December 2025 Edition of BDV Newsletter

We’re excited to present the Q4 2025 edition of BDV Newsletter, your trusted source for the latest news, insights, and updates on the EB-3 unskilled journey. This issue brings you key information to help keep you informed about the developments shaping the future of EB-3 immigration.

In this edition, we’ll cover:

• The latest approval numbers;

• Visa Bulletin Discussion;

• Recent immigration announcements;

• Changes to EAD renewal process and validity;

• Changes USCIS has introduced to the naturalization test;

• Information about the updated travel ban restrictions.

Timely Key Updates

Department of Labor

As of 12/01/2025, the Department of Labor is reviewing the Labor Certifications (LC) filed in August 2024.

More Information

USCIS: Visa Bulletin

The January 2026 Visa Bulletin has been released. For EB-3 Unskilled, the priority dates for December are:

Final Action Date: 01SEP21 (1 month movement from December)
Dates for Filing: 1DEC21 (no movement from December)

_{USCIS has confirmed that for all employment-based preference categories, you must use the Dates for Filing Chart for January.}

More Information

BDV Numbers

BDV approvals for Q4 (October thru December) 2025:

Labor Certificate approvals: 175
I-140 approvals: 385
I-765 approvals: 1
Green Card/Immigrant Visa approvals: 77

Expert insights to help you navigate your EB-3 journey. I Key updates and policy changes you need to know I LIVE: Navigating the Latest U.S. Immigration Policy-get your immigration questions answered!

Expanded Travel Restrictions: Chris Richardson breaks down the expanded travel ban restriction list, including countries under full and partial entry limitations for immigrants and nonimmigrants.

Changes to EAD renewal process and validity

End of automatic extensions
In the past, certain categories of EAD renewals that were timely filed prior to expiration would receive an automatic extension of their EAD. DHS has announced an interim final rule that ends this automatic extension.

Now, when Individuals file to renew their EAD, they will no longer receive an automatic extension of their EAD. There are some limited exceptions, such as for TPS-related EADs.
The rule does not affect EADs automatically extended before Oct. 30, 2025.

Adjustment of Status EADs change from 5 year to 18 month validity
With the filing of an I-485 Adjustment of Status application, individuals can also file an I-765 Employment Authorization application. USCIS has changed the maximum validity period of the EAD connected to the pending AOS application from 5 years to 18 months. This change impacts initial EAD filings and EAD renewals. This change impacts I-765s that are filed or pending on or after December 5, 2025.

Due to these two updates, clients will need to renew EADs more frequently. It will be very important to make sure clients timely submit their EAD renewals to avoid gaps in work authorization. EAD renewals can be filed as early as 6 months before expiration.

Changes to the Naturalization Civics Test

USCIS recently announced that a revised and longer civics test will be administered to naturalization applicants. The 2025 Civics Test will be an oral test of 20 questions from a list of 128 possible questions. To pass the test, the applicant must answer 12 questions correctly. And if the applicant gets 9 questions wrong, the applicant fails the test. The officer giving the exam will stop asking questions either once the applicant gets 12 questions right, or gets 9 questions wrong.

USCIS’s Citizenship Resource Center website provides detailed information about the naturalization process, and multiple study materials for the civics test. The 128 questions and answers are also provided. Once you are within a year of the date that you can apply for citizenship, we encourage you to start studying these materials to be well-prepared.

Learn More

Changes to the Naturalization Civics Test

December 2025 Travel Ban Article – Effective January 1, 2026

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Paul-Nepal-Client

"I am incredibly grateful to BDV Solutions for their support throughout my green card journey. From the start, the team showed professionalism, transparency, and a strong understanding of the process.

Their clear communication, timely updates, and expert guidance made everything feel smooth and manageable. What could have been overwhelming became much easier thanks to their structured approach.

I highly recommend BDV Solutions—their integrity, expertise, and commitment truly stand out. Thank you for helping make this life-changing milestone possible."

Priority date - 04/26/2021 Green Card Approved - 09/08/2025 | AOS | Nepal
- Paul, Nepal

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