Canada’s construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, energy, mining, transportation and industrial maintenance sectors employ welders to fabricate, join, repair and maintain metal structures and equipment. Employers may recruit experienced welders when they cannot find suitable workers locally, creating potential opportunities for qualified foreign workers.
For an overseas applicant, however, a job advertisement is only the starting point. You must find a genuine employer, confirm that the position is open to foreign recruitment, establish the correct immigration route and obtain permission to work before starting employment.
One important occupation to understand is NOC 72106 – Welders and related machine operators, which is classified under TEER 2 in Canada’s National Occupational Classification system. That classification can be relevant to skilled immigration programs, but it does not automatically make every welder eligible for permanent residence. The actual duties, work experience, qualifications and program requirements matter.
This guide explains how to search for welder jobs in Canada with work permit sponsorship, understand the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process, compare wages, approach employers and recruitment agencies, prepare documents and investigate permanent residence options.
Important: “Visa sponsorship” is a common job-search phrase. In Canada, employers do not issue visas. Depending on the position and immigration category, an employer may need a positive LMIA or may use an eligible LMIA-exempt process. The foreign worker must still satisfy IRCC’s work permit requirements.
2. Quick overview: welder jobs and Canadian immigration
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Welders and related machine operators |
| NOC code | 72106 |
| TEER category | TEER 2 |
| Main industries | Construction, manufacturing, energy, mining, shipbuilding and industrial maintenance |
| National hourly wage range | CAD $22–$47 |
| National median hourly wage | CAD $30 |
| Common work permit route | Employer-specific work permit |
| Employer requirement | Positive LMIA in many cases, unless an exemption applies |
| Skilled immigration options | Federal Skilled Trades Program, Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class (where eligible), and Provincial Nominee Programs |
| Express Entry trades category | NOC 72106 is included in the current trades occupation list |
Official sources: Government of Canada NOC profile, Job Bank wage report, and IRCC category-based selection.
3. Types of welder jobs available in Canada
Welding is a broad trade covering several processes, materials and industrial applications. Employers may require different qualifications depending on the products they manufacture and the projects they undertake.
A. MIG welder
Metal Inert Gas (MIG), also known as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), is widely used in manufacturing, metal fabrication, automotive production and structural steel work.
Typical duties include:
- Operating MIG welding equipment.
- Joining metal components according to drawings and specifications.
- Preparing metal surfaces and workpieces.
- Checking weld quality and correcting defects.
- Following workplace safety and quality procedures.
B. TIG welder
Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG), also known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), is used for precision welding and applications involving stainless steel, aluminium and other metals.
TIG welders may work in manufacturing, food-processing equipment, aerospace-related fabrication and specialised industrial production.
C. Stick welder
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), commonly called stick welding, is used in construction, equipment repair, structural steel work and field welding.
Employers may look for workers who can perform different welding positions and work safely on industrial or outdoor sites.
D. Flux-core welder
Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) is commonly used in heavy fabrication, structural steel, shipbuilding and industrial construction.
Experience with all-position welding, equipment setup and weld inspection can be valuable for these positions.
E. Pipe welder
Pipe welders work on piping systems used in industrial plants, energy projects, manufacturing facilities and other infrastructure.
Depending on the job, employers may require experience with pipe preparation, root passes, multi-pass welding, pressure systems and specific welding procedures.
F. Structural steel welder
Structural welders fabricate or join steel components used in buildings, bridges, industrial facilities and infrastructure projects.
They may need to read engineering drawings, understand welding symbols and follow applicable structural welding standards.
G. Welder-fitter and fabrication welder
Welder-fitters combine metal fitting, layout, fabrication and welding. Their work may include measuring, cutting, positioning, assembling and joining metal components.
Employers often value blueprint-reading ability, measuring accuracy and experience with workshop machinery.
H. Welding machine operator
Some manufacturing employers hire workers to operate automated or semi-automated welding machines. These positions may have different training requirements from skilled manual welding roles.
Important: Your job title alone does not determine your NOC code. The actual duties performed must match the official occupational description.
4. Welder salary in Canada: hourly wages and annual earnings
Salary is an important consideration for foreign welders comparing employment opportunities across Canadian provinces.
According to the Government of Canada’s Job Bank, the national wage range for welders and related machine operators is approximately CAD $22 per hour at the lower end, CAD $30 at the median and CAD $47 at the upper end.
National welder salary estimates
| Wage category | Hourly wage | Estimated annual gross income |
|---|---|---|
| Lower range | CAD $22 | CAD $45,760 |
| Median | CAD $30 | CAD $62,400 |
| Upper range | CAD $47 | CAD $97,760 |
Annual estimates assume 40 paid hours per week for 52 weeks. They are illustrative, before tax, and do not guarantee overtime or year-round employment.
