3 Immigration Pathways to Move to Canada as a Welder

Canada is a booming and ever-growing center of industry. Being the second largest country in the world, the harsh weather conditions and the constantly growing population has meant the need for skilled technical tradespeople are at an all-time high. As a result, skilled technical professionals are not only in high demand but are well-paid and provided with fantastic benefits.

This makes Canada a great area to live and work as a welder. However, how does one benefit from the appealing opportunities Canada offers? To provide you with the most excellent understanding of how to begin your journey to Canada, we have outlined below the three best options to immigrate to Canada as a welder.

Immigration Pathways for Foreigners to Move to Canada as a Welder

Canada's primary method for granting permanent residency to qualified foreign employees is the Express Entry program. Candidates for Express Entry must enter all pertinent information, including their age, profession, education level, marital status, and work history, into the Express Entry portal on the Canadian government website.

These factors are then calculated through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to determine the applicant’s CRS score. This score is out of 1200 and entered into a pool of other applicants called the Express Entry pool. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) does an Express Entry draw every two weeks, choosing all applicants with scores higher than a set number. This number changes every draw based on the size and strength of the applicant pool.

The three immigration programs under Express Entry are as follows:

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

The Federal Skilled Worker Program is a fast-tracked way to immigrate to Canada as a professional or skilled worker with Canadian work experience. This program is specifically for those who work in professional occupations that usually require a degree, such as a doctor, lawyer, or accountant. Here’s a quick breakdown of how the program works:

1. Create an Express Entry profile
2. Receive CRS score
3. Profile entered into Express Entry draws pools
4. Government releases CRS cut-off scores
5. If successful,m receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence
6. Complete the application and submit supporting documents in 60 days

However, you will need the following to qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

• Minimum 67 out of 100 FSWP points
• One year of skilled work experience (NOC 0, A, or B)
• Language ability in English or French (CLB)
• Minimum Canadian high school, university, or college qualification or foreign equivalent
• Sufficient settlement funds
• Admissible to Canada

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

The Federal Skilled Trade Program is a fast-tracked way to immigrate to Canada as a semi-skilled trade worker. This program is most likely an excellent fit for you as a welder. This is just for trained craftsmen who have a job offer from Canada and typically possess a trade diploma or other relevant training. Here’s a quick breakdown of how the program works:

1. Create an Express Entry profile
2. Receive CRS score
3. Profile entered into Express Entry draws pools
4. Government releases CRS cut-off scores
5. If successful,m receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence
6. Complete the application and submit supporting documents in 60 days

Furthermore, you will need the following to qualify for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP):

• 2 years of semi-skilled work experience
• 1-year valid job offer in Canada
• Language ability in English or French
• Sufficient settlement funds
• Admissible to Canada

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The Canadian Experience Class is a fast-tracked way to immigrate to Canada as a professional or skilled worker with Canadian work experience. This program is intended for skilled professionals who have spent the last 12 months residing and working in Canada. Welders who have worked in Canada for a year on temporary permission, such as a Canada work permit, and want to make Canada their permanent home can consider this program another good choice. Here’s a quick breakdown of how the program works:

1. Create an Express Entry profile
2. Receive CRS score
3. Profile entered into Express Entry draws pools
4. Government releases CRS cut-off scores
5. If successful,m receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence
6. Complete the application and submit supporting documents in 60 days

Moreover, to qualify for the Canadian Experience Class, you will have to meet the following:

• 2 years of semi-skilled work experience
• 1-year valid job offer in Canada
• Language ability in English or French
• Sufficient settlement funds
• Admissible to Canada

How to Apply

The process for applying to any Express Entry program is the same. The admission requirements are where programs diverge most from one another. Before starting the application process, be sure you meet the requirements for the program. It is crucial to ensure you meet all of the standards because if you don't, your application won't be accepted. The following are the prerequisites for the FTSP:

• A job offer of at least one year from a Canadian employer OR a certified qualification from a provincial, territorial, or federal governing body
• Level 4 in reading and writing. Level 5 for listening and speaking in the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score for French or English.
• 2 years of full-time work experience within the last five years
• Demonstrate your ability to meet your trade's job requirements
• Sufficient funds to settle in Canada with your family unless you have a valid job offer.

