immigrate

American  

[im-i-greyt] / ˈɪm ɪˌgreɪt /

verb (used without object)

immigrated, immigrating

1. to come to a country of which one is not a native, usually for permanent residence.

2. to pass or come into a new habitat or place, as an organism.

---

verb (used with object)

immigrated, immigrating

1. to introduce as settlers.

   to immigrate cheap labor.

immigrate British  

/ ˈɪmɪˌɡreɪt /

verb

1. (intr) to come to a place or country of which one is not a native in order to settle there Compare emigrate

2. (intr) (of an animal or plant) to migrate to a new geographical area

3. (tr) to introduce or bring in as an immigrant

---

Related Words

See migrate.

Other Word Forms

• immigrator noun
• immigratory adjective
• unimmigrating adjective

Etymology

Origin of immigrate

First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin immigrātus (past participle of immigrāre “to move into”); im- ¹, migrate

Example Sentences

But lawyers told Barron’s that most of their wealthy foreign clients who want to immigrate aren’t applying for the Gold Card—they’re pursuing other options.

From Barron's • Mar. 6, 2026

The pause takes effect starting Jan. 21, and will halt visa issuance to people looking to immigrate permanently, typically through marriage, family ties or work sponsorship.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 14, 2026

Then, you’ll need to discuss what this will actually cost and what kind of visa you’ll need to immigrate.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 22, 2025

Koreatown came to life and blossomed in the late ’60s as a new immigration act permitted thousands of Koreans to immigrate and join their families in L.A.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 12, 2025

My mother was six months’ pregnant when she decided that she would have to be the one to immigrate to the United States with my brothers because my dad was constantly being watched.

From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers

Related Words

• arrive
• migrate