To understand the difference between immigrants and expats, it’s important to know what each term means in the first place. Immigrants are people who move permanently to another country and obtain citizenship there, while expats live and work in another country but have not officially become citizens of the country they’re living in. Immigrants and expats both face different challenges depending on the host country. For example, some immigrant visa programs allow applicants to bring their spouses and children, while others do not.
Who is an immigrant?
An immigrant has left their home country to live in a new one. The term can also apply to someone born in one country but who moves to another without the intention of moving back. In contrast, an expat is someone from a different country who migrates for a short period (usually less than five years) for work or study. Immigrants usually seek citizenship, whereas an expat does not have this goal. Synergy Immigration Solutions can assist you with UK visa and immigration services.
Who is an Expat?
An expat is typically defined as someone who has lived in another country for some time. Expats are often considered to be more privileged than migrants because of their higher income, which enables them to have better living conditions, as well as access to better healthcare and education.
The main differences between immigrants and expats
Immigrants are people who leave their home country to live in another country. Expatriates, or those living abroad, are people living outside their native country who work there temporarily. In other words, an immigrant lives in a new place for a good while an expatriate lives in that same place for a certain period. Immigrants usually seek permanent residency (or citizenship) in their new location, whereas expatriates intend to return to their home country at some point.
The benefits of being an immigrant
Immigrants are individuals who have moved to a new country, while expats are people who have left their home country temporarily. Immigrants usually move for work, school, or family reasons. Expatriates are typically on assignment with an international company. The benefits of being an immigrant include the following:
- A sense of belonging in your new community
- The chance to learn a new language
- Biculturalism: The opportunity to explore different cultures
The benefits of being an expat
Becoming an expat can mean different things to different people. For some, it may be a way to find a new job. For others, it may be a lifestyle choice. Regardless of your reasons for moving abroad, there are several benefits, e.g., high income, better jobs, and more traveling opportunities you will experience as an expat.
Conclusion
Immigrants are people who leave their home country to live in another country. Expats reside in a foreign country for a certain amount of time, typically more than 3 months, but it can be less. Whatever your goal is, Synergy Immigration Services can provide you with UK visa and immigration services. Further, a person can be both an immigrant and an expat simultaneously. For example, if you move from America to Canada for work, you will be both an immigrant and an expat.