Welder Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Welding positions don't qualify for H-1B visas since the role doesn't require a bachelor's degree. H-2B visa seasonal worker visas are the primary option for temporary welding jobs, particularly in shipyards, pipeline construction, and seasonal industrial projects. EB-3 Skilled Workers is a green card pathway for welders with two or more years of experience. Specialized welding certifications (AWS, ASME) significantly strengthen your sponsorship case, and employers in energy, shipbuilding, and heavy construction are the most likely sponsors. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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A Combination Welder will weld, fabricate and assist pipe fitters in the installation of varying types of industrial pipe into the projects of piping systems. This position will also require assisting fitters, rigging, and knowledge of process piping.
- Selects equipment and plans layouts, assembly, and welding, applying knowledge of geometry, physical properties of metal machining, weld shrinkage and welding techniques
- Layout, position, align, cut, assemble, and fit metal components together in various body positions and in various places
- Bolts, clamps, and tack-welds parts to secure in position for welding
- Sets up equipment and welds parts, using arc, gas-shielded arc, submerged arc, or arc gas welding equipment
- Weld metal materials to piping systems equipment using the appropriate welding procedure for the various equipment and metal types involved
- Identify all equipment for job and process
- Identify all safety risks and requirements
- Spotting on all activities
- Elevated work under 6ft
- Interpret drawings
- Set up welding equipment
- Select specific rod or wire
- Cut grind and bevel pipe
- Cut with oxygen and acetylene torch
- Prep and clean base metals
- Read and understand weld symbols
- Weld pipe
- Weld structural steel
- Performs other duties as assigned
- Complies with all policies and standards
REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience
- Must be able to assess through Burns and McDonnell assessment program
- Must pass a weld test
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Ability to stand, walk, sit, or reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, bend, crouch, crawl, push and pull
- Ability to use repetitive hand motions and the ability to grasp and operate field tools and equipment
- Ability to climb on, in or through equipment in confined spaces and elevated work using fall protection harnesses
- Ability to work long hours with infrequent days off, night shifts, and in adverse climates
- Ability to use respirators or Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
- Ability to utilize vision abilities including close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
- Ability to lift, carry and or move up to 50 pounds
- Ability to work in an environment with loud noises and vibrations for extended periods of time
- Ability to properly wear and/or use Personal Protection Equipment
COGNITIVE REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to seek advice, make decisions, exercise sound judgement, and solve problems
- Ability to work under stressful situations
- Ability to learn and adopt new processes and technology
- Ability to apply verbal and/or written instructions or other information
This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
Job Craft
Primary Location US-OK-Medford
Schedule: Full-time
Travel: No
Req ID: 264602
Job Hire Type Experienced #LI-DNI #CSP N/A
Description
A Combination Welder will weld, fabricate and assist pipe fitters in the installation of varying types of industrial pipe into the projects of piping systems. This position will also require assisting fitters, rigging, and knowledge of process piping.
- Selects equipment and plans layouts, assembly, and welding, applying knowledge of geometry, physical properties of metal machining, weld shrinkage and welding techniques
- Layout, position, align, cut, assemble, and fit metal components together in various body positions and in various places
- Bolts, clamps, and tack-welds parts to secure in position for welding
- Sets up equipment and welds parts, using arc, gas-shielded arc, submerged arc, or arc gas welding equipment
- Weld metal materials to piping systems equipment using the appropriate welding procedure for the various equipment and metal types involved
- Identify all equipment for job and process
- Identify all safety risks and requirements
- Spotting on all activities
- Elevated work under 6ft
- Interpret drawings
- Set up welding equipment
- Select specific rod or wire
- Cut grind and bevel pipe
- Cut with oxygen and acetylene torch
- Prep and clean base metals
- Read and understand weld symbols
- Weld pipe
- Weld structural steel
- Performs other duties as assigned
- Complies with all policies and standards
REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience
- Must be able to assess through Burns and McDonnell assessment program
- Must pass a weld test
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Ability to stand, walk, sit, or reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, bend, crouch, crawl, push and pull
- Ability to use repetitive hand motions and the ability to grasp and operate field tools and equipment
- Ability to climb on, in or through equipment in confined spaces and elevated work using fall protection harnesses
- Ability to work long hours with infrequent days off, night shifts, and in adverse climates
- Ability to use respirators or Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
- Ability to utilize vision abilities including close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
- Ability to lift, carry and or move up to 50 pounds
- Ability to work in an environment with loud noises and vibrations for extended periods of time
- Ability to properly wear and/or use Personal Protection Equipment
COGNITIVE REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to seek advice, make decisions, exercise sound judgement, and solve problems
- Ability to work under stressful situations
- Ability to learn and adopt new processes and technology
- Ability to apply verbal and/or written instructions or other information
This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
Job Craft
Primary Location US-OK-Medford
Schedule: Full-time
Travel: No
Req ID: 264602
Job Hire Type Experienced #LI-DNI #CSP N/A
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Welder
Obtain AWS certifications in high-demand welding processes
American Welding Society Certified Welder credentials in processes like SMAW (stick), GMAW (MIG), GTAW (TIG), and FCAW are essential for U.S. employment. Pipe welding certifications in the 6G position are particularly valuable for oil and gas and shipbuilding employers. Having these certifications before applying demonstrates readiness and reduces the employer's onboarding investment.
