NOC 72106TEER 2📍 New Brunswick

Welders in New Brunswick

Complete immigration guide for Welders to New Brunswick, 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
🍁

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📖 Expert Overview

New Brunswick presents a promising destination for skilled Welders (NOC 72106, TEER 2) looking to immigrate to Canada. With a median wage of $28/hour, translating to approximately $58,240 annually, the province offers competitive remuneration for experienced professionals in this trade. New Brunswick's economy is diversified, with strong sectors in manufacturing, shipbuilding, energy, and construction, all of which consistently require skilled welders. The provincial government actively seeks to attract and retain skilled tradespeople to support its economic growth and address labour shortages, making it a welcoming environment for newcomers. Immigration pathways to New Brunswick for welders primarily revolve around the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP), often in conjunction with the federal Express Entry system. While a valid job offer from an eligible New Brunswick employer significantly strengthens an application, other streams may consider candidates with in-demand skills and a strong intent to reside in the province. The demand for welders is sustained by ongoing infrastructure projects, industrial expansions, and the maintenance needs of existing industries. New Brunswick's smaller, more accessible communities, coupled with a lower cost of living compared to Canada's larger metropolitan areas, make it an attractive option for welders and their families seeking a high quality of life and stable employment opportunities.

📊 Job Market in New Brunswick

Demand
High
Salary Range
$50,000 - $70,000/year
Top Cities
Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton, Bathurst

The job market for welders in New Brunswick is expected to remain strong over the next decade, driven by industrial growth, infrastructure development, and the retirement of existing skilled tradespersons.

Eligible Immigration Programs

🎯
FSW
Federal Skilled Worker — Express Entry
🇨🇦
CEC
Canadian Experience Class — Express Entry
🔧
FST
Federal Skilled Trades
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PNP
New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)

🎯 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 New Brunswick

Capital
Fredericton
Province Code
NB
PNP Program
NB PNP
Top Industries
ForestryHealthcareTechnologyAgriculture

🗺️ Step-by-Step Immigration Guide

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1. Assess Eligibility & Language Proficiency
Determine your eligibility for Canadian immigration programs based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. For Welders, a minimum of CLB 5 (NOC 72106 is TEER 2) in English or French is typically required for most economic immigration streams. Take an approved language test (IELTS, CELPIP for English; TEF, TCF for French) to prove your ability.
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2. Obtain Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
If your welding education/training was obtained outside Canada, you will need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report from an organization designated by IRCC. This report verifies that your foreign credentials are valid and equal to a Canadian credential.
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3. Create an Express Entry Profile (Optional, but Recommended)
Even if you plan to apply through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), creating an Express Entry profile is highly recommended. This allows you to be considered for federal programs like the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) and makes you eligible for the NBPNP Express Entry Labour Market Stream if you receive a provincial nomination.
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4. Search for a Job in New Brunswick
While not always mandatory for all streams, securing a valid job offer from a New Brunswick employer significantly boosts your chances of immigration. Employers often require specific certifications like Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) certifications. Search job boards (Job Bank, Indeed, LinkedIn), and connect with employers directly in the province.
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5. Apply to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
Explore the various NBPNP streams. The 'Skilled Worker Stream' is often suitable for welders with a valid job offer from a New Brunswick employer. If you have an Express Entry profile, the 'Express Entry Labour Market Stream' is an option, often requiring an eligible job offer or an Expression of Interest (EOI) in a targeted occupation. The 'Critical Worker Pilot' is also an option if you have a job offer from one of the participating employers in an eligible occupation.
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6. Submit Permanent Residence Application
If you receive a provincial nomination from New Brunswick (which adds 600 points to your Express Entry CRS score), you will likely receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. You then have 60 days to submit a complete application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If you apply through a non-Express Entry PNP stream, your application goes directly to IRCC for permanent residence processing after provincial approval.
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7. Prepare for Arrival
Once your permanent residence application is approved, prepare for your move to New Brunswick. This includes arranging travel, securing temporary accommodation, understanding local services, and planning for your initial settlement needs.

