Arc Welder Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Arc welders can obtain visa sponsorship for skilled welding positions requiring specialized certification and technical expertise. Most sponsored roles require completion of formal welding programs, AWS certification, and several years of experience with specific welding processes like TIG, MIG, or stick welding. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
Find Arc Welder JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 23+ Arc Welder jobs
See all Arc Welder Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Arc Welder roles.
Get Access To All JobsRequisition ID: 173951
Job Category: Maintenance / Construction / Operations
Job Level: Individual Contributor
Business Unit: Energy Delivery
Work Type: Onsite
Job Location: Ukiah
Department Overview
Gas Operations is focused on ensuring the safe and reliable flow of natural gas to our customers.
Gas Operations is responsible for all aspects of PG&E's gas distribution and transmission operations, including planning, engineering, maintenance and construction, restoration and emergency response.
Position Summary
This is an International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1245 represented classification, which has over 100 years of experience representing employees at PG&E. This job is subject to collective bargaining.
The Fitter - Arc installs and maintains mains, services, meter and regulator sets, ducts, manholes, vaults, pull boxes, pipe, conduit, and other accessories. The position includes leak investigations or repairs, minor alterations, remodeling domestic type meter and regulator sets, patrolling transmission and distribution mains, as well as performs oxyacetylene and arc welding. An employee who is a journeyman and is engaged in performing all classes of work associated with the gas transmission and distribution systems for which they are qualified within the scope of the job duties agreed to herein. Shall perform Arc welding duties which are limited to welding on all gas distribution piping systems. May be assigned to a crew installing and maintaining gas mains, services, gas or electric substructures and other accessories. Background of apprenticeship and experience must be such as to qualify an employee to perform these duties with skill and efficiency. May be required to operate mechanical equipment for which they have been qualified.
This position may be subject to Joint Apprentice Training Committee (JATC) review and approval. Provisional hires will be required to participate in targeted training to achieve journey-level knowledge of the role and responsibilities.
This position is a DOT (Department of Transportation) covered classification and is subject to random drug and/or alcohol screening.
PG&E is providing the hourly rate that the company in good faith believes it might pay for this position at the time of the job posting. This position is subject to collectively bargained hourly wage rates and increases. The starting wage rate for this position is $66.72 per hour. This wage rate is specific to the locality of the job. The wage rate is based on multiple factors, including, but not limited to, specific skills, education, licenses or certifications, experience, market value, geographic location, collective bargaining agreements, and internal equity.
Job Responsibilities:
-
Installs and maintains gas mains, services, gas or electric substructures and other accessories as a member of a crew.
-
Ability to perform Oxy/Acetylene cutting and ARC welding and maintain qualifications to perform job duties all gas distribution piping systems.
-
Performs ARC welding on all gas distribution piping systems.
-
Performs all classes of work associated with the gas transmission and distribution systems for which they are qualified.
-
DOT-Operations/Maintenance AND Emergency.
Minimum Qualifications:
Must be at least 18 years of age
Must possess a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience
Must possess and maintain a valid Class C California Driver's License by Day 1 of hire
Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Class A California Driver's License Permit within 3 months of hire
Ability to apply welding and maintenance theories, concepts, methods, best practices, and techniques - for example material selection, corrosion, metallurgy, pipe work, protection - as needed to perform at the job level
Ability to work extended hours, nights, weekends and holidays.
Ability to wear company provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Ability to complete welding assessment requirements
If hired as Provisional, must pass the provisional training plan within 12 months from hire date
Ability to pass federally mandated random drug and alcohol testing
Completion of a state sanctioned Welder or Fitter apprenticeship program or 5 Years as Journey Welder or Fitter
Desired Qualifications
-
Experience as a Journeyman Fitter or Journeyman Welder
-
5 years of experience in pipeline welding construction.
-
Experience working at PG&E, or previous Hiring Hall relevant experience in a Journeyman capacity.
-
Record of residence within 50 miles of the headquarter location.