Source: Government of Canada Job Bank – Welder wages.
Provincial wage differences
Wages can vary significantly by region, industry and specialisation. Job Bank’s wage data provides local comparisons, so applicants should check the city or economic region where they intend to work.
| Location | What applicants should investigate |
|---|---|
| Alberta | Industrial fabrication, energy projects, pressure welding and equipment manufacturing |
| British Columbia | Shipbuilding, construction, manufacturing and industrial maintenance |
| Ontario | Automotive manufacturing, structural steel, fabrication and machinery |
| Saskatchewan | Agricultural equipment, industrial manufacturing and resource-related projects |
| Manitoba | Metal fabrication, transportation equipment and manufacturing |
| Quebec | Aerospace-related manufacturing, metal fabrication and industrial production |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Industrial maintenance, marine and resource-related projects |
These are industry areas to research, not guarantees that a particular province has vacancies or higher pay for every welder.
What affects a welder’s salary?
- Years of professional welding experience.
- MIG, TIG, FCAW, SMAW and pipe-welding proficiency.
- Welding position and material specialisation.
- CWB qualifications or other recognised certifications.
- Ability to interpret technical drawings and welding symbols.
- Industrial, structural, pipeline or pressure-welding experience.
- Shift schedules, location and project conditions.
- Employer benefits and overtime arrangements.
Before accepting an offer, request written confirmation of the hourly rate, normal weekly hours, overtime rules, shift premiums, accommodation arrangements and deductions.
5. Understanding employer sponsorship and the LMIA process
Canadian employers cannot simply issue a work visa to an overseas welder. The employer and worker must follow the immigration process that applies to the position.
One common route is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), which may require a Labour Market Impact Assessment.
What is an LMIA?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment is a decision issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). It assesses whether an employer can hire a foreign worker for a particular position under the applicable program requirements.
For many LMIA-based positions, the employer must demonstrate that it has made the required efforts to recruit Canadian citizens or permanent residents and that hiring a foreign worker is justified.
If the employer receives a positive LMIA, it normally provides the worker with the LMIA information and supporting employment documents needed for the work permit application.
How the LMIA sponsorship process works
- A Canadian employer identifies a genuine vacancy.
- The employer reviews the relevant foreign-worker hiring requirements.
- The employer completes the required recruitment and advertising process.
- The employer submits an LMIA application if the position requires one.
- ESDC assesses the application.
- If approved, the employer provides the foreign worker with the required LMIA information and job documents.
- The worker applies to IRCC for an employer-specific work permit.
- IRCC assesses the application and makes the final decision.
A positive LMIA is not a work permit, and it does not guarantee approval of the worker’s application.
Official information: IRCC – Employer-specific work permits.
What is an LMIA-exempt work permit?
Some foreign workers can obtain an employer-specific work permit through the International Mobility Program or another exemption category.
An exemption must have a valid legal basis. A Canadian employer cannot simply label a normal welding vacancy “LMIA exempt” without meeting the applicable requirements.
If an employer claims that an LMIA is unnecessary, ask which specific exemption or program applies and verify it through IRCC.
High-wage and low-wage LMIA positions
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program distinguishes between high-wage and low-wage positions using the applicable provincial or territorial median hourly wage threshold.
The employer must follow the rules for the relevant stream, including recruitment, wage, transition-plan or other requirements where applicable.
Do not assume that a CAD $30-per-hour welding offer automatically belongs to the high-wage stream. The relevant threshold depends on the applicable government rules and work location.
Official employer guidance: ESDC – High-wage positions and ESDC – Low-wage positions.
6. Visa requirements for welder employment in Canada
The correct work permit depends on the employer, occupation, location, applicant’s immigration status and whether an LMIA is required.
A. Employer-specific work permit
This is a common route for foreign workers hired for a specific Canadian job.
The permit may identify:
- The employer.
- The type of work or occupation.
- The authorised work location.
- The validity period.
A worker cannot automatically move to another employer just because they hold an employer-specific work permit. They must follow the rules for changing employers and obtaining the necessary authorisation.
B. LMIA-based work permit
For an LMIA-required job, the worker generally needs the employer’s positive LMIA information, employment agreement and job offer documents to apply.
The worker must also meet IRCC’s general work permit requirements.
C. LMIA-exempt employer-specific work permit
Some applicants may qualify under an exemption, such as a relevant International Mobility Program category. The exemption must be genuine and applicable to the job and worker.
D. Provincial nominee-supported work permit
A person nominated by a province may, in certain circumstances, qualify for a work permit supported by a provincial nomination or support letter. The employer and worker must follow the specific provincial and IRCC instructions.
This is not an automatic route for every welder who receives a job offer.