Target shipbuilding and defense contractors for consistent demand
Companies like Huntington Ingalls Industries, General Dynamics NASSCO, and Bath Iron Works have ongoing demand for qualified welders and experience with H-2B visa processing. Shipbuilding projects span years, providing more stable employment than short-term construction. These employers often bring welders back for multiple seasons, building toward longer-term arrangements.
Look into pipeline and energy sector welding projects
Pipeline construction, refinery maintenance shutdowns (turnarounds), and energy infrastructure projects create seasonal demand for welders in states like Texas, Louisiana, North Dakota, and Pennsylvania. Contractor companies that staff these projects may file H-2B petitions for multiple welders at once. Specialty certifications for high-pressure piping and structural welding are particularly valued.
Consider the EB-3 skilled worker path for permanent residency
Welders with at least two years of training or experience may qualify for the EB-3 skilled worker green card category. While the process involves labor certification and can take several years, it is one of the most accessible green card paths for skilled trades workers. Some employers are willing to initiate the EB-3 process for welders who demonstrate strong performance over multiple seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What visa options exist for welders seeking U.S. employment?
The H-2B visa temporary worker visa is the primary path for welders, particularly for positions in shipbuilding, construction, and seasonal manufacturing. Some specialized welding positions - such as underwater welding, aerospace welding, or nuclear plant welding - may qualify for other visa categories if the role requires degree-level knowledge. The EB-3 skilled worker green card category can also apply to welders with at least two years of training or experience.
Do welding certifications from other countries transfer to the U.S.?
U.S. employers generally require American Welding Society (AWS) certifications, which you can test for at AWS-accredited testing facilities. International certifications from bodies like the International Institute of Welding (IIW) may be recognized by some employers but typically do not replace AWS certification. Most employers will expect you to pass AWS Certified Welder exams in the specific processes and positions required for the job.
Which industries sponsor welders most frequently?
Shipbuilding (Huntington Ingalls, General Dynamics NASSCO), oil and gas pipeline construction, and large-scale construction projects generate the most H-2B demand for welders. Defense contractors and aerospace manufacturers may also sponsor specialized welders. Seasonal construction projects in areas with limited local labor supply are the most common H-2B scenario for welding positions.
Can welders eventually get a green card through their employer?
Yes, the EB-3 skilled worker category is available to welders with at least two years of training or experience. The employer must go through the PERM labor certification process to demonstrate that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the position. Processing times for EB-3 can be lengthy, but this is one of the few paths to permanent residency for trade-level positions.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Welder jobs?
When a U.S. employer sponsors a foreign worker for a work visa, they are legally required to pay at least the "prevailing wage" — the average wage paid to workers in the same occupation, in the same geographic area, with similar experience. This is set by the Department of Labor to prevent employers from hiring foreign workers at below-market rates. The prevailing wage varies significantly by role, location, and experience level — for example, a welder in Pennsylvania will have a different prevailing wage than the same role in a smaller state. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search.
How to find Welder jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Welder jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting skilled tradespeople with employers offering visa sponsorship. Focus on construction companies, shipyards, oil and gas firms, and manufacturing plants that frequently sponsor skilled workers on TSS 482 or ENS 186 visas. These industries actively seek qualified welders and often provide visa sponsorship for experienced candidates.