-
Previous underground and Gas Pipeline construction experience.
-
Holds a SMAW- Shielded Metal Arc Welding Certification.
Pre-Employment Testing
PG&E Employees: You must have qualified on all prerequisite tests prior to submitting an application, and all secondary tests prior to interviewing. For more information on prerequisite and secondary exams, including study guides, please visit the Pre-employment testing program website.
-
Physical Test Battery
-
Journeyman Welder Knowledge Assessment
-
Journey Welder Skilled Assessment
-
Work Orientation Inventory-Physical/Technical Driving
Requisition ID: 173951
Job Category: Maintenance / Construction / Operations
Job Level: Individual Contributor
Business Unit: Energy Delivery
Work Type: Onsite
Job Location: Ukiah
Department Overview
Gas Operations is focused on ensuring the safe and reliable flow of natural gas to our customers.
Gas Operations is responsible for all aspects of PG&E's gas distribution and transmission operations, including planning, engineering, maintenance and construction, restoration and emergency response.
Position Summary
This is an International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1245 represented classification, which has over 100 years of experience representing employees at PG&E. This job is subject to collective bargaining.
The Fitter - Arc installs and maintains mains, services, meter and regulator sets, ducts, manholes, vaults, pull boxes, pipe, conduit, and other accessories. The position includes leak investigations or repairs, minor alterations, remodeling domestic type meter and regulator sets, patrolling transmission and distribution mains, as well as performs oxyacetylene and arc welding. An employee who is a journeyman and is engaged in performing all classes of work associated with the gas transmission and distribution systems for which they are qualified within the scope of the job duties agreed to herein. Shall perform Arc welding duties which are limited to welding on all gas distribution piping systems. May be assigned to a crew installing and maintaining gas mains, services, gas or electric substructures and other accessories. Background of apprenticeship and experience must be such as to qualify an employee to perform these duties with skill and efficiency. May be required to operate mechanical equipment for which they have been qualified.
This position may be subject to Joint Apprentice Training Committee (JATC) review and approval. Provisional hires will be required to participate in targeted training to achieve journey-level knowledge of the role and responsibilities.
This position is a DOT (Department of Transportation) covered classification and is subject to random drug and/or alcohol screening.
PG&E is providing the hourly rate that the company in good faith believes it might pay for this position at the time of the job posting. This position is subject to collectively bargained hourly wage rates and increases. The starting wage rate for this position is $66.72 per hour. This wage rate is specific to the locality of the job. The wage rate is based on multiple factors, including, but not limited to, specific skills, education, licenses or certifications, experience, market value, geographic location, collective bargaining agreements, and internal equity.
Job Responsibilities:
-
Installs and maintains gas mains, services, gas or electric substructures and other accessories as a member of a crew.
-
Ability to perform Oxy/Acetylene cutting and ARC welding and maintain qualifications to perform job duties all gas distribution piping systems.
-
Performs ARC welding on all gas distribution piping systems.
-
Performs all classes of work associated with the gas transmission and distribution systems for which they are qualified.
-
DOT-Operations/Maintenance AND Emergency.
Minimum Qualifications:
Must be at least 18 years of age
Must possess a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience
Must possess and maintain a valid Class C California Driver's License by Day 1 of hire
Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Class A California Driver's License Permit within 3 months of hire
Ability to apply welding and maintenance theories, concepts, methods, best practices, and techniques - for example material selection, corrosion, metallurgy, pipe work, protection - as needed to perform at the job level
Ability to work extended hours, nights, weekends and holidays.
Ability to wear company provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Ability to complete welding assessment requirements
If hired as Provisional, must pass the provisional training plan within 12 months from hire date
Ability to pass federally mandated random drug and alcohol testing
Completion of a state sanctioned Welder or Fitter apprenticeship program or 5 Years as Journey Welder or Fitter
Desired Qualifications
-
Experience as a Journeyman Fitter or Journeyman Welder
-
5 years of experience in pipeline welding construction.