E. Visitor visa or electronic travel authorisation
A visitor visa or electronic travel authorisation is a travel document, not permission to work.
If you need a work permit, you must obtain the required work authorisation before starting employment.
Official resource: IRCC – Work permits.
7. Steps to get welder job sponsorship in Canada
Foreign applicants should follow a structured process instead of sending money to an agent or applying to unverified advertisements.
Step 1: Identify your welding specialisation
Decide which positions match your real experience:
- MIG welder.
- TIG welder.
- Stick welder.
- Flux-core welder.
- Pipe welder.
- Structural welder.
- Welder-fitter.
- Fabrication welder.
- Industrial welding machine operator.
Use the job duties to identify the correct NOC, not just the title.
Step 2: Prepare a Canadian-style welding résumé
Your résumé should include:
- Full name and contact details.
- Professional summary.
- Years of welding experience.
- Welding processes you can perform.
- Materials you have worked with.
- Welding positions and project types.
- Blueprint and welding-symbol interpretation skills.
- Certificates and trade qualifications.
- Employment history and references.
Include measurable information where possible, such as the types of fabrication projects you completed, materials handled, welding procedures used and inspection standards followed.
Step 3: Prepare a welding portfolio
A portfolio can help employers understand your technical skills.
Where permitted by your previous employer, include:
- Photographs of completed welding work.
- Examples of fabrication and assembly.
- Welding certificates and test records.
- Project descriptions.
- Types of metals and thicknesses handled.
- Welding processes and positions used.
Do not share confidential drawings, customer information or restricted industrial documents.
Step 4: Search Canadian employers and vacancies
Use the Government of Canada’s Job Bank and company career portals.
Look for phrases such as:
- Welder jobs Canada LMIA.
- Welder jobs with work permit sponsorship.
- MIG welder jobs Canada.
- TIG welder vacancies Canada.
- Pipe welder jobs Canada.
- Structural welder jobs Canada.
- Fabrication welder Canada.
- Industrial welder jobs for foreign workers.
Step 5: Confirm whether overseas applicants are accepted
Before applying, ask the employer:
- Is the position open to applicants outside Canada?
- Does the company consider foreign workers?
- Is the employer willing to complete an LMIA if required?
- Is the position already supported by a positive LMIA?
- Does the employer use an eligible LMIA-exempt route?
- What welding qualifications are required?
Step 6: Attend the employer interview or welding test
Employers may assess your practical knowledge through an interview, technical questions, welding samples or a practical test.
Be prepared to explain your experience with:
- MIG, TIG, FCAW or SMAW.
- Welding positions.
- Metal preparation.
- Blueprint interpretation.
- Welding defects and inspection.
- Workplace safety and PPE.
- Equipment operation and maintenance.
Step 7: Review the job offer
The employment agreement should identify the employer, position, location, wage, working hours, job duties and employment conditions.
Do not accept a vague offer that promises a high salary but does not explain the actual work.
Step 8: Complete the employer’s immigration process
If an LMIA is required, the employer must complete the relevant application and provide the required documents after a positive decision.
If the job is LMIA-exempt, the employer must follow the correct exemption and offer-of-employment process.
Step 9: Submit your work permit application
Apply through the official IRCC online process. Upload the personalised document checklist and pay the applicable government fees.
Step 10: Complete biometrics and any required medical examination
Follow the instructions in your application account. Attend biometrics when requested and complete any medical or additional checks that apply to your case.
Step 11: Wait for the immigration decision
Do not travel with the assumption that your application will be approved. Wait for the decision and follow the instructions issued by IRCC.
Step 12: Review your work permit before starting work
Check the employer, job conditions, work location and expiry date. Make sure the permit matches the employment you intend to undertake.
Official application instructions: Apply for a work permit from outside Canada.
8. List of Canadian companies to research for welder jobs
The companies below operate in metal fabrication, manufacturing, industrial construction or related sectors and publish career information. Some have welding positions listed on their career pages.
Important: These are employers to research, not a list of confirmed visa sponsors. A company advertising a welding job does not necessarily recruit overseas workers or agree to obtain an LMIA for a particular applicant.
| Company | Welding or related work to investigate | Careers page |
|---|---|---|
| CARE Industries | Apprentice welders, journeyperson welders and fabricators | CARE Industries Careers |
| ARJAE | Journeyman welders, CWB welders and fabrication roles | ARJAE Careers |
| Comet Welding | Journeyman and apprentice welders, fabricators and fitters | Comet Welding Careers |
| Ferrari Metal Fabrication | Welder and fitter, MIG and TIG welding | Ferrari Metal Employment |
| Sureway Metal Systems | Welder/fitter and metal manufacturing roles | Sureway Careers |
| Promart Industrial | CWB welder, FCAW/SMAW and industrial fabrication | Promart Careers |
| TAHK | Journeyperson B-pressure welders and CWB welders | TAHK Careers |
| PacoMetal | Welder and metal fabrication positions | PacoMetal Careers |
How to approach these employers
- Visit the official career page.
