Countries Accepting 5.5 Bands in IELTS for Work Visa

Kasturika Samanta

6 min read

Updated On Oct 04, 2024

Many countries like the UAE, Qatar, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Ireland, and Canada accept a 5.5 IELTS band score for work visas, especially for semi-skilled jobs. Each country has specific sectors and requirements for employment.

Countries Accepting 5.5 Bands in IELTS for Work Visa

List of Countries Accepting 5.5 Bands in IELTS For Work Visa
Details on the Countries Accepting 5.5 Bands in IELTS For Work Visa

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Proving your English language skills to work in a foreign country is one of the essential conditions for every international candidate. In order to do so, they have to take exams like IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE exam, etc. Among all these, IELTS is the most widely accepted English language exam for work visa as well as study visa, which makes it more important to know the list of countries accepting 5.5 bands in IELTS for work visa.

In this blog, we will list the top countries accepting 5.5 bands in IELTS for work visa and provide additional information related to each one of them.

List of Countries Accepting 5.5 Bands in IELTS For Work Visa

The IELTS exam measures proficiency in English across four skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. However, not all countries demand high IELTS scores for work visas. Some countries accept a band score of 5.5, especially for semi-skilled or low-skilled jobs. Let’s have a look at the list of the top 8 countries accepting 5.5 bands in IELTS for work visa.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Qatar
Poland
Saudi Arabia
Malaysia
New Zealand
Ireland
Canada

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Details on the Countries Accepting 5.5 Bands in IELTS For Work Visa

It is important to note that most countries accept a higher IELTS band score for both skilled and semi-skilled jobs. However, in the countries listed above, candidates applying for work visa can get jobs with a band score of 5.5 in various sectors. So, now let us check these countries and their requirements in details.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The UAE is a popular destination for professionals seeking jobs in sectors like hospitality, retail, construction, and healthcare. English proficiency is essential in sectors like hospitality and customer service, where communication with expatriates and tourists is vital.

While the IELTS requirement for skilled jobs in the UAE is generally higher, semi-skilled workers with a band score of 5.5 can still find job opportunities.

Accepted Sectors and Requirements

Check out the sectors in Dubai where IELTS band score 5.5 is accepted along with other requirements.

Sector	Average Annual Salary (in AED)	Average Annual Salary (in INR)	Other Requirements
Construction	45,000 - 90,000	10,28,060 - 20,56,130	Job offer, employer sponsorship, relevant experience
Retail	50,000 - 100,000	11,42,290 - 22,84,590	Employment contract, proof of educational qualifications
Hospitality	60,000 - 120,000	13,70,750 - 27,41,500	Valid work visa, experience in customer-facing roles
Customer Service	55,000 - 110,000	12,56,520 - 25,13,045	Good communication skills, job offer, visa sponsorship

Qatar

Qatar is another Gulf country that accepts an IELTS band score of 5.5 for certain work visas. Qatar is a rapidly developing country with numerous opportunities in infrastructure, hospitality, and retail. Many semi-skilled jobs, such as those in retail and hotel management, accept applicants with an IELTS score of 5.5.

Accepted Sectors and Requirements

Take a look at the job sectors in Qatar that accept IELTS band score 5.5 along with other criteria.

Sector	Average Annual Salary (in QAR)	Average Annual Salary (in INR)	Other Requirements
Hospitality	45,000 - 90,000	10,36,750 - 20,73,500	Job contract, relevant work experience, employer sponsorship
Retail	50,000 - 85,000	11,51,940 - 19,58,300	Employment offer, valid work permit
Construction	55,000 - 100,000	12,67,140 - 23,03,890	Proof of educational qualifications, job offer

Poland

Poland has become an attractive destination for foreign workers due to its growing economy and demand for workers in industries like manufacturing and IT. Some semi-skilled jobs accept a 5.5 IELTS band score, especially in construction, warehousing, and low-level office administration roles.

Accepted Sectors and Requirements

Check out the job sectors in Poland that accept IELTS band score 5.5 and other requirements.

Sector	Average Annual Salary (in PLN)	Average Annual Salary (in INR)	Other Requirements
Construction	60,000 - 100,000	13,00,830 - 21,68,045	Job offer, valid work permit
Warehousing	50,000 - 90,000	10,84,020 - 19,51,240	Employer sponsorship, relevant experience
Manufacturing	55,000 - 95,000	11,92,420 - 20,59,640	Valid work permit, proof of qualifications

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, like other Gulf nations, offers work opportunities for foreign nationals in various sectors. The country has a high demand for workers in sectors like retail, construction, and hospitality.

While most skilled positions require higher English proficiency, many semi-skilled roles accept a 5.5 IELTS score.

Accepted Sectors and Requirements

Find out which job sectors in Saudi Arabia accept an IELTS band score of 5.5 and other requirements.

