APPLY AT THE END OF THIS PAGE
Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship for Welders in the UK – 2025
The skilled worker visa sponsorship for welders in the UK – 2025 is opening new doors for skilled tradespeople from across the globe, especially those with hands-on experience in welding. As the UK continues to face a shortage of qualified welders due to post-Brexit changes and an aging workforce, industries are now actively recruiting foreign talent to fill the gaps.
This creates a golden opportunity for certified welders looking to secure a stable, high-paying job with long-term residency potential. In 2025, this pathway has become even more accessible, with simplified visa processes and more companies being added to the list of licensed sponsors.
What makes this especially appealing is that you don’t need a university degree to qualify. Unlike many other professional roles, welding falls under practical, skill-based occupations, making it easier for blue-collar workers to gain legal entry into the UK job market. The focus is on what you can do with your hands and your certification – not on academic transcripts.
If you have MIG, TIG, ARC or pipe welding experience, there are companies across the UK willing to sponsor your visa, support your relocation and even assist your family in joining you.
Another factor driving this demand is the UK’s ambitious infrastructure and manufacturing expansion. From defense contractors and shipbuilders to energy and construction firms, the need for expert welders is skyrocketing. Employers are struggling to find local candidates who meet the technical requirements and safety standards expected in today’s high-risk environments. As a result, international welders with strong portfolios and recognized certifications are being sought after like never before. The skilled worker visa route is the government’s official response to help bridge this workforce gap.
But securing skilled worker visa sponsorship for welders in the UK – 2025 isn’t just about having experience – it’s about knowing the process. Many welders miss out on opportunities because they apply to non-licensed companies or fail to meet basic documentation standards.
That’s why this is designed not just to inform, but to equip you with a complete roadmap: from understanding job types and salary expectations to mastering the application process and settling in the UK.
In the paragraphs ahead, we’ll walk you through everything you need to succeed – from real UK employers actively hiring welders with visa sponsorship, to how you can tailor your CV, pass the necessary language tests and apply like a pro. Whether you’re welding in Nigeria, India, the Philippines or any other part of the world, if you’re ready to take your career global, the UK wants your skills – and this could be your breakthrough year.
APPLY AT THE END OF THIS PAGE
Key Reasons the UK Is Sponsoring Welders:
-
Welding Shortage: Post-Brexit labour gaps have left UK industries understaffed.
-
Ongoing Infrastructure Projects: Transport, energy and housing sectors are booming.
-
Specialised Skills Demand: MIG, TIG and ARC welding expertise are in particularly short supply.
-
Aging Workforce: Many experienced UK welders are retiring, creating space for younger talent globally.
At its core, the skilled worker visa sponsorship for welders in the UK – 2025 is a legal route for foreign nationals to work in the UK under sponsorship by an approved employer. The visa allows welders to live and work in the UK, with the potential path to permanent residency.
Basic Criteria for Welders:
-
A valid job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor.
-
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS or equivalent).
-
Minimum salary threshold (usually £26,200 or £10.75/hour, but this may vary).
-
Occupation code alignment (welders fall under SOC Code 5213).
This visa isn’t just a permit – it’s a full opportunity package that includes your job, your location, your future growth and even your family’s relocation options.
Types of Welding Jobs in the UK That Offer Visa Sponsorship
Visa sponsorship for welders in the UK isn’t limited to one type of job. UK employers are hiring across a wide range of sectors, including shipbuilding, aerospace, railway infrastructure and structural steel fabrication.
In-Demand Welding Roles with Sponsorship:
-
MIG Welders – Especially in automotive and structural steel.
-
TIG Welders – For stainless steel and precision metal work.
-
ARC Welders – Heavily used in shipyards and heavy equipment manufacturing.
-
Pipe Welders – High-paying roles in oil & gas and plumbing infrastructure.
-
Fabricator Welders – Combining blueprint reading with welding skills.
Top UK Companies Offering Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship for Welders
If you’re serious about relocating, you need to know which employers are actually sponsoring visas. These are not just welding jobs – they’re career ladders with sponsorship deals baked in.
UK Companies Currently Sponsoring Welders in 2025:
-
BAE Systems – Shipbuilding and defense contractor hiring coded welders.
-
Rolls-Royce – Precision TIG welders for aerospace and marine components.
-
TWI Ltd – A welding research and training firm offering roles and training pathways.
-
JCB – Manufacturer of construction machinery hiring MIG and ARC welders.
-
Wabtec Rail UK – Railway infrastructure firm in need of certified welders.
-
Interserve Group – Construction giant offering sponsorship for site welders.
-
Babcock International – Defence and nuclear projects needing pipe and structural welders.
These firms not only provide skilled worker visa sponsorship for welders in the UK – 2025 but often help with relocation support, language resources and family visa extensions.
