NOC 72106TEER 2📍 Quebec

Welders in Quebec

Complete immigration guide for Welders to Quebec, Canada. Requirements, programs & pathways to PR.

NOC Code

72106

TEER Level

TEER 2

College/Apprenticeship

Median Wage

$28/hr

~$58,240/yr

Min CLB

CLB 5

🍁

Free Immigration Assessment

Complete our smart assessment form to check your eligibility for over 80+ Canadian immigration programs.

→ Start Assessment Book a consultation

📖 Expert Overview

Immigration prospects for Welders (NOC 72106, TEER 2) in Quebec, Canada, are generally positive, driven by consistent demand across various industrial sectors. Quebec's robust manufacturing, construction, aerospace, and shipbuilding industries frequently seek skilled welders to fill vacancies, particularly as experienced workers retire. The province's unique immigration system, the Programme de l'expérience québécoise (PEQ) and the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) via the Arrima portal, prioritizes candidates who demonstrate strong French language proficiency, relevant work experience, and a commitment to integrating into Quebec society. While a validated job offer significantly boosts an applicant's chances, it is not always mandatory for the QSWP, though it greatly improves scores and speeds up the process. Newcomers looking to immigrate as welders to Quebec should focus on achieving an advanced intermediate level of French, as this is a cornerstone of the province's immigration policy and essential for professional and social integration. Obtaining recognized certifications, such as the Red Seal Endorsement, will also make candidates more competitive in the job market. With a median wage of $28/hour, welders can expect a stable income, and the cost of living in many Quebec cities is relatively affordable compared to other major Canadian urban centers. The provincial government actively supports the integration of skilled workers, making Quebec an attractive destination for international welders seeking permanent residency and a high quality of life.

📊 Job Market in Quebec

Demand

High

Salary Range

$58,000 - $75,000/year

Top Cities

Montreal, Quebec City, Saguenay, Trois-Rivières, Sherbrooke

The job market for welders in Quebec is expected to remain strong due to ongoing infrastructure projects, an aging workforce, and consistent demand in manufacturing, aerospace, and shipbuilding sectors.

✅ Eligible Immigration Programs

🎯

FSW

Federal Skilled Worker — Express Entry

🇨🇦

CEC

Canadian Experience Class — Express Entry

🔧

FST

Federal Skilled Trades

🏛️

PNP

Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)

🎯 Category-Based Express Entry Draws

Welders qualifies for the following category-based draws, which typically have lower CRS cutoffs than general draws.

🔧Skilled Trades

💼 Related Job Titles

WelderWelder-fitterCertified welder

📚 Education & Language Requirements

Education Required

College diploma or apprenticeship (2+ years)

Minimum Language

CLB 5 — IELTS ~5.0+

📍 About Quebec

Capital

Quebec City

Province Code

PNP Program

QSWP

Top Industries

AerospaceAI & TechnologyHealthcareCulture

🗺️ Step-by-Step Immigration Guide

1. Assess Eligibility & Language Proficiency

Determine your eligibility for Quebec's immigration programs, primarily the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) via the Arrima Expression of Interest (EOI) system. Crucially, assess your French language skills. Quebec places significant emphasis on French, requiring proof of proficiency (e.g., TEF, TCF, DELF, DALF) for most skilled worker streams. An advanced intermediate level is highly recommended and often necessary for a competitive application and successful integration.

2. Obtain Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

If your education was obtained outside Canada, you may need to get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to verify its equivalency to Canadian standards. While not always strictly mandatory for Quebec's points system for all applicants, it can help demonstrate your qualifications and is often required for federal Permanent Residence applications after receiving a CSQ.

3. Create an Arrima Profile (Expression of Interest)

Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through Quebec's Arrima portal. This profile will include details about your education, work experience (including your welding experience under NOC 72106), age, French and English language proficiency, and other factors. Quebec uses a points-based system, and the higher your score, especially in French language and relevant work experience, the better your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

4. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for CSQ

If your Arrima profile meets the selection criteria and aligns with Quebec's labor market needs, you may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ). Quebec conducts regular draws from the Arrima pool, often targeting specific occupations in demand, such as welders.

5. Apply for a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ)

Upon receiving an ITA, you will have a limited time to submit a full application for a CSQ to the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI). This involves providing supporting documents for all information declared in your Arrima profile, paying processing fees, and potentially attending an interview. The CSQ confirms that Quebec has selected you to immigrate to the province.

6. Apply for Permanent Residence to IRCC

Once you obtain your CSQ, you can then apply for permanent residence to the federal government through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This application involves submitting federal forms, police certificates, medical exams, and paying federal processing fees. Your CSQ serves as proof of Quebec's selection.

