EB-2 and EB-3 Employment-Based Permanent Residence Petitiions EB-2 and EB-3 are employment based permanent residence petitions. As with family-based immigration, the United Stated Congress has designated those employment-based groups to which it gives preference in immigrating to the US. All employment-based groups are subject to an overall numerical limitation. There are five employment-based preferences. Second Employment-Based Preference (EB-2) EB-2 Covers: Aliens of “exceptional ability” in the sciences, arts, or business; and Advanced-degree professionals. Second Employment-Based Preference (EB-2) EB-3 Covers: Professionals with bachelor’s degrees not qualifying for EB-2; Skilled workers (filling positions requiring at least two years of training and experience; and Unskilled workers. A labor certification and an offer of employment are required.