EB-3 opportunity cost is an important but often overlooked perspective when considering migration: beyond the direct costs, you also give up things by leaving Vietnam. Assessing this correctly helps you make a clear-eyed decision. This article analyzes EB-3 opportunity cost so you can see the full picture.
What is EB-3 opportunity cost in this decision
Opportunity cost is the value of what you must give up when choosing one path instead of another. With EB-3, that is not just the money paid for the application but also the job, income and relationships you have in Vietnam.
Many people only calculate the direct costs and overlook this part. Recognizing the full opportunity cost helps you make a more realistic decision and avoid mismatched expectations.
Things to factor into the calculation
You need to account for: the income you currently have in Vietnam throughout the waiting period, the career you are building, your network of relationships, and the time your family may be apart. These are values that are hard to put a price on but are very real.
On the other side is what EB-3 offers: long-term permanent residence status, a new living and working environment, and opportunities for your children. The right decision is one that weighs both sides.
How to assess your own situation
A practical approach is to list specifically what you gain and lose based on your own circumstances, along with the waiting-time factor. Someone with high income and a solid career in Vietnam will have a larger opportunity cost.
You should refer to actual data on occupational outlook in the US to compare objectively, and see official information on the EB-3 category to understand how the waiting time affects the calculation.
Summary
EB-3 opportunity cost reminds you to also account for what you give up by leaving Vietnam, not just the direct costs. You need to weigh your current income, career and relationships against the opportunity for long-term settlement. You should list specifically what you gain and lose based on your own circumstances in order to make a clear-eyed decision.
References
- USCIS — Employment-Based Immigration: Third Preference EB-3: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/employment-based-immigration-third-preference-eb-3
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
Read more: Overview of the EB-3 visa for US immigration · EB-3 skilled vs. unskilled: Which group should you choose
