The terms immigration and emigration are often (wrongly) used interchangeably, but they represent two sides of the same process: migration of humans across borders. At its core, immigration means moving into a new country, while emigration means leaving one’s home country.
Understanding immigration vs emigration is important not only for migrants themselves but also for governments, businesses, and societies that have to manage the movement of people.
This article will cover the definitions of immigration and emigration, explain the differences between the two, and explore how these concepts fit into the overarching concept of migration.
What is immigration?
Immigration is the act of moving from your home country into a new country with the intention of either making a temporary or permanent move. Immigrants might move in order to work, study, seek permanent residence increased personal safety, or to move closer to family. The process of immigration is regulated by country-based laws and policies that include the use of visas, residency permits, and citizenship pathways.
For example, when an individual from Mexico moves to the United States for employment, they are considered an immigrant in the U.S. An easy way to remember this is to look for the “i” and link it to moving “in” to another country.
What is emigration?
Emigration is the act of leaving one’s home country to settle in a foreign country. An emigrant is defined relative to their country of origin or from which side of a border you’re engaging with the person.
For example, if an individual from Mexico moves to the United States, Mexico considers them an emigrant. But in the United States they are an immigrant. As with the above key to remembering immigration, look for the “e” and link it to “exiting” your home country.
Differences Between Immigration vs Emigration
| Aspect | Immigration (Into a Country) | Emigration (Out of a Country) |
|---|---|---|
| Direction of Movement | Entering and settling in a new country. | Leaving one’s home country to live elsewhere. |
| National Perspective | Host country sees the person as an immigrant. | Home country sees the person as an emigrant. |
| Legal Framework | Governed by entry laws: visas, residency permits, asylum, citizenship. | Governed by exit rules: passports, exit permits (if any), remittance regulations. |
| Motivations | Pull factors such as jobs, education, safety, family reunification. | Push factors such as poverty, unemployment, conflict, or instability. |
| Examples | A Brazilian student moving to Spain for university. | The same student leaving Brazil to study abroad. |
| Impacts | Expands workforce, increases diversity, boosts host economy. | Generates remittances, creates diaspora links, and may cause brain drain. |
Thinking about dual citizenship?
See the benefits, challenges, and countries that allow it.
Types of Migrants
| Migrant Type | Reason for Migration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refugee | Fleeing persecution or conflict in their home country and has applied for and bee approved refugee status prior to entry. | Protected migrant category under international law (such as the UN’s Refugee Convention) |
| Asylum seeker | Similar to refugees, this is someone who has fled their country due to fear of persecution, violence, or human rights violations. Contrary to refugees, they did not apply for protection in another country prior to entry. | Legal status is undetermined pending a decision by the host country’s government. |
| Expatriate | This can be for work opportunities, better quality of life, retirement or family reunification. | Often a voluntary move and has more resources to settle as they’d like. |
| Labor migrant | Seeking employment abroad and often sending money back home to their family members. | Has to have a work visa and may face restrictions on what they can or cannot do. |
| Student | Seeking higher-quality education abroad, like renowned universities, where they might not have the same learning opportunities at home. | Has to have student or related visas and can sometimes lead to a path to residency. |
Why do people migrate?
Human migration is rarely random. People may choose to emigrate or immigrate due to a balance of so-called push and pull factors.
- Push factors are the things that are driving migrants away from their home country such as unemployment, poverty, political instability, war, persecution, or environmental crises.
- Pull factors are what attract people toward a new country. These can include better job opportunities, higher wages, better education, increased political stability, stronger healthcare systems, and family reunification opportunities.
The Benefits of Migration
- For receiving countries (immigration)
- An influx of labor helps fill shortages in key industries such as healthcare, construction, and technology.
- Immigrants contribute to cultural diversity, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
- Immigration can counteract potentially aging populations and declining birth rates which, in turn, helps to sustain a country’s economic growth. Global Citizen Solutions’ Global Intelligence Unit (GIU) reporting has found that advanced economies are turning to structured migration programs, including 36 Residency by Investment and Citizenship by Investment (RCBI) schemes worldwide, to attract younger, skilled workers and counter demographic decline.
- For sending countries (emigration)
- Emigrants send remittances back home, which directly support families and can form a significant share of national GDP (i.e. the money can be used to stimulate the economy through greater purchasing power)
- Diaspora communities abroad often create global networks that benefit trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange. Research by GIU has found that diaspora connections are becoming key drivers of international business and mobility, linking emigration not only to loss but also to the creation of opportunity at home.
- Emigration may ease unemployment in developing economies while returning migrants bring back vital skills, knowledge, and investment.
What’s the next step after migration?
Discover the difference between
residency and citizenship.
Temporary vs Permanent Visas (Immigrant vs Non-Immigrant)
Most countries classify visas into two broad categories: those that allow temporary stays and those that enable long-term or permanent residence. While the United States officially calls these “non-immigrant” and “immigrant” visas, the same distinction exists worldwide under different names.
Permanent visas (immigrant visas in the U.S.)
- Intended for individuals who plan to live permanently in the host country.
- Often provides a pathway to residency and eventually citizenship.
- Common types include family reunification visas, skilled worker or investor visas, and humanitarian programs such as refugee resettlement.
- Examples: Canada’s Permanent Resident Visa, Australia’s Skilled Independent Visa, or a U.S. family-sponsored immigrant visa (green card).
Temporary visas (non-immigrant visas in the U.S.)
- Issued for a limited period and for specific purposes, such as study, tourism, or short-term work.
- Typically does not lead directly to permanent residency, though some migrants later transition into long-term permits.
- Examples: A Schengen short-stay visa for Europe, a student visa for Canada, or a U.S. H-1B temporary work visa.
| Feature | Temporary visas (non-immigrant) | Permanent visas (immigrant) |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Fixed period (can be months or years). | Indefinite or long-term settlement. |
| Purpose | Study, tourism, seasonal work, business. | Family reunification, employment, investment, humanitarian resettlement. |
| Pathway to citizenship? | Usually no direct pathway. | Often leads to residency and citizenship. |
| Examples | Schengen business visa (Europe), student visa (Canada), H-1B visa (U.S.). | Green Card (U.S.), Skilled Independent Visa (Australia), Canada Startup Visa. |
