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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Overview

Open Jobs18,624+
Top Visa TypeH-1B
Work Type97% On-site
Top LocationWilkes-Barre, PA
Most JobsOptum

Showing 5 of 18,624+ Welder jobs

Oldcastle Infrastructure
Welder
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Oldcastle Infrastructure
New 1h ago
Welder
Oldcastle Infrastructure
Fort Worth, Texas
Manufacturing Operations
Skilled Trades
Quality Control
On-Site
1+ yr exp.
High School
1,001-5,000

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CNH Industrial
Welder
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CNH Industrial
New 2h ago
Welder
CNH Industrial
Grand Island, Nebraska
Manufacturing Operations
$27.24/hr
On-Site
1+ yr exp.
None
10,000+

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Chamberlain Group
Welder
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Chamberlain Group
New 20h ago
Welder
Chamberlain Group
Malvern, Arkansas
Manufacturing Operations
Skilled Trades
Health & Safety (EHS & OHS)
$21.50/hr
On-Site
1+ yr exp.
None
1,001-5,000

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United Rentals
Welder
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United Rentals
New 20h ago
Welder
United Rentals
Waxahachie, Texas
Manufacturing Operations
Skilled Trades
On-Site
1+ yr exp.
High School
10,000+

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Galleher Acquisition Corp
Welder
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Galleher Acquisition Corp
New 23h ago
Welder
Galleher Acquisition Corp
Lafayette, Indiana
Manufacturing Operations
Quality Control
$24/hr
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
High School

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Tips 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.

Specialize in underwater, aerospace, or nuclear welding

Highly specialized welding disciplines command premium wages and have the strongest sponsorship arguments because qualified workers are scarce. Underwater welding (commercial diving plus welding), aerospace welding (to AWS D17.1 standards), and nuclear welding (ASME Section IX) require additional certifications and training. These specializations may even support stronger visa petitions due to the degree-level technical knowledge involved.

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.

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