-
Experience working at PG&E, or previous Hiring Hall relevant experience in a Journeyman capacity.
-
Record of residence within 50 miles of the headquarter location.
-
Previous underground and Gas Pipeline construction experience.
-
Holds a SMAW- Shielded Metal Arc Welding Certification.
Pre-Employment Testing
PG&E Employees: You must have qualified on all prerequisite tests prior to submitting an application, and all secondary tests prior to interviewing. For more information on prerequisite and secondary exams, including study guides, please visit the Pre-employment testing program website.
-
Physical Test Battery
-
Journeyman Welder Knowledge Assessment
-
Journey Welder Skilled Assessment
-
Work Orientation Inventory-Physical/Technical Driving
See all Arc Welder Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Arc Welder roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as an Arc Welder
Highlight specialized welding certifications
Employers value AWS (American Welding Society) certifications, especially for structural, pipeline, or underwater welding. Document your certifications with specific process codes and renewal dates to demonstrate current qualifications.
Emphasize safety training and compliance experience
Include OSHA 10 or 30-hour certifications, confined space training, and experience with workplace safety protocols. Manufacturing and construction employers prioritize candidates who can work safely in regulated environments.
Document experience with specialized materials and processes
Specify experience welding aluminum, stainless steel, or exotic alloys. Detail familiarity with robotic welding systems, CNC plasma cutting, or automated welding processes that demonstrate advanced technical skills.
Target industries with established visa sponsorship patterns
Focus on shipbuilding, aerospace manufacturing, oil and gas pipeline companies, and heavy industrial manufacturers. These sectors regularly sponsor skilled welders for specialized projects requiring technical expertise.
Prepare for skills-based interviews and practical demonstrations
Many employers require welding tests as part of the interview process. Be ready to demonstrate proficiency with specific equipment and techniques relevant to their operations and quality standards.
Consider apprenticeship and training program pathways
Some employers sponsor welders through formal apprenticeship programs that combine work authorization with additional training. These programs often lead to permanent positions with established sponsorship processes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do arc welders need a college degree for visa sponsorship?
Most arc welder positions don't require a college degree for sponsorship. Employers typically accept completion of vocational welding programs, trade school certification, or apprenticeships combined with relevant work experience. AWS certifications and specialized training often matter more than formal education for skilled welding roles requiring visa sponsorship.
Which visa types work best for arc welder sponsorship?
H-1B visas are uncommon for welding roles since they require a bachelor's degree. Most sponsored arc welders use H-2B visa temporary worker visas for seasonal or short-term projects, or EB-3 immigrant visas for permanent positions. Some specialized welders in aerospace or nuclear industries may qualify for other categories based on unique skills.
How to find Arc Welder jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Arc Welder jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting skilled tradespeople with sponsoring employers. Focus your search on construction companies, shipbuilding firms, and manufacturing plants that commonly hire international welders. Look for positions offering TSS visas (subclass 482) or ENS visas (subclass 186), as these are frequently used for skilled welding roles requiring specialized expertise.
What welding certifications improve sponsorship chances?
AWS D1.1 structural welding certification significantly improves sponsorship prospects, especially for construction and manufacturing roles. Specialized certifications like CWI (Certified Welding Inspector), underwater welding, or aerospace welding credentials make candidates more attractive to employers willing to sponsor visas for hard-to-find skills.
How competitive is visa sponsorship for arc welders?
Sponsorship availability varies by region and specialization. General arc welders face more competition, while those with specialized skills like pipeline welding, robotic welding programming, or exotic material experience have better prospects. Industries facing skilled labor shortages are more likely to sponsor qualified welders.
Can arc welders transition to permanent residence through employment?
Yes, skilled arc welders can pursue permanent residence through EB-3 employment-based green cards. The process requires a permanent job offer and labor certification showing no qualified U.S. workers are available. Processing times vary, but welders in high-demand specializations often have smoother pathways to permanent status.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Arc Welder jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.