Immigrant vs. Nonimmigrant — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on March 20, 2024
Immigrants move to a country intending to reside permanently, while nonimmigrants stay temporarily for specific purposes like tourism or study.
Difference Between Immigrant and Nonimmigrant
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Immigrants are individuals who relocate to a country with the intention of living there permanently, often seeking better opportunities or to be with family. They typically undergo a legal process to obtain residency or citizenship. Whereas, nonimmigrants enter a country temporarily for specific reasons such as tourism, business, study, or temporary work, without the intent to settle permanently.
The legal status and rights of immigrants usually allow for a broader range of activities, including the ability to work, own property, and access public services. On the other hand, nonimmigrants are restricted to the terms of their visas, which specify the purpose and duration of their stay, and they generally cannot benefit from government services intended for residents.
Immigrants often undergo a rigorous application process, including background checks and meeting certain criteria before being granted the right to stay permanently. Nonimmigrants, while also subject to approval processes, generally face less stringent requirements, as their stay is temporary and purpose-specific.
Over time, some nonimmigrants may change their status to become immigrants, particularly if they seek to remain in the country for reasons such as employment or family unification. However, this requires a separate application process and meeting additional criteria set by the host country.
The impact on the host country differs between immigrants and nonimmigrants. Immigrants contribute to the long-term demographic and cultural landscape, while nonimmigrants contribute primarily in the short term, often in sectors like tourism, education, and temporary labor markets.
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Comparison Chart
Intention
Permanent residency
Temporary stay
Legal Status
Resident or citizen
Holds a temporary visa
Activities Allowed
Work, study, access public services
Limited to the terms of their visa (e.g., tourism, study)
Application Process
Rigorous, for permanent residency
Generally simpler, for a specific purpose
Impact on Host Country
Long-term demographic and cultural contributions
Short-term contributions, e.g., tourism, education
Compare with Definitions
Immigrant
Seeks to live permanently in the host country.
Immigrants might move for job opportunities or family reunion.
Nonimmigrant
Enters the country for a specific, temporary purpose.
Nonimmigrants might include students or tourists.
Immigrant
Can work, own property, and access certain public services.
Immigrants are eligible for healthcare services in some countries.
Nonimmigrant
Activities are limited to the purpose of their visa.
Student visa holders cannot take permanent employment.
Immigrant
Many have the option to become citizens.
After several years, immigrants can often apply for citizenship.
Nonimmigrant
Focused on the temporary nature of the visit.
Tourist visas often require less documentation than immigrant visas.
Immigrant
Generally integrate into the society and contribute to its diversity.
Immigrants bring new cultural perspectives and traditions.
Nonimmigrant
Typically cannot become citizens directly from this status.
Tourists and students usually must leave upon visa expiry.
Immigrant
Includes background checks and meeting residency criteria.
Immigrants must often prove financial stability or have a sponsor.
Nonimmigrant
Generally cannot access resident-only services.
Nonimmigrants are usually ineligible for government healthcare.
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
Nonimmigrant
An alien, such as a tourist or a student, who enters a country for a temporary stay.
Immigrant
A person who leaves one country to settle permanently in another.
Nonimmigrant
An alien who returns to their own country after a stay abroad.
Immigrant
An organism that establishes itself in an area where it previously did not exist.
Nonimmigrant
A person who is not an immigrant.
Immigrant
Of or relating to immigrants or the act of immigrating.
Immigrant
A non-native person who comes to a country from another country to permanently settle there.
Immigrant
A plant or animal that establishes itself in an area where it previously did not exist.
Immigrant
Of or relating to immigrants or the act of immigrating.
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
What are the main reasons people become nonimmigrants?
Common reasons include tourism, business trips, education, and temporary work.
How long can nonimmigrants stay in a country?
The duration varies by visa type and country but is generally limited to the purpose of the visit, such as the length of a course of study or a business project.
Do immigrants have more rights than nonimmigrants?
Yes, immigrants typically have broader rights, including longer-term employment and access to public services.
Are immigrants eligible for citizenship in the host country?
Many are, after fulfilling residency requirements and possibly other criteria like language proficiency and knowledge of the country's history and government.
What kind of visa do nonimmigrants hold?
Nonimmigrants hold temporary visas specific to their reason for travel, like tourist visas, student visas, or work visas.
What is the impact of immigrants on a country's economy?
Immigrants can significantly contribute to the economy by filling labor market needs, paying taxes, and contributing to cultural diversity.
Why might someone choose to be a nonimmigrant rather than an immigrant?
They may only want or need to be in the country temporarily, for reasons like education, temporary work, or tourism.
Can nonimmigrants become immigrants?
Yes, but they must apply for a change of status and meet the requirements for residency or citizenship.
What is the process for changing from nonimmigrant to immigrant status?
This involves applying for a different visa or residency status and meeting specific criteria, which can vary widely depending on the country and situation.
What defines an immigrant?
An immigrant is someone who moves to a country with the intention of living there permanently.
How does a country benefit from nonimmigrants?
Nonimmigrants contribute through spending in sectors like tourism and education, and by bringing diverse skills and perspectives to temporary work and study.
What happens if a nonimmigrant violates the terms of their visa?
They can face penalties, including deportation and bans on future entry into the country.
How do immigration and nonimmigration policies vary between countries?
Policies can vary greatly, reflecting a country's economic needs, security concerns, and attitudes toward cultural diversity and integration.
Can nonimmigrants use public healthcare services?
Usually, nonimmigrants are not eligible for public healthcare services and may need private health insurance.
Do immigrants need to give up their original nationality?
Not always, but this depends on the laws of the host country and the immigrant's country of origin regarding dual citizenship.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited 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.
