Immigrant vs. Foreigner — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 4, 2024
Immigrants move to a new country intending to settle, whereas foreigners are non-residents, present temporarily or not planning to settle.
Difference Between Immigrant and Foreigner
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Immigrants are individuals who move to another country with the intention of settling there permanently or for a long period. This transition often involves obtaining legal residency or citizenship. Whereas foreigners are people who are not citizens or residents of the country in which they are present. They may be in the country for a variety of reasons such as tourism, work, or study, but do not have the same intention of permanent residency.
While immigrants usually undergo a process of cultural assimilation and legal procedures to become part of their new country, foreigners might not engage deeply with the local culture or legal system since their stay is temporary. Immigrants often seek to build a new life and contribute to their new community, whereas foreigners may maintain a strong connection to their home country.
Immigrants typically have rights to work, access public services, and eventually apply for citizenship in the host country. On the other hand, foreigners' rights and access to services are limited by their visa status, and they are not eligible for citizenship based on their temporary status.
The perception and social integration of immigrants and foreigners can differ significantly. Immigrants are often expected to integrate and contribute to their new society, while foreigners are usually seen as visitors without the expectation of permanent integration.
The decision to become an immigrant is usually driven by factors like economic opportunities, family reunification, or escaping adverse conditions at home. In contrast, being a foreigner is often a temporary status chosen for reasons like education, tourism, or temporary employment.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A person who moves to a country to settle there.
A non-resident of a country, there temporarily.
Intention
To settle permanently or long-term.
Temporary stay without intention of settling.
Legal status
May obtain legal residency or citizenship.
Usually on a temporary visa, without residency.
Integration
Expected to assimilate culturally and socially.
Not expected to integrate permanently.
Rights and Access
Rights to work, access services, and citizenship.
Limited rights and access based on visa status.
Compare with Definitions
Immigrant
A person who moves to another country with the intention of living there permanently.
She became an immigrant when she moved from Brazil to Canada for a better life.
Foreigner
A person from another country who does not reside permanently in the country they are in.
As a foreigner in Japan, he was fascinated by the local traditions and festivals.
Immigrant
Immigrants often adopt aspects of their new country's culture while retaining their own.
The immigrant family celebrated traditional festivals from their homeland while embracing local customs.
Foreigner
Foreigners are in a country temporarily for reasons like tourism, study, or work.
The foreigner came to the U.S. on a student visa to attend university.
Immigrant
Immigrants are expected to integrate into their new society, learning the language and customs.
The immigrant community formed a club to help newcomers integrate more smoothly.
Foreigner
Foreigners have limited rights compared to citizens, often restricted by their visa.
As a foreigner, she could not access certain public healthcare benefits.
Immigrant
Immigrants usually go through a legal process to obtain residency or citizenship.
After years of paperwork, he finally received his immigrant visa.
Foreigner
Foreigners are not expected to integrate fully into the local culture or society.
Despite being a foreigner, he made an effort to learn about the local customs and language.
Immigrant
Immigrants contribute to the economic, cultural, and social fabric of their new country.
As an immigrant, she started a business that created jobs and served the community.
Foreigner
Foreigners often maintain a strong connection to their home country.
Even as a foreigner, she kept her traditions alive by celebrating her national holidays.
Immigrant
A person who comes to live permanently in a foreign country
An immigrant village
Immigrant workers
They found it difficult to expel illegal immigrants
Foreigner
One who is from a foreign country or place.
Immigrant
A person who leaves one country to settle permanently in another.
Foreigner
One who is from outside a particular group or community; an outsider.
Immigrant
An organism that establishes itself in an area where it previously did not exist.
Foreigner
A person from a foreign country.
Immigrant
Of or relating to immigrants or the act of immigrating.
Foreigner
A private job run by an employee at a trade factory rather than going through the business.
Immigrant
A non-native person who comes to a country from another country to permanently settle there.
Foreigner
A person belonging to or owning allegiance to a foreign country; one not native in the country or jurisdiction under consideration, or not naturalized there; an alien; a stranger.
Joy is such a foreigner,So mere a stranger to my thoughts.
Nor could the majesty of the English crown appear in a greater luster, either to foreigners or subjects.
Immigrant
A plant or animal that establishes itself in an area where it previously did not exist.
Foreigner
A person who comes from a foreign country; someone who does not owe allegiance to your country
Immigrant
Of or relating to immigrants or the act of immigrating.
Foreigner
Someone who is excluded from or is not a member of a group
Immigrant
One who immigrates; one who comes to a country for the purpose of permanent residence; - correlative of emigrant.
Immigrant
A person who comes to a country where they were not born in order to settle there
Common Curiosities
Do immigrants have the same rights as citizens?
Immigrants do not initially have the same rights as citizens, but they can gain more rights, including citizenship, through legal processes.
Why do people choose to become immigrants?
People choose to become immigrants for various reasons, including seeking better economic opportunities, family reunification, or escaping conflict or persecution.
Can immigrants vote in their new country?
Immigrants can vote in some countries once they obtain citizenship, but not as permanent residents.
What makes someone an immigrant?
Someone becomes an immigrant when they move to another country with the intention of living there permanently or for a long term.
Are tourists considered foreigners or immigrants?
Tourists are considered foreigners because their stay is temporary and they do not intend to settle permanently.
How do immigrants contribute to their new country?
Immigrants contribute economically, culturally, and socially, often bringing diverse perspectives and innovation.
Can a foreigner become an immigrant?
Yes, a foreigner can become an immigrant if they decide to settle permanently in the country they are in and go through the legal process of obtaining residency or citizenship.
What legal status do immigrants have?
Immigrants have legal status that allows them to reside permanently or for a long term, which may eventually lead to citizenship.
What challenges do immigrants face?
Immigrants may face challenges such as cultural adaptation, legal hurdles, and sometimes discrimination or social integration issues.
Can immigrants own property in their new country?
In many countries, immigrants can own property once they have the necessary legal status.
What rights do foreigners have in a foreign country?
Their rights are usually limited to those allowed by their visa, such as working, studying, or tourism activities.
What impact do immigrants have on the labor market?
Immigrants can fill labor shortages, bring specialized skills, and contribute to the economy, although their impact varies by country and sector.
Do foreigners need to learn the local language?
While not mandatory, learning the local language can help foreigners navigate their stay and enrich their experience.
How do countries benefit from immigrants?
Countries benefit from the skills, labor, cultural diversity, and innovation that immigrants bring.
What is the main difference between an immigrant and a foreigner?
The main difference lies in their intention and legal status; immigrants intend to settle permanently, while foreigners are in the country temporarily.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
