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.

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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

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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

These benefits are similar to what a green card offers, but without the pathway to U.S. citizenship or the ability to sponsor family members to immigrate to the U.S.

From Slate • Jul. 23, 2025

I never felt like the camp was home, but I began to get used to the life there as we waited to see which country might allow us to immigrate.

From "The Boy on the Wooden Box" by Leon Leyson

Related Words

• arrive
• migrate