A FLOW (of people).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'мигрировать' (to migrate), which is broader. 'Immigrate' is specifically 'иммигрировать'. The key trap is confusing 'immigrate' (въезжать) with 'emigrate' (выезжать).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'immigrate' without 'to' (INCORRECT: 'They immigrated Canada.' CORRECT: 'They immigrated to Canada.').
- Confusing 'immigrate' (enter) with 'emigrate' (leave).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'immigrate' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Immigrate' means to come *into* a new country to live. 'Emigrate' means to leave *from* one's home country. Perspective is key: you emigrate *from* and immigrate *to*.
No. 'Migrate' is more general and can refer to temporary movement, seasonal movement (birds), or movement within a country. 'Immigrate' specifically means to enter a foreign country to settle permanently.
Yes. The simple past and past participle are both 'immigrated' (e.g., 'He immigrated in 2010.', 'They have recently immigrated.').
The preposition 'to' is required when stating the destination country (e.g., 'immigrate to the UK'). You can also use 'from' to indicate the origin (e.g., 'immigrate from Syria to Turkey').