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NOC 72106 is the Canadian National Occupational Classification code for Welders and related machine operators. It is classified TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory, which meets the skill requirement for Express Entry. An officer decides whether you can claim this code by comparing the duties written in your reference letter against the official main duties below — not by your job title.
Classification
Trades, transport & equipment operators
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Definition
Welders operate welding equipment to weld ferrous and non-ferrous metals. This unit group also includes machine operators who operate previously set up production welding, brazing and soldering equipment. They are employed by companies that manufacture structural steel and platework, boilers, heavy machinery, aircraft and ships and other metal products, and by welding contractors and welding shops, or they may be self-employed. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Main duties
Example job titles
Express Entry category draws
NOC 72106 is in the “Trades” group used for category-based Express Entry draws.
Overview
Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, Welders and related machine operators are classified under NOC code 72106, falling within TEER category 2. This unit group includes professionals who operate welding equipment to weld ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as machine operators who run previously set up production welding, brazing, and soldering equipment. To qualify for immigration pathways under this code, candidates typically require a high school diploma, along with a completed three- to four-year apprenticeship program or a combination of over three years of relevant work experience in the trade and some industry courses in welding.
Skilled welders under NOC 72106 are eligible for several economic immigration pathways to Canada. Because this is classified as a TEER 2 skilled trade, applicants can qualify for the Express Entry system, specifically the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program. Many provinces also target skilled trades through provincial nominee program (PNP) pathways, and options are available through the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) for those with qualifying job offers.
Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.
Yes — Welders and related machine operators is TEER 2, and TEER 0–3 occupations meet the skill-level requirement for Express Entry programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class. Full eligibility also depends on your work experience, language results and other program criteria.
Welders and related machine operators is classified as TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory. Always confirm the exact employment requirements on the official NOC profile before relying on them.
Yes — Welders and related machine operators is regulated in Québec, so practising there requires recognition from the relevant professional body, and Québec immigration programs take this into account.
Yes — it's in the “Trades” group. The latest Trades round (April 2, 2026) invited 3000 candidates with a CRS cut-off of 477.
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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.