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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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Great company. Great people. Great opportunities.
If you’d like the chance to make your mark with the world’s largest equipment rental provider, come build your future with United Rentals!
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Welder at United Rentals, you will maintain and repair shoring and shielding equipment to maximize branch productivity. You’ll be dedicated to the service of Trench Safety rental equipment. Every day, you can improve and challenge yourself, and if you have the desire and ambition, you’ll have the potential to work towards higher roles in our Service Department. Like every member of our team, we will rely on you to provide exceptional customer service to our customers.
What you'll do:
- Layout and apply the appropriate weld type, as per engineering or manufacturing specifications
- Inspect, repair and paint all rental equipment upon return to ensure that it is rental ready and safe for use
- Perform non-structural repairs or modifications to rental equipment per manufacturer's specifications
- Perform active shoring installation welding support on job sites
- Fabricate projects in the facility as required
- When required, travel to customer sites for repair/maintenance of equipment
- Complete work orders on equipment service and maintain an inventory of related parts for repair
- Ensure a clean and safe working environment
- Other duties assigned as needed
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Welding school certification
- Minimum 1-2 years’ experience in Arc, MIG and TIG welding
- Knowledge of metals and materials needed to perform repairs on all shoring, shielding, and slide rail applications
- Must be able to burn efficiently and with good quality
- Must be able to identify the type of welder, and wire or rod size, needed to complete safe repairs
- Knowledge of OSHA applicable state and local requirements relative to trench and excavation shoring and shielding
- Knowledge of underground construction equipment capabilities and OSHA safe working practices
- Superior customer service, teamwork and verbal/written communication skills
- Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record
- Ability to frequently lift items up to 45 lbs.
This position is deemed Safety Sensitive for purposes of United Rentals’ policies and procedures.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
We don’t just “talk the talk!” We’re an award-winning company (recently named a Glassdoor Best Place to Work in 2026) that truly cares about our people - That’s why we offer best-in-class benefits and perks that will support you and your family. In addition to our health and financial plans, we also offer:
- Paid Parental Leave
- United Compassion Fund
- Employee Discount Program
- Career Development & Promotional Opportunities
- Additional Vacation Buy Up Program (US Only)
- Early Wage Access through Payactiv (US Hourly Only)
- Paid Sick Leave
- An inclusive and welcoming culture
Learn more about our full US benefit offerings here.
United Rentals, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and makes employment decisions regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other status protected by law. If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point of the application process, please email careers@ur.com for assistance.
At United Rentals, we proudly hire active duty members, veterans, reservists, and their families. The values that define your service—leadership, discipline, integrity, and teamwork—are the same values that drive our success. With many veterans already part of our team, we’re ready to help you transition into a rewarding career.
COMPENSATION RANGE
$24.70 - $35.60
INTRODUCTION
Great company. Great people. Great opportunities.
If you’d like the chance to make your mark with the world’s largest equipment rental provider, come build your future with United Rentals!
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Welder at United Rentals, you will maintain and repair shoring and shielding equipment to maximize branch productivity. You’ll be dedicated to the service of Trench Safety rental equipment. Every day, you can improve and challenge yourself, and if you have the desire and ambition, you’ll have the potential to work towards higher roles in our Service Department. Like every member of our team, we will rely on you to provide exceptional customer service to our customers.
What you'll do:
- Layout and apply the appropriate weld type, as per engineering or manufacturing specifications
- Inspect, repair and paint all rental equipment upon return to ensure that it is rental ready and safe for use
- Perform non-structural repairs or modifications to rental equipment per manufacturer's specifications
- Perform active shoring installation welding support on job sites
- Fabricate projects in the facility as required
- When required, travel to customer sites for repair/maintenance of equipment
- Complete work orders on equipment service and maintain an inventory of related parts for repair
- Ensure a clean and safe working environment
- Other duties assigned as needed
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Welding school certification
- Minimum 1-2 years’ experience in Arc, MIG and TIG welding
- Knowledge of metals and materials needed to perform repairs on all shoring, shielding, and slide rail applications
- Must be able to burn efficiently and with good quality
- Must be able to identify the type of welder, and wire or rod size, needed to complete safe repairs
- Knowledge of OSHA applicable state and local requirements relative to trench and excavation shoring and shielding
- Knowledge of underground construction equipment capabilities and OSHA safe working practices
- Superior customer service, teamwork and verbal/written communication skills
- Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record
- Ability to frequently lift items up to 45 lbs.
This position is deemed Safety Sensitive for purposes of United Rentals’ policies and procedures.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
We don’t just “talk the talk!” We’re an award-winning company (recently named a Glassdoor Best Place to Work in 2026) that truly cares about our people - That’s why we offer best-in-class benefits and perks that will support you and your family. In addition to our health and financial plans, we also offer:
- Paid Parental Leave
- United Compassion Fund
- Employee Discount Program
- Career Development & Promotional Opportunities
- Additional Vacation Buy Up Program (US Only)
- Early Wage Access through Payactiv (US Hourly Only)
- Paid Sick Leave
- An inclusive and welcoming culture
Learn more about our full US benefit offerings here.
United Rentals, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and makes employment decisions regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other status protected by law. If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point of the application process, please email careers@ur.com for assistance.
At United Rentals, we proudly hire active duty members, veterans, reservists, and their families. The values that define your service—leadership, discipline, integrity, and teamwork—are the same values that drive our success. With many veterans already part of our team, we’re ready to help you transition into a rewarding career.
COMPENSATION RANGE
$24.70 - $35.60
See all 19,650+ Welder jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Welder roles.
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.
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.
Welder jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Welder JobsFrequently Asked Questions
What visa options exist for welders seeking U.S. employment?
The H-2B 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.
See which Welder employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
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