When migrating from one mac to another will ALL apps migrate including “non-apply” apps (word excel etc)?

Hi Underwoodwj2,

It sounds like you have a question about using Migration Assistant and we can help.

Everything in your Applications folder should transfer over using the method you mentioned.

This is detailed in the User Guide in Step 5:

Transfer information from a Mac 

Before you begin, upgrade to the latest version of macOS on both Mac computers. Connect the two computers with a cable (such as Ethernet or Thunderbolt) or make sure they’re connected to the same wired or wireless network. See the Apple Support article Move your content to a new Mac.

1. On your Mac, choose Apple menu  > System Settings, then click General  in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.)

2. Click Transfer or Reset on the right, then click Open Migration Assistant.

3. Click Continue, then follow the onscreen instructions to transfer information from a Mac.

4. On the other Mac, open Migration Assistant, then follow the onscreen instructions.

5. Select the information to transfer.

Apps: Select the Applications checkbox. 

Incompatible apps or apps with newer versions already installed may not be transferred or may not be usable.

User accounts: Select the checkbox next to the name of each user account you want to transfer.

Click the arrow  next to the checkbox to select the specific information to transfer, including the user’s apps, documents, pictures, movies, desktop, Downloads folder, and more.

Documents and files from apps: Select the Other Files & Folders checkbox.

Computer settings: Select the System & Network checkbox.

Your desktop picture, network settings, and more will be transferred.

Click the arrow  next to the checkbox to select which system or network settings to transfer.

Follow any additional onscreen instructions, then click Continue to begin the transfer.

6. When the transfer is complete, a migration summary is shown if issues were found—for example, if documents couldn’t be transferred or incompatible software was detected.

7. Click Done to exit Migration Assistant.

Transfer your information to Mac from another computer or device

That should help you get this transferred. Let us know if you have any other questions.

Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities.

'Migrate" in this context effects a COPY operation, not a MOVE.

Nothing is deleted from you old Mac during this process.