Immigrate to Canada as a Welder in 2023
As a welder, immigrating to Canada can be a great opportunity to advance your career and experience new opportunities in the welding industry. In this article written by our Welding Canada experts, we will provide a step-by-step process on how to immigrate to Canada as a welder, including the different immigration programs available, the requirements for each program, and tips on how to increase your chances of success.
Determine your eligibility to Immigrate to Canada as a Welder
The first step in immigrating to Canada as a welder is to determine your eligibility for a suitable Immigration pathway. For Welders Immigrating to Canada, the following pathways are available:
Express Entry
This is the fastest and most popular way to immigrate to Canada as a welder. It is a points-based system that evaluates applicants based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and adaptability. The Express Entry system manages applications for the Federal Skilled Trades Program and the Canadian Experience Class. To apply through Express Entry, you must create an online profile and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
Provincial Nominee Programs
Each Canadian province has its own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which allows provinces to nominate welders who meet their specific labor market needs. Some PNPs have streams that are specifically designed for skilled workers in trades, such as the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program’s Skilled Trades and Saskatchewan Experience streams. To apply through a PNP, you must first be nominated by a province and then apply for permanent residence through the federal government.
Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
This program is designed to address labor market shortages for Welders (and other skilled trades) in the Atlantic provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. It is open to skilled workers in a variety of occupations, including welders. To apply through the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program, you must have a job offer from a designated employer in one of the participating provinces.
To be eligible to apply for any Canada Immigration program as a Welder, you must meet the following requirements
- Education: You must have a minimum of a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification.
- Work Experience: You must have at least two years of full-time work experience as a welder in the last five years. Your work experience must be classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code 7237, which is the code for welders and related machine operators.
- Language Proficiency: You must be proficient in either English or French, the two official languages of Canada. You will need to take a language proficiency test to demonstrate your language skills.
- Age: There is no specific age requirement for immigrating to Canada as a welder, but younger applicants may have an advantage in the application process.
- Health and Security: You must pass a medical examination and security check to ensure that you do not pose a risk to the health or security of Canadians.
Get Your Welding Credentials Assessed
Once you have determined your eligibility for one of the immigration programs, the next step is to get your credentials assessed. Canada has a credential assessment process that evaluates your educational and work experience to determine how it compares to Canadian standards. This process is necessary to ensure that your qualifications are recognized in Canada.
To get your credentials assessed as a welder immigrating to Canada, you can follow these steps:
- Identify the organization responsible for credential assessment in your profession. For welders, the organization is the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB).
- Contact the CWB to obtain the application forms and a list of the documents required for the assessment. You will need to provide documents that prove your education, work experience, and language proficiency.
- Submit your application and the required documents to the CWB. You will need to pay a fee for the assessment. The cost of the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) assessment varies depending on the type of assessment you require and your location. The fees for the assessment can range from around CAD $300 to $900. In addition to the assessment fee, you may also need to pay for additional services such as expedited processing or translation of documents if necessary. It is important to check the CWB website for the most up-to-date information on fees and payment options. The Federal Skilled Trades Program offers a fee waiver for the assessment to eligible candidates.
- Wait for the assessment results. The CWB will evaluate your credentials and provide you with a report that outlines how your qualifications compare to Canadian standards.
- Use the assessment report to apply for jobs or further education in Canada. The report will help employers and educational institutions understand your qualifications and determine whether you meet their requirements.
Getting your credentials assessed is an important step in the immigration process for welders. It will help you demonstrate your qualifications to potential employers and improve your chances of success in the Canadian job market.