Welding is one of the most consistently cited shortages in UK construction and fabrication. Structural steel packages, petrochemical maintenance, pipe fabrication, pressure vessel work - every end of the industry has the same story: more work than welders to do it. The Skilled Worker visa route opens access to global welding talent, and the absence of a pre-application advertising period makes it faster to move on a good candidate than most employers expect.
Hiring welders on a Skilled Worker visa - the essentials
- Route: Skilled Worker visa, minimum salary £41,700 from April 2025 (or going rate, whichever is higher)
- No Resident Labour Market Test - apply as soon as you have the candidate
- Sponsor Licence required before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship
- Immigration Skills Charge: £1,000/year (medium/large employer) or £500/year (small employer)
Is welding on the Shortage Occupation List?
The UK’s shortage lists have changed - the Shortage Occupation List became the Appendix Immigration Salary List (AIL), which sets reduced thresholds for specific roles. Whether a welding role sits on the AIL, and what threshold applies, depends on the specific SOC code for the occupation. Check the current UKVI appendix for the exact role before setting the advertised salary. If it is on the AIL, the applicable threshold may be lower than £41,700; if it is not, the standard rate applies.
What to verify before you offer
- Weld procedure qualifications: EN ISO or AWS certification in the relevant process (MIG, TIG, MMA, FCAW) and material. Ask for the test piece details and the testing house.
- Coded weld currency: qualifications have renewal periods - confirm the candidate’s coded status is current or within a short renewal window.
- Material and thickness range: structural carbon steel, stainless, duplex or nickel alloy - match the application to the shop’s work.
- A live video assessment: ten minutes discussing a weld defect and the corrective action tells you more about a welder’s understanding than any certificate.
Timeline with and without priority processing
| Approach | Timeline from CoS assignment to visa decision |
|---|---|
| Standard processing (applicant outside UK) | ~8 weeks |
| Priority processing (+ £500) | ~5 working days |
| Standard (applicant already in UK switching status) | ~8 weeks |
South Africa is the leading source for UK construction welders: English working language, formal trade test certification through MERSETA-aligned bodies, and a large structural and petrochemical industry that produces directly transferable procedure experience. The South Africa to UK visa process is well established. A Right to Work check via the UKVI online service completes the compliance picture on arrival. Compare the UK and Ireland routes in our UK vs Ireland hiring comparison.
Welding vacancies holding up your programme?
Recruitroo sources coded welders for UK construction and fabrication employers, verifies procedure qualifications before shortlisting, and manages the Skilled Worker visa process from Certificate of Sponsorship through to arrival. Tell us the processes, the materials and the programme.
Frequently asked questions
What salary do I need to pay a welder on a Skilled Worker visa?
£41,700 from April 2025, or the going rate for the role in your area if higher. Check whether the SOC code for your specific welding role appears on the UKVI Appendix Immigration Salary List for a potentially lower threshold.
Do welders need any additional UK certifications after arriving?
Coded weld qualifications transfer if the standard is recognised (EN ISO qualifications from any country transfer directly). CSCS cards are required for site work and can be obtained after arrival through the appropriate pathway.
Can I hire a welder who is already in the UK on another visa?
Yes, if their current visa permits a change of employer or status switch. This can be faster than recruiting from overseas if the right candidate is available.
This guide reflects UK Skilled Worker visa rules for welding trades as of September 2026. Salary thresholds, occupation appendices and processing times change - check current UKVI guidance or ask Recruitroo before committing to a hire.