How to Apply for Welding Jobs Abroad from Nigeria

Looking for welding jobs abroad from Nigeria? This full guide shows you countries hiring welders in 2026, salaries, visa sponsorship options, requirements, and direct apply links to land a welding job abroad. Are you a skilled welder in Nigeria dreaming of taking your career overseas? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of Nigerian welders move abroad to work in oil & gas, shipbuilding, construction, and manufacturing industries.

The good news? In 2026, the demand for welders abroad is higher than ever. Countries like Canada, the UK, Australia, Middle East, and parts of Europe are actively recruiting foreign welders — often with visa sponsorship, relocation support, and high salaries.

This guide will walk you through:

• Top countries hiring welders in 2026
• Salary expectations abroad
• Visa sponsorship opportunities
• Step-by-step process to apply from Nigeria
• Direct links to legit job portals

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to apply for welding jobs abroad from Nigeria successfully.

Why Welders Are in High Demand Abroad

Welding is a critical trade skill in industries like:

• Oil & Gas pipelines

• Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering

• Construction & Infrastructure projects

• Aerospace & Manufacturing

But here’s the issue:

• Aging workforce → Many local welders are retiring.

• Shortage of skilled labor → Not enough trained welders to meet demand.

• Mega projects → Infrastructure, oil rigs, and shipyards need more workers.

That’s why welders from Nigeria and other developing countries are being recruited in large numbers.

Top Countries Offering Welding Jobs Abroad in 2026

1. Canada – Welding Jobs with Visa Sponsorship

Canada is facing a shortage of skilled welders and has included welding under its immigration shortage list.

• Salary Range: CAD $45,000 – $75,000 per year (₦27M – ₦45M approx.)

• Visa Pathway: Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or Express Entry (NOC Code 72106 – Welders and related machine operators).

• Industries Hiring: Oil & gas, shipbuilding (Nova Scotia), construction.

Requirements:

• Trade certification (Nigerian welding certificate may need verification)

• Minimum 2 years welding experience

• Ability to read blueprints & use welding tools (MIG, TIG, Arc welding)

Apply Here:

• Job Bank Canada – Welding Jobs

• Indeed Canada – Welder Jobs

• Canadian Immigration – Welders

2. UK – High-Paying Welding Jobs

The UK has a high demand for fabricators and welders, especially in the shipbuilding and energy sectors.

• Salary Range: £25,000 – £40,000 per year (₦25M – ₦39M approx.)

• Visa Pathway: UK Skilled Worker Visa (welding is listed in shortage occupation list).

• Industries Hiring: Shipyards, oil refineries, construction sites.

Requirements:

• Valid welding certifications (Nigerian certificates may need UK equivalence check)

• Experience in MIG/TIG welding

• Basic English proficiency (IELTS required for visa application)

Apply Here:

• UK Government – Skilled Worker Visa

• TotalJobs UK – Welding Jobs

• Indeed UK – Welding Jobs

3. Australia – Welding Jobs for Nigerians

Australia has added welders to its Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL).

• Salary Range: AUD $55,000 – $85,000 per year

• Visa Pathway: Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) or Employer-Sponsored Visa.

• Industries Hiring: Mining, construction, and heavy machinery repair.

Requirements:

• NVQ or trade equivalent

• 2–5 years welding experience

• IELTS English test required

Apply Here:

• Australian Government Skilled Worker Visa

• Seek.com.au – Welding Jobs

4. Germany – Welding Jobs with Work Permits

Germany is facing a shortage of skilled blue-collar workers, including welders.

• Salary Range: €28,000 – €45,000 per year

• Visa Pathway: Work Permit / EU Blue Card (for skilled trades).

• Industries Hiring: Automotive, shipbuilding, construction.

Requirements:

• German language skills (basic A2/B1 helps a lot)

• Welding certification

• At least 2 years of work experience

Apply Here:

• EURES Germany Welding Jobs

• StepStone Germany – Welder Jobs

5. Middle East (UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia) – Welding Jobs for Nigerians

Oil & gas projects across the Middle East are constantly hiring welders.

• Salary Range: $18,000 – $36,000 per year (tax-free salaries in some countries)

• Visa Pathway: Employer-Sponsored Work Visa

• Industries Hiring: Oil rigs, offshore welding, construction, shipyards.

Requirements:

• Trade welding certificate

• Offshore welding experience is a plus

• Physical fitness for outdoor/rig work

Apply Here:

• Bayt.com – Welding Jobs in Middle East

• GulfTalent – Welding Jobs

Welding Jobs Abroad – Salary Snapshot

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Welding Jobs Abroad from Nigeria

1. Get Certified in Nigeria

   • Obtain a welding certificate from an accredited technical school or vocational center (MIG, TIG, Arc welding certifications are valuable).

2. Prepare Your CV for International Standards

   • Highlight your years of welding experience, industries worked in, and certifications.

   • Emphasize safety compliance and technical skills.

3. Check Licensing Requirements

   • Some countries (like UK, Canada, Australia) may require your Nigerian welding certificate to be assessed for equivalency.

4. Search for Jobs on Trusted Portals

   • Use government job banks, LinkedIn, and trusted global portals.

   • Apply only through legitimate platforms to avoid scams.

5. Secure Employer Sponsorship

   • Many employers abroad offer visa sponsorship and relocation packages.

6. Apply for a Work Visa

   • UK: Skilled Worker Visa

   • Canada: Work Permit under TFWP

   • Germany: Skilled Worker Visa

   • Australia: Skilled Migration Visa

7. Prepare for Virtual Interviews

   • Employers may ask you to demonstrate welding knowledge during interviews.

8. Relocate & Start Working Abroad

   • Once visa is approved, arrange your relocation with the employer’s assistance.

Tips for Nigerian Welders Applying Abroad

• Get internationally recognized welding certifications (e.g., American Welding Society AWS, or Canadian Welding Bureau CWB).

• Practice basic English or German depending on the country.

• Join Nigerian welder groups on Facebook/WhatsApp for job leads.

• Save money for visa & relocation costs (even if employer sponsors, some expenses may be yours).

• Avoid fake agents – only apply through official portals.

FAQs – Welding Jobs Abroad for Nigerians

1. Can I get welding jobs abroad without a degree?
Yes! Welding is a skilled trade, and certifications + experience matter more than a degree.

2. Do employers sponsor visas for welders?
Yes. Countries with severe shortages like Canada, UK, Australia, and Middle East often sponsor foreign welders.

3. Which country pays welders the most?
Australia and Canada currently offer the highest salaries for welders in 2026.

4. Do I need IELTS as a welder?
For Canada, UK, and Australia, yes (basic English test required for visa). For Middle East jobs, IELTS is not required.

5. How long does it take to get a welding job abroad from Nigeria?
Typically 3–9 months, depending on the country and visa process.

Conclusion

Welding is one of the best skilled trades for Nigerians looking to work abroad in 2026. With shortages across Canada, the UK, Australia, Germany, and the Middle East, opportunities are wide open.

Here’s your action plan:

• Get certified in Nigeria (MIG, TIG, Arc welding).
• Prepare your CV to meet international standards.
• Apply through official job portals with visa sponsorship options.
• Choose a country with strong demand (Canada, UK, Australia).
• Secure your work visa and relocate safely.

With determination and the right skills, you can turn welding into a life-changing global career.

Start Applying Today:

• Job Bank Canada – Welding Jobs

• UK Skilled Worker Visa – Apply

• Seek Australia – Welding Jobs

• EURES Europe – Welding Jobs

• Bayt.com – Middle East Welding Jobs