- Search for the exact welding position.
- Check the location and qualification requirements.
- Prepare a résumé matching the job description.
- Apply through the employer’s official portal or published recruitment email.
- Ask whether the specific vacancy is open to foreign applicants who need work authorisation.
- Confirm whether the employer can support an LMIA or another valid work permit route.
Do not describe any company as a confirmed sponsor unless the employer or an official job posting confirms that it is willing and able to support the relevant immigration process.
9. Current welder vacancies on Canada’s Job Bank
The Government of Canada’s Job Bank has a dedicated search for employers recruiting temporary foreign workers.
At the time of research, the welder search showed approximately 50 vacancies under the temporary foreign-worker search filter. Examples included postings marked “LMIA requested.”
Examples displayed in the search results included:
| Employer | Location | Advertised hourly wage | Posting status shown |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comet Contracting Ltd | Sudbury, Ontario | CAD $36.95 | LMIA requested |
| Témisko | Notre-Dame-du-Nord, Quebec | CAD $27.47–$34.62 | LMIA requested |
| Royal Canadian Steel | Brampton, Ontario | CAD $37.00 | LMIA requested |
| Steelcon | St. Catharines, Ontario | CAD $37.00 | LMIA requested |
| Euro Asia Transload Inc. | Richmond, British Columbia | CAD $38.40 | LMIA requested |
| REMTEC INC. | Chambly, Quebec | CAD $32.45 | LMIA requested |
| Groupe Dacoh | Montreal, Quebec | CAD $36.00 | LMIA requested |
Source: Job Bank – Temporary Foreign Worker welder search.
Read this carefully: “LMIA requested” does not mean that an LMIA has been approved. Job postings can expire, be withdrawn or change status. Always open the original listing and contact the employer through the published details.
The Job Bank also explains that its temporary foreign-worker listings include employers who have obtained or applied for an LMIA: Job Bank – Temporary Foreign Workers.
10. International recruitment agencies to find welder opportunities
Recruitment agencies can help connect skilled tradespeople with employers. Some recruit for manufacturing, industrial maintenance, construction and welding positions.
However, recruitment agencies do not issue Canadian work permits. Their involvement does not guarantee that an employer will sponsor an overseas candidate.
The following agencies publish Canadian contact details and recruitment services. Confirm their current welding vacancies, overseas recruitment eligibility and any applicable licence before proceeding.
A. Immigraffaires – Montreal, Quebec
Services: Temporary foreign-worker recruitment and immigration-related support. Its contact page specifically lists welders among the trades it handles.
- Address: 200–354 Notre-Dame Street West, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 1T9, Canada.
- Telephone: +1 438-600-2806.
- Email: [email protected].
- Website: Immigraffaires Contact.
- Published Quebec recruiter licence: CNESST AR-2202436.
The agency’s contact page asks candidates to provide their trade, location, immigration status, experience and qualifications. It also states that international recruitment depends on the applicable routes. Contact it to confirm whether it currently handles overseas welder applicants.
B. Hays Canada – Skilled trades and technical recruitment
Services: Professional recruitment and staffing across multiple Canadian industries. Applicants can contact the relevant office and ask about welding, fabrication and industrial recruitment.
Published office examples:
| Office | Address | Telephone |
|---|---|---|
| Calgary | Unit 1550, 639 5th Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta T2P 0M9 | 403-269-4297 |
| Edmonton | Suite 3400, 10180 101 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3S4 | 780-469-4297 |
| Vancouver | 450–1095 W. Pender Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 2M6 | 604-648-4297 |
| Winnipeg | Suite 300, 330 St. Mary Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 3Z5 | 204-452-4297 |
| Toronto | 8 King Street East, 20th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5C 1B5 | 416-367-4297 |
Website: Hays Canada – Office locations.
Ask whether the relevant office handles welding or skilled-trades vacancies and whether its clients consider candidates who need employer-supported work permits.
C. Randstad Canada – Recruitment and staffing
Services: Recruitment and staffing for Canadian employers, including industrial and skilled-trades-related recruitment in selected locations.
Head office:
- Address: 11 King Street West, Suite 1700, Toronto, Ontario M5H 4C7, Canada.
- Telephone: 1-800-540-3594.
- Website: Randstad Canada Contact.
Randstad’s branch information includes skilled trades and industrial management services in certain locations. Ask the recruiter whether there are welder vacancies suitable for your background and immigration status.
D. Alliance Employment Services – Toronto, Ontario
Services: Industrial staffing and skilled-trades recruitment, including welders, machinists and production supervisors.
