LMIA FinderCan a Welder Immigrate to Canada?
Yes — here are the immigration programs, active jobs, and provinces hiring welders in Canada right now.
Key Requirements
Work Experience
At least two years of full-time paid work experience in a skilled trade. A trade certification or Red Seal endorsement strengthens your application.
Language Proficiency
Proof of English or French language skills via an approved test (IELTS, CELPIP for English; TEF, TCF for French). A minimum CLB 7 in all abilities is recommended for Express Entry.
Education & Trade Certification
An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organization (e.g., WES, IQAS) to verify your trade qualifications. You will also need to obtain a provincial/territorial Certificate of Qualification by passing the relevant trade examination.
Red Seal Certification
This trade is designated under the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program. Obtaining a Red Seal endorsement on your Certificate of Qualification allows you to work across all provinces and territories without additional examination. Red Seal is highly valued by Canadian employers and strengthens your immigration application. You can challenge the Red Seal examination through a provincial/territorial apprenticeship authority.
Job Offer (Optional)
A valid job offer no longer adds CRS points (removed March 2025), but it can satisfy eligibility for certain Express Entry programs and is required for employer-sponsored work permits. There are currently 1161 active welder openings on Job Bank.
Proof of Funds
You must demonstrate sufficient settlement funds — currently $15,263 for a single applicant, $28,362 for a family of 4. Waived if you have a valid Canadian job offer.
| Family Size | Minimum Funds (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 (Single) | $15,263 |
| 2 (Couple) | $19,001 |
| 3 | $23,360 |
| 4 | $28,362 |
| 5 | $32,168 |
| 6 | $36,280 |
| 7 | $40,392 |
| Each additional member | +$4,112 |
Eligible Immigration Programs
Express Entry (FSW)
High MatchFederal Skilled Worker program for qualified professionals with work experience.
Provincial Nominee Program
High MatchProvinces nominate workers with in-demand skills. Adds 600 CRS points.
Temporary Work Permit (LMIA)
High MatchEmployer-sponsored LMIA work permit — gain Canadian experience, then transition to PR.
Atlantic Immigration Program
Medium MatchEmployer-driven program for Atlantic Canada with faster processing.
International Experience Canada
Medium MatchWorking holiday or young professional visa for eligible countries.
Salary Information
| Province | Median | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | $34.43/hr | $21.29 | $44.48 |
| British Columbia | $31.53/hr | $19.99 | $45.57 |
| Manitoba | $24.89/hr | $17.75 | $32.49 |
| New Brunswick | $24.75/hr | $16.67 | $39.77 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $33.84/hr | $23.00 | $46.16 |
| Northwest Territories | $34.74/hr | $12.50 | $52.36 |
| Nova Scotia | $28.75/hr | $19.92 | $36.28 |
| Nunavut | — | — | — |
| Ontario | $25.08/hr | $18.57 | $37.62 |
| Prince Edward Island | $22.07/hr | $16.00 | $32.00 |
| Quebec | $24.69/hr | $19.91 | $37.07 |
| Saskatchewan | $28.79/hr | $21.04 | $40.80 |
Top Provinces Hiring
Current Job Openings
Metal Products Manufacturing Machine Operator
$21.88 to $23.50 hourly (to be negotiated)Mobilflex · Lévis, Quebec
Excavating Machine Operator
$37.00 hourlyLidher Excavating and Demolition Ltd · Surrey, British Columbia
Welder
$36.00 hourlyAl Group Construction Inc · North York, Ontario
Welder
$36.00 hourlyHakikat Express Inc · Brampton, Ontario
Machine Operator, Woodworking
$23.44 to $25.60 hourly (to be negotiated)Prolam Société En Commandite · Cap-Saint-Ignace, Quebec
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