Check out welder jobs in the United States that offer visa sponsorship, the requirement for the job, options for a visa, and pay expectations.
Increased demand for skilled welders emanates from the growth in construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure projects that the United States has been experiencing of late. Generally, it is presumed that welders play a vital role in the fabrication and assembly of metal structures; thus, this makes them crucial to many industries, including automotive, aerospace, oil and gas, and shipbuilding.
To international professionals with expertise in welding, the U.S. offers a wide variety of opportunities, visa sponsorship included. This guide gives you detailed information on welder jobs available within the U.S., the process of visa sponsorship, and the expected salaries.
Overview of Welding as a Career in the U.S.
Welding is a very skilled trade in joining metals by means of heat or pressure. There are many different types of welding, including:
MIG: is the short form of Metal Inert Gas welding, used on larger projects, usually joined in thick material like steel.
TIG: stands for Tungsten Inert Gas welding and is used for precision; hence, its usual application is in the automotive and aerospace industries.
Stick welding: is the name of one of the oldest processes used in heavy-duty jobs related to construction and pipelines.
Flux-cored Arc Welding: generally performed outdoors because it can bear bad weather conditions.
Welders are in demand in the construction, automotive, shipbuilding, oil and gas, and aerospace industries. Due to the fact that these sectors are continuously developing in the United States, the need for qualified welders also increases. This is an opportunity for overseas workers to have visa sponsorship in order to supplement the labour market gap in these fields.
USA Salary for Welders
Salaries of welders vary depending on one’s experience, geographical location, industry, or specialization.
Average Salary: The average annual salary that welders receive within the United States is approximately $48,000 annually. However, it may be going up or down based on the type of welding and industry employed within.
Entry-Level Welders: Starting salaries for entry-level welders begin at approximately $35,000 to $40,000 per year.
Expert Welders: These are highly skilled welders who possess certification and a number of years of experience; they can earn more than $60,000 annually.
Specialized Welders: Those who have specializations in very specific fields of welding, such as underwater or aerospace welding, may receive salaries upward of $80,000 or more per year.
Welders working in states with heavy industry predominate, like Alaska, North Dakota, and Wyoming, will get higher salaries due to the high demand and location. Additionally, some of the welders make way more with overtime pay, bonuses, and other compensations on top of what was discussed here.
Welder Visa Sponsorship
It is a requirement for every international worker who seeks to work in the U.S. legally. Basically, this is a requirement that brings into focus an employer in the U.S. proving that they cannot secure qualified U.S. workers for certain positions before sponsoring foreign workers. In the case of welders, there are a few visa categories that allow sponsorship, and these primarily deal with skilled labor.
Visa Options for Welders
H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker Visa
The category of H-2B visa is one of the most utilized by welders and other skilled labor. It provides employers in the U.S. with a means to employ workers from foreign countries for temporary or seasonal employment in non-agricultural work. Many construction firms, shipyards, and manufacturers hire welders on H-2B visas.
Eligibility: The U.S. employer must prove that there are not enough qualified domestic workers for the job and that employment of foreign welders will not adversely affect U.S. wages.
Duration: Visa issuance may be granted for a maximum period of one year in some cases, with an option to apply for extension to three years.
EB-3 Employment-Based Green Card
The EB-3 visa category allows workers to obtain lawful permanent residence in the U.S. for more permanent work. It encompasses but is not limited to skilled workers such as welders.
Eligibility: Welders who apply for the EB-3 should have at least two years of experience or training in their field. This would, in turn, require the employer to file a labor certification and prove that no qualified U.S. workers are available to perform the job.
Processing Time: The time it takes to process EB-3 may extend for years but offers a way to a Green Card for permanent residence.
L-1 Visa – Intra-Company Transfer
A welder who already works abroad for a multinational company would be eligible for an L-1 visa, which is an intra-company transfer visa to the U.S. This type of visa is usually used by large companies with businesses in multiple countries.
TN Visa – For Citizens of Canada and Mexico: Through USMCA, Canadian and Mexican welders get the chance to work in the U.S. on TN visas and without going through the labor-intensive process of H-2B or EB-3.
How to Find Welder Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
Job Search Platforms: A number of job portals have listed job openings for welders in the United States of America, which come with sponsorship visas. Websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor list many such job openings in the United States of America, which are looking for qualified welders. Look for key phrases such as “visa sponsorship” or “H-2B visa” in the job description.
Staffing agencies: Many staffing agencies exist in the U.S., placing workers with higher skills internationally, including welding. They might be able to connect you with an employer willing to sponsor your visa application.
Networking: Connecting with other professionals in the welding field could allow you, through social media, forums, or even during an industry event, access to a job with visa sponsorship opportunity. Most of the international associations and organizations related to welding will offer events with visa sponsorship opportunities or also job postings.
Direct Contact with the Employers: Large construction firms, shipyards, and manufacturers usually recruit welders from other parts of the world. It is similarly effective to contact the companies directly with an inquiry letter stating job vacancy requirements and visa sponsorship.
Requirements for International Welders
International workers need to have certain qualifications and requirements to work as a welder in the U.S.:
Welding Certification: Most employers in the United States require certification to prove the competence of a welder. A majority of the U.S. welding jobs want workers who have AWS certification to work for them. International welders will have to obtain this certification to show up in the list of the employer’s hiring.
Experience: Employers would like to have welders with a minimum of two years of experience in the field. There are various specialized experiences that may be required in areas such as MIG, TIG, or Stick, based on the industry.
English Proficiency: Though welding is a hands-on job, proficiency in English is important to understand safety protocols, read blueprints, and follow instructions at job sites.
Physical Fitness: Welding can be very physical-work that involves heavy lifting of equipment, working in tight spaces, and taking the heat. Some employers will require passing a physical fitness test.
Work Authorization: International workers will need to obtain proper visa or work authorization to work in most countries. Though the bulk of the paperwork for an H-2B or EB-3 sponsoring employer will fall on your employer’s plate, you provide the bulk of the information and documentation with it.
Benefits of Working as a Welder in the USA
Competitive Pay: Great compensations are provided to the welders in the United States, along with overtime availability and bonus schemes.
Job Security: Welding is in demand, which is highly needed in the constructional, energy, or manufacturing sectors.
Growth Avenues: One will be able to specialize in high-demand areas such as underwater welding and robotics welding.
Visa Sponsorship: Foreign welders are bound to get a U.S. visa through employers by sponsorship, mainly in temporary or permanent positions.
Exposure to Advanced Technology: Advanced equipment and techniques are employed in welding in the United States; thus, this promises exposure to advanced technology and one sure method of improving one’s skills.
Conclusion
International professionals seeking US visa sponsorship find welding jobs very promising. High demand, along with competitive salaries and possibilities of long-term residency through programs like the EB-3 visa, makes welding one of the most wanted activities among skilled workers all over the world. Upon meeting the necessary qualifications and receiving appropriate certification, welders are given many opportunities to utilize in the US welding industry.