1. USCIS processing trends
In December, USCIS continues to prioritize employment-based applications, especially EB-3. I-140 processing remains stable with slight improvements at certain service centers.
Key trends include:
- Accelerated processing of backlogged employment cases
- Tighter scrutiny on job offer authenticity
- Priority for cases with approved PERM
Given the strong demand for workers, EB-3 remains one of the most stable categories entering 2025.
2. U.S. labor market in December
End-of-year hiring shows increased recruitment across several sectors preparing for early 2025:
- Retail, supermarkets, grocery chains
- Warehousing and logistics
- Food production and packaging
- Restaurant and service industries
These are sectors highly suitable for EB-3 applicants, especially Unskilled Workers.
Indiana in particular sees increased hiring due to expansions in major supermarket chains.
3. USCIS announcements and policy notes
Important updates for December include:
- Ongoing enforcement against fraudulent agencies
- Promotion of online submissions for supplementary forms
- No changes to filing fees until at least Q1/2025
- More thorough checks on employment contracts
These updates do not negatively affect applicants working with direct employers — a notable advantage for TGA.
4. Outlook for EB-3 workers
The December landscape remains positive:
- Strong hiring momentum heading into 2025
- Stable USCIS processing times
- Clear advantages for applicants with verified job offers
For Vietnamese applicants, especially those without advanced qualifications, EB-3 Unskilled continues to be a reliable and sustainable pathway.
Conclusion
December brings a favorable outlook for EB-3 applicants, with stable processing, high labor demand, and a predictable pathway toward U.S. permanent residency.
