The dynamic relationship between urban transformation and migration pathways formed by multiple attractions and mobilities to, within, and beyond urban areas con- stitute what we, in this paper, refer to as the migration–urbanisation nexus. Drawing on case studies of urban growth in three urban sites of Nepal, this paper explores how migration practices, including rural–urban, international and return migration, and the migrant economy, exemplified by returns of remittances, intersect with the socioeconomic and spatial dynamics of urban growth. The analysis combines quanti- tative and qualitative data on migration pathways, including the historical timing of migration, the shifting drivers of rural–urban migration, and examinations of the links to an international migration and remittance economy. The findings show how rural– urban migration during the 10 years of conflict is setting urban growth in motion. However, most importantly, the analysis reveals how urban growth and form are stimulated by the migrant agency related to translocal migration economies, in partic- ular, urban investments of international remittances. In conclusion, it is suggested that the migration–urbanisation nexus approach developed in this paper has potential to be used beyond Nepal in studies of migration and urban growth.