- Address: 1620 Albion Road, Suite 307, Toronto, Ontario M9V 4B4, Canada.
- Telephone: 416-739-8061.
- Email: [email protected].
- Website: Alliance Employment Services.
Its published service information describes skilled-trades recruitment in the Toronto area. Ask whether it has current welder vacancies and whether it accepts applicants who are outside Canada.
Questions to ask a recruitment agency
Before sending your passport or paying for any service, ask:
- Do you currently recruit welders under NOC 72106?
- Are your vacancies open to applicants outside Canada?
- What is the exact employer name and job location?
- Does the employer already have a positive LMIA, or will it apply if required?
- What welding process, materials and certifications does the employer require?
- What is the hourly wage and normal working schedule?
- What fees, if any, are charged, and who is legally responsible for them?
- Can you provide your applicable recruitment licence information?
Recruitment fee warning: Under Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program, employers and people recruiting on their behalf must not recover prohibited recruitment and LMIA-related costs from temporary foreign workers. Do not pay someone for a guaranteed LMIA or guaranteed job placement. See ESDC – Recruitment fees and employer responsibilities.
11. Application requirements and documents for a welder work permit
Applicants should prepare genuine and consistent documents before starting the immigration application.
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Identity and travel document |
| Work permit application | Main immigration application |
| Passport-style photograph | Meets IRCC photo requirements |
| Job offer letter | Identifies the Canadian employer and position |
| Employment agreement | Explains wages, hours and employment conditions |
| Positive LMIA information | Required where the position is LMIA-based |
| Employer offer number | Relevant to certain LMIA-exempt work permit applications |
| Updated résumé | Demonstrates experience and technical ability |
| Previous employment letters | Supports claimed work experience |
| Pay slips or salary records | Evidence of paid employment |
| Welding certificates | Demonstrates training and qualifications |
| Trade licence or certificate | Where required for the job or province |
| Welding portfolio | Supports practical skills and experience |
| Police certificates | If requested by IRCC |
| Medical examination | If required for the application |
| Biometrics | When requested |
| Certified translations | For documents not in English or French |
IRCC’s document instructions for employer-specific work permits may request current and previous employer letters, proof of past work experience, evidence that the worker meets job requirements and a résumé. LMIA-required applications also need the relevant LMIA documents and employment agreement.
Official checklist: IRCC – Work permit forms and documents.
How to prepare a strong welding experience letter
An employment reference letter should ideally include:
- Employer’s legal name and address.
- Applicant’s full name and job title.
- Employment start and end dates.
- Average working hours per week.
- Salary or hourly wage.
- Welding processes used.
- Materials and equipment handled.
- Main duties and responsibilities.
- Supervisor’s name, position and contact information.
- Signature or other appropriate verification.
The duties should accurately describe the work performed. Do not add skills or responsibilities that you did not actually have.
12. Meeting the eligibility requirements for Canadian welder jobs
Eligibility depends on both the employer’s hiring criteria and the immigration program.
Relevant work experience
Employers may seek experience in one or more welding processes. The more closely your experience matches the advertised work, the stronger your application may be.
Relevant experience may include:
- MIG and TIG welding.
- Stick and flux-core welding.
- Pipe welding.
- Structural steel fabrication.
- Welding stainless steel, aluminium or carbon steel.
- Reading blueprints and welding symbols.
- Working with industrial equipment.
- Performing quality checks and identifying weld defects.
Education and trade training
The Government of Canada’s occupational profile states that secondary school is usually required for welders. A three-year apprenticeship or a combination of more than three years of trade experience and some college or industry courses in welding is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
The requirements vary according to the position and province.
Official information: Job Bank – Industrial welder job requirements.
Welding certification
Depending on the job and location, employers may ask for:
- Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) qualifications.
- Red Seal endorsement.
- Provincial trade certification.
- Pressure-welding qualifications.
- Employer-specific welding procedure tests.
- Relevant safety training.
A foreign welding certificate may help demonstrate training and experience, but it is not automatically equivalent to every Canadian certificate.
Provincial certification and licensing
Trade certification rules vary across Canada. The federal occupational profile notes that welder trade certification is compulsory in Alberta and available, but generally voluntary, in other provinces and territories.
Applicants should confirm the exact requirements with the provincial authority before accepting a job.
The Red Seal endorsement can support interprovincial mobility for qualified welders who meet the examination requirements.
Language skills
Employers need workers who can understand safety instructions, technical drawings, work orders and communication from supervisors.
Some immigration programs also require approved English or French language-test results.
Medical and admissibility requirements
Applicants must meet the general requirements for a Canadian work permit. Depending on the circumstances, IRCC may request a medical examination, police certificates or additional evidence.
