The reality shows that many people have decided to give up their dream of immigrating to the US through EB3 even when their EB3 application is still being reviewed. This sounds contradictory when they have already invested so much effort, time, and money to start this immigration journey. So what are the reasons that cause many applicants to give up on their EB3 application halfway? This article from Newland USA will analyze this issue and provide solutions to help you overcome the challenges on the path to achieving your American dream.

1. Understanding the EB3 program and application processing

The EB3 program (Employment-Based Third Preference) is one of the most popular paths to immigrate to the US through EB3 for skilled workers. This is an employment-based immigration visa category for three main groups: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Unskilled Workers (also called Other Workers).

The process of handling an EB3 application typically goes through many complex stages. First, the US employer must file for Labor Certification with the US Department of Labor. After approval, they continue to file Form I-140 with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Finally, when the priority date becomes current, the applicant can adjust status or apply for an immigrant visa at the consulate.

The entire process can take from 2 to 5 years, or even longer depending on nationality and annual visa quota status. This long waiting period has become one of the main factors causing many people to consider giving up on their EB3 application.

2. Common reasons why people give up halfway

2.1. Extended waiting time beyond expectations

One of the top reasons applicants lose patience is that the processing time for EB3 applications is often much longer than initially expected. Many people start the journey expecting to immigrate to the US through EB3 within 1-2 years, but the reality can extend to three times or even more.

Life doesn’t stop during the waiting period. Children grow up, jobs change, and family circumstances can fluctuate. As time extends, many people begin to question whether their decision to join the EB3 program still fits their current situation.

2.2. Financial pressure during the waiting period

The costs related to processing an EB3 application don’t stop at the initial fees. Throughout the waiting process, applicants may face many additional expenses such as: consulting service maintenance fees, document update costs, periodic medical examination fees, and living expenses in their home country while waiting.

For many families, this financial burden becomes heavier when they cannot plan long-term for the future. They hesitate to invest in real estate, change jobs, or make important financial decisions because they don’t know exactly when they will be approved and move to the US.

2.3. Changes in personal and family circumstances

Life always brings surprises. During the waiting period for EB3 application processing, many applicants experience changes in their personal lives such as: getting married, having children, getting divorced, or having to care for elderly parents. These changes can completely alter their priorities and ability to move to the US.

Especially for those with children, education becomes a major concern. Many parents worry about disrupting their children’s learning process, or their children may have grown too old and no longer want to leave friends and familiar environments to move to a new country.

2.4. Better job opportunities in home country

In recent years, many Asian countries, especially Vietnam, have experienced strong economic development. Job opportunities and income levels domestically are increasingly improving, causing some people to begin doubting their decision to immigrate to the US through EB3.

When they secure a stable job with attractive income in their home country, many applicants feel that starting over from scratch in the US – with manual labor jobs in the initial phase – is no longer as appealing as before. They must weigh maintaining their current job against jobs in the US.

2.5. Lack of timely updates and support

Many cases of giving up on EB3 applications stem from applicants not receiving regular updates on processing progress. Prolonged silence from processing agencies or consulting firms can create feelings of insecurity and doubt about the feasibility of the application.

Some applicants work with unprofessional consulting companies that don’t provide enough information about steps in the process, don’t guide preparation for each stage, or don’t support timely answers to questions. This lack of transparency causes them to lose trust and decide to give up.

2.6. Concerns about culture and adaptation

Worries about cultural integration, language barriers, and the ability to adapt to a new living environment are also factors that make many people hesitate. As the waiting process continues, these worries grow larger, especially when they hear about the difficult experiences of those who went before them.

Some applicants fear they won’t be able to find suitable work after arriving in the US, or worry about initial quality of life when having to do manual labor jobs even though they previously had higher qualifications.

3. Consequences of giving up halfway

The decision to give up on an EB3 application isn’t simply stopping that EB3 application. It brings many consequences that applicants need to carefully consider.

3.1. Financial losses

All fees already paid for the EB3 program – including consulting fees, filing fees, Labor Certification fees, I-140 fees – will not be refunded. For many families, this is a significant investment, and giving up means accepting the total loss of this money.

3.2. Loss of Priority Date

The Priority Date is an important factor in the US immigration visa process. This is the date the US Department of Labor receives your Labor Certification application. The earlier your Priority Date, the higher your priority when the date in the visa bulletin becomes current. If you give up your EB3 application and want to reapply later, you will have to start with a new Priority Date, which may require much longer waiting.

3.3. Psychological impact and future regrets

Many people who gave up later felt regret when seeing others who filed at the same time successfully immigrated to the US through EB3 and have good lives. The feeling of “if only I had persisted a little more” can haunt them for many years afterward.

4. How to overcome challenges and persist to the end

4.1. Build a long-term mindset from the start

Before starting the journey, you need to clearly understand that the EB3 program is a long-term commitment. Research thoroughly about average timeframes, prepare adequate finances, and have contingency plans for unexpected situations. When you have proper mental preparation from the start, you will be less shocked and discouraged during the waiting process.

4.2. Maintain regular contact with your consulting firm

Choosing a reputable and professional consulting company is a very important factor. Make sure you receive regular updates about your EB3 application, understand each step in the process, and can easily contact them when you have questions. A good partner will not only process your application but also be a companion, providing emotional support throughout your journey.

4.3. Continue developing yourself during the waiting period

Instead of feeling that life is “frozen” while waiting, use this time to improve your skills, learn more English, understand American culture, and prepare better for future life. This will not only help you adapt more easily when you arrive in the US but also make the waiting time more meaningful.

4.4. Connect with communities of people going through or who have completed the program

Joining groups and forums of people participating in the EB3 program will help you gain more motivation and learn from the experiences of those who went before. Seeing success stories will give you more confidence in your decision. At the same time, sharing difficulties with people in similar situations also helps reduce psychological pressure.

4.5. Consider flexible options

If circumstances change, instead of completely giving up your EB3 application, discuss flexible options with your consulting firm. In some cases, you can temporarily suspend your application, change some information, or adjust plans to better fit your current situation.

4.6. Always remember your original reason

When feeling tired and wanting to give up, go back to the reason why you decided to immigrate to the US through EB3 in the first place. It could be better educational environment for children, broader career opportunities, or higher quality of life. These reasons can be a powerful source of motivation to help you overcome all difficulties.

5. Conclusion

The journey to immigrate to the US through EB3 is never an easy path. Extended waiting times, financial pressure, life changes, and many other factors can make you feel discouraged and want to give up. However, remember that these challenges are an inevitable part of the process, and thousands of people have overcome them to achieve the American dream.

The decision to give up your EB3 application halfway is not just a financial loss but also losing the opportunity to change your own and your children’s lives. With thorough preparation, the right mindset, support from professional consulting firms, and firm determination, you can completely overcome all obstacles.

Newland USA, with a team of experienced experts and the motto “Secure settlement — Lifelong prosperity,” is ready to consult and support in preparing applications and accompany customers throughout the EB3 US immigration process. Contact Newland USA immediately via hotline 0785591988 or email: newsletter@newlandusa.asia for detailed and free consultation.

Learn more:

• 5 Common Misconceptions About the EB3 Program That Vietnamese People Often Make
• Long-Term Benefits of Settling in the US via EB3 Automotive Mechanic Visa
• Health Requirements for EB3 Immigration to the United States in the Medical Glove Manufacturing Industry
• Common Mistakes That May Cause Your EB3 U.S. Immigration Application in the Medical Gloves Manufacturing Industry to Be Rejected
• Overview of Medical Glove Manufacturing Work in the US under the EB3 Immigration Program