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NOC 72106TEER 2Trades
Welder Immigration to Canada
Complete pathway guide for welders moving to Canada. Explore Express Entry, provincial programs, requirements, and job prospects.
NOC Code
72106
TEER Category
TEER 2
Median Salary
$62,000
Very High Demand
Overview
Welder Pathway to Canada
Welders are in critical demand across Canada for construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and energy projects. The skilled trades shortage creates excellent opportunities.
Trades category Express Entry draws specifically target welders. Red Seal certification provides national recognition and highest earning potential.
Multiple welding processes (MIG, TIG, stick) and certifications (CWB) significantly improve employment prospects and salary.
Expert Immigration Support
Get personalized guidance from RCIC-licensed consultants specializing in trades worker immigration.
Book ConsultationCalculate CRS ScoreLearn About Express EntryRCIC License: R515110
Immigration Pathways
Eligible Programs for Welders
Multiple pathways available depending on your qualifications and circumstances.
Express Entry - Trades Category
Trades draws specifically for certified welders with journeyperson status or equivalent.
Provincial Nominee Program
All provinces recruit welders. Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Atlantic provinces most active.
Federal Skilled Trades Program
Dedicated pathway for skilled tradespeople with job offer or provincial certification.
Requirements
What You Need to Qualify
Key requirements for welder immigration to Canada.
Education
Completion of welding apprenticeship (3-4 years) or technical welding program.
Experience
Minimum 2 years full-time welding experience in last 5 years. Multiple process experience preferred.
Language
CLB 5 minimum (IELTS 5.0 reading/speaking, 4.0 writing/listening). CLB 6-7 improves prospects.
Licensing
Journeyperson welder certificate or CWB certification. Red Seal provides interprovincial mobility.
Express Entry
Express Entry for Welders
Trades draws have lower CRS (350-400). Welders with Red Seal, CLB 7, and 5+ years score 400-430.
Category-Based Draws
Welders are eligible for category-based Express Entry draws, which typically have lower CRS cut-offs than general draws. This significantly improves your chances of receiving an ITA.
Typical CRS Range
350-420
Processing Time
6 months
Top Provinces Hiring
Alberta
Saskatchewan
Ontario
British Columbia
Nova Scotia
Employment Outlook
Job Market & Settlement
What to expect when you arrive in Canada as a welder.
Time to Employment
1-3 months
Average time to secure first job in Canada
Top Cities for Welders:
CalgaryEdmontonReginaTorontoHalifax
Job Search Tips
Get CWB certifications in Canada quickly. Join local unions. Consider pipeline or offshore work (higher pay). Alberta oil/gas, Saskatchewan potash, and Nova Scotia shipbuilding offer best opportunities. Portfolio of welding work helps.
Top Employer Types
Fabrication shops
Construction companies
Shipyards
Pipeline companies
Manufacturing facilities
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about welder immigration to Canada
Do I need Red Seal to work as welder in Canada?
No, but Red Seal or CWB (Canadian Welding Bureau) certifications greatly improve prospects. Most employers require CWB testing for specific welding processes. Red Seal allows working anywhere in Canada. Assessment and testing take 2-6 months.
What welding certifications are most valuable in Canada?
CWB certifications (GMAW, FCAW, SMAW, GTAW) most recognized. Red Seal journeyperson certification for national mobility. Pressure vessel welding, pipe welding, and structural certifications command premium. Get tested in multiple positions (overhead, vertical).
Can I work while getting Canadian certifications?
Yes, many employers hire and test internationally trained welders for specific processes. You can work on non-critical fabrication while obtaining certifications. Some shops sponsor testing and training.
What is salary range for welders in Canada?
General welders: $55-65K. Certified multi-process: $65-80K. Pipeline/pressure vessel: $80-100K. Underwater/specialized: $100-140K. Overtime significantly increases earnings. Alberta and remote work pay premium. Unionized positions offer better benefits.
Is pipeline, structural, or manufacturing welding best?
Pipeline pays highest ($80-120K) but involves travel and camps. Structural offers steady work and good pay ($65-85K). Manufacturing provides stability but lower pay ($55-70K). Many welders start in shops, then move to pipeline for higher earnings.
Related Occupations
Ready to Immigrate as a Welder?
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