13. Permanent residence pathways for foreign welders
One major advantage of NOC 72106 is that it is a skilled trade classified under TEER 2. This can make it relevant to several Canadian permanent-residence programs.
However, a job offer or temporary work permit does not automatically provide permanent residence.
A. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
The Federal Skilled Trades Program is designed for qualified workers with experience in eligible skilled trades.
Welders under NOC 72106 are within the relevant skilled-trade occupational group.
The main requirements include:
- At least two years of full-time work experience, or an equivalent amount of part-time work, in an eligible skilled trade during the five years before applying.
- Work experience that meets the NOC lead statement and most main duties.
- Paid employment.
- Meeting the minimum language requirements.
- Having either a valid qualifying full-time job offer for at least one year or a certificate of qualification issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority.
There is no education requirement for the Federal Skilled Trades Program, although education can help improve a candidate’s overall profile.
Official details: IRCC – Federal Skilled Trades Program.
B. Express Entry trade occupations category
Welders and related machine operators, NOC 72106, are included in the current Express Entry trade occupations category list.
IRCC’s published eligibility instructions for this category require at least 12 months of full-time work experience, or an equivalent amount of part-time experience, in a single listed occupation during the previous three years. The experience may have been gained in Canada or abroad.
Candidates must also meet the instructions for the specific invitation round.
Being in the occupation category does not guarantee an invitation. Candidates still need to qualify for an eligible Express Entry program and meet the round’s requirements.
Official source: IRCC – Category-based selection: Trade occupations.
C. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
The Federal Skilled Worker Program can be relevant to welders with foreign skilled work experience.
NOC 72106 is TEER 2, which is within the TEER categories accepted for skilled work under this program.
The main eligibility requirements include:
- At least one year of continuous paid skilled work experience in the primary occupation within the previous ten years.
- Work experience matching the NOC lead statement and most main duties.
- Meeting the required language level.
- Meeting the education and Educational Credential Assessment requirements, where applicable.
- Meeting the program’s selection factors and other admissibility requirements.
A job offer is not always required to qualify under the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
Official source: IRCC – Federal Skilled Worker Program.
D. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
A welder who obtains authorised Canadian employment may potentially qualify for the Canadian Experience Class if they meet its requirements.
The program generally requires at least one year of qualifying skilled work experience in Canada during the previous three years, along with the applicable language and other eligibility requirements.
The work must have been authorised and meet the program’s definition of qualifying experience. Self-employment and work gained while a full-time student generally do not count in the same way as qualifying employee experience.
Official source: IRCC – Express Entry eligibility.
E. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Canadian provinces and territories operate immigration streams for workers who can meet local labour-market needs.
A welder may investigate streams that accept skilled trades, manufacturing or industrial occupations.
Potential provinces to research include:
- Alberta.
- Saskatchewan.
- Manitoba.
- Ontario.
- British Columbia.
- New Brunswick.
- Nova Scotia.
- Newfoundland and Labrador.
Some streams require a job offer from an eligible employer. Others may use different selection criteria.
Each province has its own occupation lists, employer rules and application procedures. A welder should not assume that an occupation is eligible simply because a province has a general skilled-worker program.
Official source: IRCC – Provincial Nominee Program.
F. Quebec immigration pathways
Quebec manages its own selection system for economic immigration. Welders interested in working and settling in Quebec should review the province’s current skilled-worker immigration options.
A Quebec job offer or work permit does not automatically guarantee permanent selection.
PR pathway comparison
| Immigration pathway | Is NOC 72106 relevant? | Key consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Skilled Trades Program | Yes | Two years of qualifying trade experience and a valid job offer or Canadian certificate of qualification |
| Express Entry trades category | Yes, currently listed | At least 12 months of experience in a listed trade in the previous three years, plus round requirements |
| Federal Skilled Worker Program | Yes, TEER 2 | One year of continuous qualifying skilled experience and other eligibility criteria |
| Canadian Experience Class | Potentially | Requires qualifying skilled work experience in Canada |
| Provincial Nominee Program | Depends on province and stream | Must meet the specific provincial occupation and employer rules |
| Quebec immigration programs | Depends on current Quebec rules | Separate selection system |
14. Settlement benefits for foreign workers in Canada
Once a foreign worker obtains valid work authorisation and begins lawful employment, they may be eligible for a range of employment and settlement benefits.
Employment protections
Depending on the province and employment arrangement, workers may be entitled to:
- Minimum employment standards.
- Overtime pay where applicable.
- Vacation pay and statutory holidays.
- Workplace health and safety protections.
- Protection from unlawful deductions.
- Access to employment-related complaint processes.
Foreign workers should keep copies of their employment agreement, pay statements and work schedules.