Sector	Average Annual Salary (in SAR)	Average Annual Salary (in INR)	Other Requirements
Retail	45,000 - 90,000	10,06,520 - 20,13,050	Employer sponsorship, valid job offer
Hospitality	50,000 - 100,000	11,18,360 - 22,36,720	Visa application through the employer, job offer
Construction	55,000 - 110,000	12,30,200 - 24,60,395	Proof of experience, valid work permit

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Malaysia

Malaysia is a growing hub for foreign workers, especially in the fields of manufacturing, retail, and services. While higher IELTS scores are preferred for managerial and technical positions, some lower-skilled roles in industries like retail and hospitality may accept a 5.5 IELTS band score.

Accepted Sectors and Requirements

Figure out which job sectors in Malaysia accept an IELTS band score of 5.5 and what else they need.

Sector	Average Annual Salary (in MYR)	Average Annual Salary (in INR)	Other Requirements
Retail	45,000 - 80,000	9,06,520 - 16,11,600	Employer sponsorship, job offer
Hospitality	50,000 - 90,000	10,07,250 - 18,13,048	Proof of qualifications, work visa
Manufacturing	55,000 - 100,000	11,07,970 - 20,14,500	Valid work permit, relevant experience

New Zealand (Specific Categories)

New Zealand typically requires a higher IELTS score for skilled jobs, but certain semi-skilled positions may accept a score of 5.5. This is particularly true for applicants under specific work visa categories, such as the Essential Skills Work Visa. Jobs that may accept lower IELTS scores include those in agriculture, hospitality, and retail.

Accepted Sectors and Requirements

Learn about which job sectors in New Zealand accept an IELTS band score of 5.5 and what else they need.

Sector	Average Annual Salary (in NZD)	Average Annual Salary (in INR)	Other Requirements
Agriculture	45,000 - 85,000	23,79,235 - 44,94,110	Job offer, work visa application through accredited employer
Retail	50,000 - 95,000	26,43,595 - 50,22,830	Employment contract, valid work visa
Hospitality	55,000 - 100,000	29,07,955 - 52,87,190	Job offer, relevant work experience

Ireland (Specific Cases)

Ireland is a popular choice for foreign workers, particularly in IT and healthcare. While higher IELTS scores are required for many professional roles, certain entry-level positions in hospitality, manufacturing, and construction may accept an IELTS band score of 5.5. The specific score required depends on the job type and employer.

Accepted Sectors and Requirements

Check out the job sectors in Ireland that accept IELTS band score 5.5 and other requirements.

Sector	Average Annual Salary (in EUR)	Average Annual Salary (in INR)	Other Requirements
Hospitality	35,000 - 65,000	32,53,210 - 60,41,670	Valid job offer, employment contract
Manufacturing	40,000 - 75,000	37,17,950 - 69,71,160	Work permit, proof of qualifications
Construction	50,000 - 80,000	46,47,440 - 74,35,900	Employer sponsorship, job offer

Canada (Certain Provincial Programs)

Canada typically requires higher IELTS scores for its Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), but certain provinces or territories may accept applicants with a score as low as 5.5 under specific work streams. These include low-skilled or semi-skilled jobs in industries such as agriculture and construction.

Provinces Accepting 5.5 IELTS Band in Canada

This table given below provides an overview of provinces and territories in Canada that accept applicants with a 5.5 IELTS score for work visas, alongside average salary information to help gauge potential earnings.

Province/Territory	Work Stream	Eligible Sectors	Average Annual Salary (CAD)	Average Annual Salary (INR)	Other Requirements
British Columbia	Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Worker Stream	Hospitality, Trucking, Food Processing	40,000 - 70,000	2,482,000 - 4,341,500	Job offer, work experience, ability to settle
Ontario	In-Demand Skills Stream	Construction, Agriculture, Truck Driving	45,000 - 80,000	2,791,500 - 4,973,500	Job offer, work experience, intent to reside in Ontario
Manitoba	Skilled Worker Stream	Manufacturing, Transportation, Agriculture	40,000 - 75,000	2,482,000 - 4,655,000	Job offer, work experience, ability to establish economically
Alberta	Semi-Skilled Worker Category	Hospitality, Food Services, Trucking	45,000 - 85,000	2,791,500 - 5,276,000	Job offer, work experience, ability to settle in Alberta
Nova Scotia	Occupations in Demand Stream	Food Services, Transport Truck Driving	35,000 - 70,000	2,173,500 - 4,341,500	Job offer, work experience, settlement requirements
Saskatchewan	Occupations In-Demand Stream	Manufacturing, Food Processing, Trucking	40,000 - 75,000	2,482,000 - 4,655,000	Job offer, experience in occupation, intent to live in Saskatchewan
Prince Edward Island	PEI Work Permit Stream	Hospitality, Trucking	35,000 - 65,000	2,173,500 - 4,030,500	Job offer, work experience, ability to settle in PEI

To conclude, many countries still offer opportunities for individuals with a 5.5 IELTS band score, particularly in sectors where practical skills and basic communication abilities are more important than high-level English proficiency. However, since there might be some limitations to the type of jobs, skill level and province-wise job requirements, it is recommended to check the IELTS criteria before applying.