7. Undergo Medical and Security Checks

As part of the federal permanent residence application, you and all accompanying family members will need to undergo a medical examination by an IRCC-approved panel physician and pass security background checks. These are standard procedures for all Canadian immigration applications.

🏛️ Quebec PNP Tips

For welders targeting Quebec, excelling in French language proficiency is the single most impactful tip for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP). Quebec's unique immigration system heavily favors candidates who can demonstrate advanced intermediate or higher French skills, significantly boosting your points in the Arrima selection grid. Begin studying and practicing French well in advance, and aim to pass a recognized French proficiency test with the highest possible scores. Secondly, a validated job offer in Quebec for NOC 72106 can substantially increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a CSQ. While not strictly mandatory for all QSWP applicants, it signals to Quebec that you are ready to integrate directly into the labor market. Actively network, research Quebec-based companies in manufacturing, construction, aerospace, or shipbuilding, and apply for welding positions even before you arrive. If you secure a job offer, ensure your employer is willing to go through the process of validating it with the provincial government (MIFI). Finally, ensure all your professional welding experience and qualifications are clearly documented and, if possible, certified. While Quebec does not have a formal 'licensing' board for welders in the same way as some other professions, demonstrating Red Seal certification or specific industry certifications (e.g., CWB - Canadian Welding Bureau) will make you a more attractive candidate to Quebec employers and potentially earn you more points in the selection process. Tailor your Arrima profile to highlight these specific skills and experiences relevant to Quebec's industrial needs.

📋 Licensing & Certification

In Quebec, welders generally do not require a specific 'license' in the same way as regulated professions like doctors or engineers. However, demonstrating competency through recognized certifications is highly expected and often mandatory by employers. The most widely recognized certification is the Red Seal Endorsement, which is a national standard for skilled trades in Canada. Many employers in Quebec will require or prefer candidates with Red Seal certification or equivalent provincial certifications. For welders working specifically in the construction industry in Quebec, the Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ) regulates access to construction sites and requires workers to hold a competency certificate. This may involve demonstrating specific skills and knowledge relevant to construction welding. It is crucial for welders to research the specific requirements of their target industry sector within Quebec. Obtaining certifications from organizations like the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) for specific welding processes and materials is also highly valued by employers across various sectors.

💡 Practical Tips

✓Prioritize French language acquisition: Immersion and advanced study are key for both immigration success and daily life in Quebec.
✓Network proactively: Join professional welding associations, attend industry events, and use online platforms like LinkedIn to connect with Quebec employers.
✓Prepare your resume for the Quebec market: Tailor your CV to French-Canadian standards, highlighting relevant certifications and experience.
✓Understand the cost of living: Research housing, transportation, and daily expenses in your target cities within Quebec to budget effectively.
✓Explore settlement services: Utilize government-funded and community organizations that offer support for newcomers, including job search assistance and integration programs.
✓Consider temporary work permits: If you have a job offer, a temporary work permit can be a pathway to gaining Quebec work experience, which can then aid in your permanent residency application via PEQ or QSWP.

🍁

Free Immigration Assessment

Complete our smart assessment form to check your eligibility for over 80+ Canadian immigration programs.

→ Start Assessment Book a consultation

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is French language proficiency mandatory for welders immigrating to Quebec?

While not always strictly mandatory for an initial Arrima EOI, strong French proficiency (advanced intermediate or higher) is highly recommended and significantly increases your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply for a CSQ and successfully integrating into Quebec's society and job market. It awards substantial points in the selection process.

Do I need a job offer to immigrate as a welder to Quebec?

A validated job offer is not strictly mandatory for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) but it significantly boosts your points and chances of selection. For the Programme de l'expérience québécoise (PEQ), you would typically need to have gained eligible work experience in Quebec first.

What is the average processing time for Quebec immigration for welders?

Processing times vary. The Arrima EOI stage can take months to receive an ITA. After applying for a CSQ, it can take 6-12 months for MIFI to process. The subsequent federal permanent residence application can take another 12-24 months. Total time can range from 2 to 4 years.

What certifications are recognized for welders in Quebec?

The Red Seal Endorsement is nationally recognized and highly valued. Additionally, certifications from the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) for specific welding processes and materials are often required by employers. For construction, specific competency certificates from the CCQ may be needed.

What are the best cities in Quebec for welders to find employment?

Major industrial hubs like Montreal, Quebec City, Saguenay, Trois-Rivières, and Sherbrooke offer strong employment prospects due to concentrations of manufacturing, aerospace, shipbuilding, and construction industries.

Can my family accompany me if I immigrate to Quebec as a welder?

Yes, if you are selected by Quebec and approved for permanent residence by the federal government, your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children can be included in your application and immigrate with you.