Healthcare coverage
Healthcare eligibility depends on provincial or territorial rules and the worker’s status. Some provinces provide public health coverage to eligible work permit holders, while waiting periods and additional requirements may apply.
Check the rules for the province where you will live and work.
Family and settlement
Depending on current immigration rules, eligible family members may be able to accompany a foreign worker or apply for their own immigration status.
A spouse does not automatically qualify for an open work permit. Family open-work-permit eligibility is subject to specific restrictions.
Career development
Experienced welders may be able to pursue additional certifications, Red Seal assessment, advanced welding qualifications, inspection-related training or supervisory roles.
The availability of training support depends on the employer, province and individual qualifications.
15. Applying at the embassy: work permit verification
Canadian work permit applications are generally submitted through IRCC’s online system. A Canadian embassy does not provide a private job-placement service or sell work permits.
How to verify your work permit application
- Apply through the official IRCC online account.
- Upload the required application forms and supporting documents.
- Pay the applicable government fees through the official process.
- Submit the application and keep your confirmation details.
- Wait for a biometric instruction letter if biometrics are required.
- Attend an authorised Visa Application Centre appointment.
- Submit your passport only when instructed by IRCC.
- Check the final decision and any conditions attached to your work permit.
Visa Application Centres
Visa Application Centres are contracted service providers. They may collect biometrics and provide passport-transmission services, but they do not decide whether a work permit is approved.
Use the official IRCC Visa Application Centre directory to find an authorised centre and check its current services.
16. Embassy contacts and official immigration verification
For work permit and permanent-residence questions, use the Canadian government’s official immigration resources.
| Government service | Purpose | Official website |
|---|---|---|
| Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada | Work permits and immigration applications | IRCC |
| IRCC contact information | Official contact methods and help centre | Contact IRCC |
| Employment and Social Development Canada | LMIA and foreign-worker hiring rules | ESDC |
| Government of Canada Job Bank | Job vacancies and salary information | Job Bank |
| Visa Application Centre directory | Biometrics and passport services | Find a VAC |
| College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants | Verify licensed immigration consultants | CICC public register |
IRCC’s published telephone number is 1-888-242-2100, which is a toll-free number for callers inside Canada. Applicants outside Canada should use the official IRCC contact options available to them.
How to verify an immigration consultant
If you pay someone for Canadian immigration advice or representation, check that the person is authorised.
The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants maintains a public register of licensed consultants. Canadian lawyers and Quebec notaries may also be authorised under their professional rules.
Never rely on a consultant’s social-media profile or advertising alone.
Search phrases to use on job portals
Try the following searches:
- Welder jobs with LMIA Canada.
- Welder sponsorship jobs Canada.
- MIG welder jobs Canada for foreigners.
- TIG welder jobs Canada.
- Pipe welder jobs Canada with work permit.
- Structural steel welder Canada.
- Fabrication welder jobs Canada.
- CWB welder vacancies Canada.
- Industrial welding jobs Canada.
- Journeyperson welder Canada.
18. Mistakes to avoid during the immigration process
Mistake 1: Believing every welder vacancy includes visa sponsorship
Many employers recruit workers who already have permission to work in Canada.
Better approach: Ask whether the specific vacancy is open to overseas applicants and whether the employer is prepared to support the required work permit process.
Mistake 2: Paying for a guaranteed LMIA
An agency cannot guarantee a positive LMIA or a work permit decision.
Better approach: Verify the employer and the immigration process independently. Be suspicious of anyone selling an LMIA number or guaranteed approval.
Mistake 3: Confusing an LMIA request with an LMIA approval
A Job Bank posting marked “LMIA requested” does not mean that the employer has received a positive LMIA.
Better approach: Ask the employer for the current status and the documents required for your application.
Mistake 4: Using the wrong NOC code
A welding job title does not automatically prove that the position falls under NOC 72106.
Better approach: Compare the actual duties with the official NOC description.
Mistake 5: Submitting false work experience
Fake reference letters, altered certificates or inaccurate employment dates can lead to refusal and possible misrepresentation consequences.
Better approach: Submit genuine documents and explain any employment gaps honestly.
Mistake 6: Ignoring provincial certification requirements
Some provinces have compulsory trade certification rules for welders.
Better approach: Check the relevant provincial trade authority before accepting an offer.
Mistake 7: Assuming a temporary work permit guarantees PR
A work permit gives temporary permission to work under specified conditions. It does not guarantee permanent residence.
Better approach: Research FSTP, FSWP, CEC and PNP eligibility separately.
Mistake 8: Applying for a job without understanding the work conditions
A high hourly wage may be linked to irregular hours, remote project locations, seasonal work or specialised duties.
Better approach: Ask for the full employment agreement and confirm the normal working schedule and deductions.
