Welders

Build Your Welding Career in the United States

To work as a Welder in the United States, whether you're a US citizen or an international/foreign student, you must meet specific training, certification, and immigration requirements.

Welders use hand-welding, flame-cutting, hand-soldering, or brazing equipment to weld or join metal components or to fill holes, indentations, or seams of fabricated metal products.

Educational and Training Requirements:

• US students can complete welding training through vocational schools, community colleges, or apprenticeship programs.
• Foreign students studying in the US must be accepted into an accredited welding program and obtain appropriate student visa status (M-1 for vocational training).
• Foreign students, educated outside the US must have their welding credentials evaluated and may need additional training to meet US standards.

Certification and Licensing Requirements:

1. Complete formal welding training program (6 months to 2 years depending on specialization).
2. Obtain welding certification from organizations like AWS (American Welding Society) for specific welding processes.
3. Pass practical welding tests demonstrating proficiency in various welding techniques.
4. Some employers require specialized certifications for specific industries (aerospace, underwater welding, etc.).
5. International applicants must obtain proper work authorization and may need to demonstrate English language proficiency for safety communications.
6. Continuous recertification may be required to maintain credentials.
7. OSHA safety training and compliance with workplace safety standards.