Here's the step-by-step guide below:

1. Collect your documents

For the FSTP to accept your application, you must submit several documents. You must have all of these documents on hand when submitting your application. These are what they are:

• Passport
• Language test results
• Education credential assessment report
• Provincial nomination
• Written job offer from a Canadian employer

2. Create your Express Entry profile online

Once you've gathered your paperwork, you can submit an Express Entry application on the Canadian government website. Choose the FSTP application option and fill out all the required fields. Make sure your information is accurate because any mistakes could cause delays or even a complete rejection of your application. Your CRS score will be determined once all of your information has been entered.

3. Get your CRS score

You will receive your CRS score after it has been determined. Keep track of every express entry draw once your CRS score is where you want it to be to see if you've gotten your Invitation To Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

 4. Receive your ITA

You would receive an ITA if your application were chosen in an Express Entry draw. Check your online profile frequently because you will receive a notification. You will have 60 days from receiving your ITA to submit all of your supporting documents and pay the processing fees.

Pay the processing fee and submit your application.

For your application to be processed, you must pay all applicable fees. These are what they are:

• Application processing fee (CAD$850)
• Right of permanent residence fee (CAD$515)
• For your partner and dependent children:

• Application processing fee (CAD$850)
• Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) (CAD$515
• Per child (CAD$230)

You can submit your application online once your fees have been settled. If everything goes according to plan, you'll get your permanent residence in Canada in around six months. However, you can apply for a Provincial Nomination to raise your CRS score if you wish to guarantee your selection in the upcoming express entry draw or are interested in residing and working in a specific province.

When you apply for permanent residency, you must include an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the province of your choice. Your CRS score will increase by 600 points if you receive a provincial nomination, greatly enhancing your chances of being offered an ITA. Only 11 of Canada’s 13 provinces offer provincial nominations, so be sure to investigate the province of your choice before applying for the FSTP.

Canadian Work Permit

If you can secure one of the many welding positions available in Canada, you will need to obtain a work permit to reside and work there. Three easy steps make up the procedure for obtaining a work permit:

1. Get a job offer from Canada

You need a job offer from a recognized employer for employment inside Canada to be qualified for a Canada work permit. Once you accept this employment offer, you will qualify for an employer-specific work permit, allowing you to work in Canada just for the particular employer and the duration of the position. You must return to your origin country if you decide to quit your job.

The best ways to look for welder jobs in Canada are via Canadian job sites like:

• Indeed.ca
• Linkedin.ca
• Jobbank.gc.ca

Once you find jobs you feel are a good fit for you, it’s time to apply for a job.

2. Check if you are eligible for a work permit

Once you've secured a position as a welder in Canada, you must ensure that you, the position, and your company comply with immigration laws. To be eligible, you must:

• Prove you’ll leave Canada once your work permit expires
• Have enough money to look after yourself and your family and return home upon the expiry of your work permit.
• Obey Canadian law and have no criminal record,
• Be in good health, as shown through a medical exam
• Not plan to work for an employer on the list of employers who do not comply with the conditions for hiring foreign workers.
• I do not plan to work for a company that offers striptease, erotic dance, or escort services.
• Give any documentation required by the Canadian authorities.

Once you've established your eligibility, your employer must ensure they have a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), demonstrating that they made extensive efforts to fill the position with a qualified local Canadian.

3. Submit your application

You can submit your application to the IRCC online after confirming your eligibility. Work visa processing timeframes might be as little as four weeks. However, please ensure your employment offer is valid before submitting your application.

FAQs

Furthermore, here are some of the most frequently asked questions about moving to Canada as a welder.

How much money do welders make in Canada?

Glassdoor.com estimates that the average Canadian welder earns about CA$61 669 per year, with Lead Welders making up to CA$78 170 annually. This depends on the province you've picked, as wages fluctuate according to the cost of living there.

What are the benefits available to welders in Canada?

Canada boasts excellent public healthcare and education systems and many housing and transportation incentives, depending on your status. Again, this depends on your company and the province you've chosen.

How many hours a week do Canadian welders work?

The average work week for welders in Canada is roughly 40 hours, depending on your standing as a welder. However, there are times when you will need to put in extra time.