Mistake 9: Sending personal documents to unverified recruiters
Fraudulent recruiters may request passports, bank information or money before providing verifiable employment details.
Better approach: Verify the agency, employer and job offer before sharing sensitive information.
Mistake 10: Assuming an embassy can arrange employment
Embassies and Visa Application Centres do not sell jobs or guarantee work permits.
Better approach: Find jobs through employers and recognised job portals, and submit immigration applications through IRCC.
19. How to recognise a genuine Canadian welding job offer
Before accepting a job, review these points:
| Verification item | What to check |
|---|---|
| Employer identity | Legal business name and verifiable contact information |
| Work location | City, province and actual worksite |
| Job title and NOC | Duties that genuinely match the occupation |
| Welding requirements | Processes, materials, positions and certificates |
| Salary | Hourly wage and payment frequency |
| Working hours | Weekly hours, overtime and shifts |
| Employment contract | Written duties, conditions and benefits |
| Immigration route | Positive LMIA or valid exemption, where applicable |
| Recruiter | Agency identity and licence, where required |
| Recruitment costs | No prohibited recovery of employer recruitment and LMIA costs |
A genuine employer should be able to explain the job, interview process, salary, work location and immigration arrangements clearly.
20. Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners get welder jobs in Canada with work permit sponsorship?
Yes, some Canadian employers may recruit foreign welders through an LMIA-based or eligible LMIA-exempt work permit route. The employer and worker must meet the relevant requirements, and IRCC makes the final work permit decision.
What is the NOC code for welders in Canada?
The NOC code for welders and related machine operators is 72106, classified as TEER 2.
What is the average welder salary in Canada?
The Government of Canada’s Job Bank reports a national median hourly wage of approximately CAD $30, with a published range of CAD $22 to CAD $47 per hour. Actual wages depend on the location, specialisation and employer.
Can a welder apply for Canadian permanent residence?
Yes. Welders may investigate the Federal Skilled Trades Program, Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class (if eligible), Express Entry trade occupations category and applicable Provincial Nominee Programs.
Is NOC 72106 eligible for the Express Entry trades category?
Yes. NOC 72106 is included in the current trade occupations list. Applicants must also satisfy the experience and other requirements for the relevant invitation round.
How much work experience is needed for the Federal Skilled Trades Program?
The program generally requires at least two years of full-time work experience, or an equivalent amount of part-time experience, in an eligible skilled trade during the five years before applying. Applicants must also meet the other program requirements.
Do I need IELTS to work as a welder in Canada?
Not every temporary work permit application has the same formal language-test requirement. However, employers may assess English or French ability, and permanent-residence programs require approved language-test results at their applicable levels.
Is CWB certification required for every welder job?
No. Requirements vary by employer, welding process, industry and province. Some employers require CWB qualifications or specific welding procedure tests, while others may assess practical experience.
Can I apply for a Canadian welder work permit without a job offer?
An employer-specific work permit normally requires a job offer. Other work permit categories may have different requirements, but a person cannot use an employer-specific route without the required employer and job information.
Can I bring my family to Canada on a welder work permit?
Eligible family members may be able to accompany a worker or apply for their own status. However, eligibility for a spouse’s open work permit is subject to current restrictions and is not automatic.
Can an immigration agency guarantee my Canadian welder visa?
No. An agency cannot guarantee an LMIA, work permit or permanent residence approval. Canadian authorities make those decisions.
Where can I find Canadian employers recruiting foreign welders?
Start with the Government of Canada’s Job Bank temporary foreign-worker search, then check employer career portals and recruitment agencies that handle skilled trades.
22. Conclusion
Welder jobs in Canada can offer career opportunities for experienced foreign workers in manufacturing, construction, industrial fabrication, energy and other sectors. Applicants with practical MIG, TIG, FCAW, SMAW, pipe-welding or structural-welding skills may find positions that match their experience.
The most important step is to secure a genuine job offer and confirm that the employer can legally hire a foreign worker through the applicable immigration route. A positive LMIA may be required, while some positions may qualify for an LMIA exemption. The worker must still obtain the necessary work authorisation before starting employment.
Welders also have several skilled immigration options worth researching. NOC 72106 is a TEER 2 occupation and is included in the current Express Entry trade occupations category. The Federal Skilled Trades Program, Federal Skilled Worker Program and suitable provincial pathways may be relevant to applicants who meet their specific criteria.
Prepare a strong résumé, document your welding experience, verify employers and recruitment agencies, and use official Canadian government resources before making financial commitments.
Disclaimer: This article is for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not legal or immigration advice. Canadian immigration rules, employer requirements, salary information and program availability may change. Always verify the latest requirements with IRCC, ESDC and the relevant provincial authorities before applying.