🏛️ New Brunswick PNP Tips

For welders targeting New Brunswick, the NBPNP is your primary pathway. The most critical tip is to actively pursue and secure a genuine, full-time job offer from an eligible New Brunswick employer. Many NBPNP streams are employer-driven, meaning a valid job offer for NOC 72106 will significantly strengthen your application. Employers in industries such as manufacturing, shipbuilding (e.g., Irving Shipbuilding in Saint John), energy, and general construction are often in need of skilled welders. Ensure the job offer meets provincial wage and working condition standards. Beyond a job offer, demonstrate a clear intention to reside in New Brunswick. This can be evidenced through research into communities, understanding the local labour market, and even visiting the province if possible. If applying through an Express Entry stream, ensure your profile accurately reflects your welding experience and any Canadian certifications (like Red Seal or CWB) you may possess or are working towards. Regularly check the NBPNP website for updates on in-demand occupations and Expression of Interest (EOI) draw results, as the province may periodically target specific NOCs or industries. Networking within the New Brunswick welding industry can also be beneficial. Attend online job fairs, connect with industry associations, and reach out to companies directly. Having a strong professional network can provide insights into unadvertised opportunities and help you understand the specific skill sets and certifications highly valued by local employers. Proactively engaging with the provincial labour market is key to a successful NBPNP application as a welder.

📋 Licensing & Certification

While there is no mandatory provincial 'license' per se for welders in New Brunswick in the same way doctors or engineers are licensed, certain certifications are industry standards and are often required by employers. The most crucial are Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) certifications, which are essential for many welding jobs in Canada, including New Brunswick. These certifications demonstrate competence in specific welding processes and materials. Additionally, obtaining a Red Seal endorsement (Interprovincial Standards program for Welders, NOC 72106) is highly recommended and valued. The Red Seal is a national standard of excellence for skilled trades in Canada. While voluntary, it signifies a high level of skill and experience, making it easier to find employment and potentially command higher wages across Canada, including New Brunswick. Employers in New Brunswick will typically require proof of relevant experience and CWB certifications, and a Red Seal endorsement will further enhance your employability.

💡 Practical Tips

  • Start your job search early and tailor your resume and cover letter to Canadian standards, emphasizing CWB certifications and Red Seal endorsement if applicable.
  • Network with local industry professionals and join online communities for welders in New Brunswick to learn about opportunities and local practices.
  • Be prepared to invest in obtaining Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) certifications if you don't already have them, as these are often mandatory for employment.
  • Research housing costs and availability in different New Brunswick cities (Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton) to find the best fit for your budget and lifestyle.
  • Familiarize yourself with Canadian workplace safety standards and practices, as safety is highly prioritized in all industrial settings.
  • Consider enrolling in an upgrading course or apprenticeship program in New Brunswick if you need to bridge any skill gaps or obtain specific local certifications.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a job offer to immigrate to New Brunswick as a welder?
While not strictly mandatory for all immigration streams, a valid job offer from a New Brunswick employer significantly increases your chances of being nominated through the NBPNP, especially for the Skilled Worker Stream and the Express Entry Labour Market Stream.
What certifications are critical for welders in New Brunswick?
Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) certifications are typically essential and often required by employers. A Red Seal endorsement is also highly valued and can enhance your career prospects.
What is the cost of living for a welder in New Brunswick?
The cost of living in New Brunswick is generally lower than in larger Canadian provinces. While specific costs vary by city, housing, utilities, and transportation are typically more affordable, allowing for a good quality of life on a median welder's salary.
Can my family accompany me if I immigrate as a welder?
Yes, if you are granted permanent residence, your accompanying spouse/common-law partner and dependent children can also immigrate with you. Your spouse may be eligible for an open work permit, and children can attend public school.
How long does the immigration process usually take?
The duration varies depending on the specific program and individual circumstances. Express Entry applications, once invited, are often processed within 6 months. Provincial Nominee Programs can add to this timeline, but a provincial nomination significantly speeds up the federal stage.
Are there opportunities for career advancement for welders in New Brunswick?
Yes, experienced welders can advance to positions such as welding supervisors, inspectors, fabricators, or even start their own welding businesses. Continuous learning and specialized certifications can open up more opportunities.

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