Build a Skilled Trade Career in Canada
A career in welding may provide valuable skilled work experience for individuals exploring certain Canadian economic immigration pathways.
For newcomers and temporary residents who are authorized to work in Canada, developing welding skills and subsequently obtaining qualifying welding work experience may be valuable when exploring pathways toward Canadian permanent residence. Welders and related machine operators are classified under Canada's National Occupational Classification as NOC 72106, TEER 2. Because welding is a skilled occupation, qualifying welding work experience may potentially be relevant to certain Canadian economic immigration programs.
Skilled Occupation
Welding is classified as a TEER 2 skilled occupation under Canada's National Occupational Classification.
Canadian Experience
Authorized Canadian welding employment may help an individual build qualifying Canadian skilled work experience.
Trade Category
Welders are currently included among occupations eligible for Express Entry's trade occupations category.
Career + Immigration Potential
A skilled-trades career may provide employment experience that can be relevant to certain Canadian economic immigration pathways.
Express Entry and Welding
Canada's Express Entry system manages federal economic immigration programs. Welders and related machine operators are currently included among occupations eligible for Express Entry's Trade Occupations category-based selection. Learning MIG or TIG welding, completing training, or obtaining a welding job does NOT automatically result in an invitation to apply for permanent residence. Applicants must independently satisfy the requirements of an eligible Express Entry program, category-based selection, and the applicable invitation round.
Canadian Work Experience
Qualifying Canadian welding employment may help some individuals accumulate Canadian skilled work experience. The Canadian Experience Class is one potential immigration pathway for certain individuals who obtain qualifying skilled work experience in Canada. Welding under NOC 72106 is classified as TEER 2 and may therefore potentially constitute skilled Canadian work experience when all applicable immigration requirements are satisfied. Under current rules, the Canadian Experience Class generally requires at least one year or 1,560 hours of qualifying Canadian skilled work experience during the applicable eligibility period while authorized to work in Canada. Canadian immigration requirements can change. Applicants should always verify current requirements with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Express Entry Trade Category
Welders and related machine operators, NOC 72106, are currently included in Express Entry's trade occupations category. Under current federal requirements, eligibility for the trade category generally requires at least 12 months of work experience within the previous three years in a single eligible trade occupation, in addition to meeting the requirements of an Express Entry program and the applicable invitation round. The Government of Canada determines immigration eligibility, occupational categories, invitations, and permanent residence outcomes.
Build a Career That May Support Your Canadian Immigration Goals
Start by building practical MIG and TIG welding skills.
Important Immigration Notice
WeldPath Academy provides welding skills training and does not guarantee employment, immigration status, an invitation to apply for permanent residence, or permanent residence. Completing MIG or TIG welding training by itself does not qualify an individual for Canadian permanent residence. Immigration eligibility depends on numerous factors, which may include work experience, immigration status, language ability, education, age, occupational classification, program eligibility, and government selection criteria. Canadian immigration programs, occupational categories, and eligibility requirements may change. Individuals should consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada or obtain advice regarding their individual circumstances from an authorized Canadian immigration representative.