Salary Expectations for Welders Working in the UK on Sponsored Visas
Let’s talk money. What can you expect to earn once you secure a welding job in the UK through skilled worker visa sponsorship?
Average Salary by Welding Role in the UK (2025):
| Welding Role | Annual Salary (GBP) |
|---|---|
| MIG Welder | £28,000 – £34,000 |
| TIG Welder | £30,000 – £38,000 |
| ARC Welder | £27,000 – £32,000 |
| Pipe Welder | £35,000 – £45,000 |
| Fabricator Welder | £29,000 – £36,000 |
| Coded/Certified Welder | £40,000 – £55,000 |
Note: Salaries may increase with overtime, shift allowances and travel bonuses – especially in oil & gas, shipyards and infrastructure projects.
How to Apply for a Welding Job with Visa Sponsorship in the UK – Step-by-Step
If you want to make it happen, here’s the path to follow. Applying for skilled worker visa sponsorship for welders in the UK – 2025 is a structured process.
Step-by-Step Application Process:
-
Update Your CV – Use a UK-friendly format. Highlight your certifications and specializations.
-
Search for Jobs – Use UK-based job boards (Indeed UK, Reed, TotalJobs, GOV.UK).
-
Apply to Licensed Sponsors – Only companies on the Home Office’s list can sponsor.
-
Attend Interviews – Most are online; you may be asked for a welding demo via video.
-
Receive Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) – This is the official job offer.
-
Apply for Skilled Worker Visa – Submit online application, documents and biometrics.
-
Visa Decision – Usually takes 3 to 8 weeks depending on the country.
-
Relocate and Start Work – Book your flight, prepare your documents and you’re off!
Required Documents for Your UK Welding Visa Application
Don’t get tripped up by paperwork. Here’s what you’ll need to apply successfully.
Key Documents Needed:
-
Valid passport.
-
Certificate of Sponsorship (from your UK employer).
-
English language test results (IELTS minimum CEFR B1).
-
Tuberculosis test results (depending on your country).
-
Police clearance certificate.
-
Proof of qualifications and welding certifications.
-
Bank statements (to prove you can support yourself if needed).
Welding Certifications That Strengthen Your UK Visa Application
Skilled worker visa sponsorship for welders in the UK – 2025 strongly favours candidates with international certifications. If you have these, you’ll stand out immediately.
Top Welding Certifications Valued in the UK:
-
CSWIP (Certification Scheme for Welding Inspection Personnel)
-
NVQ Level 3 in Fabrication and Welding
-
AWS (American Welding Society) Certification
-
City & Guilds Welding Qualifications
-
EN 287/ISO 9606 certifications
Having these under your belt shows that you’re not just competent – you’re globally recognized.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Moving to the UK as a Sponsored Welder
Let’s balance the books. While the opportunity is massive, it’s essential to consider the full picture before committing.
Advantages:
-
Pathway to UK permanent residency after 5 years.
-
High-paying, stable jobs in key UK industries.
-
Exposure to world-class machinery and safety standards.
-
Dependents (spouse and children) can relocate with you.
Disadvantages:
-
Cost of living can be high in certain cities.
-
Some employers may expect long hours or night shifts.
-
Adjusting to UK weather and culture can take time.
Welders Who Moved to the UK with Visa Sponsorship
Meet Ibrahim from Nigeria – a TIG welder who secured a job with a construction firm in Manchester. Within 2 months of getting his certificate of sponsorship, he had relocated and started work earning £36,000 per year.
Meet Maria from the India – a certified ARC welder who joined a shipbuilding company in Portsmouth. Her employer paid for her IELTS test, visa application and helped her family relocate.
UK Regions with the Highest Demand for Sponsored Welders
Where should you aim? These hotspots are seeing the highest surge in demand for welders:
-
Scotland (Aberdeen, Glasgow) – Oil & gas and shipbuilding.
-
North East England (Newcastle) – Heavy machinery and industrial welding.
-
Midlands (Birmingham, Coventry) – Automotive manufacturing.
-
South East (Portsmouth, Southampton) – Marine construction and defence.
-
London and Surroundings – High-rise and structural welding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do I need a degree to apply for skilled worker visa sponsorship for welders in the UK – 2025?
No. Welding jobs fall under practical skilled trades, not academic roles. Certifications and hands-on experience matter more than a degree.
Q2: Can I bring my family with me?
Yes. Your spouse and children can apply as dependents and also access the NHS and UK schools.
Q3: How long is the visa valid?
Initially up to 5 years. After that, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
Q4: Are there age limits?
No official age limit, but candidates between 21–50 are typically more competitive due to work stamina requirements.
Q5: Do welders qualify for fast-track processing?
Yes, especially if the job is on the UK Shortage Occupation List, which welders often are.
Q6: What if my visa is denied?
You can reapply, appeal or correct any errors. Always work with a certified immigration advisor if unsure.
GET ACCESS
