In a notable setback for American education technology firm Duolingo, its efforts to secure approval as a language test provider for Canadian immigration applications have been unsuccessful. The company’s attempts to have its online English test recognised by the federal government as part of the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) program were ultimately thwarted, highlighting the challenges that prospective immigrants, particularly from conflict zones, face in meeting language proficiency requirements.
Duolingo’s Lobbying Efforts
Duolingo’s interest in the Canadian immigration landscape became evident through a series of meetings with officials from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that took place between August and December 2025. Lobbying records indicate that Duolingo representatives engaged in discussions focusing on potential improvements to the EMPP, including the possibility of integrating digital language testing into the application process.
Currently, IRCC mandates that all language assessments for immigration purposes be conducted in person at designated centres worldwide. This policy has effectively sidelined online testing options, which could have offered a more accessible alternative for applicants unable to reach physical locations. Presently, IRCC recognises three English language tests, including the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), and two French tests.
Concerns Over Test Integrity
Despite Duolingo’s growing reputation during the pandemic—where its language courses gained popularity due to widespread lockdowns—the company faced scepticism from government officials regarding the integrity of its online testing process. Sources close to Duolingo indicated that concerns were raised about verifying the identity of applicants during the online assessments, a crucial factor in maintaining the credibility of the immigration system.
In an email, Marlene Olsavsky, Duolingo’s spokesperson in Canada, confirmed that discussions with IRCC had ceased, without offering insights into any potential future lobbying efforts.
Impact on Vulnerable Applicants
The refusal to accept Duolingo’s online test has had dire consequences for individuals like Hamdan Albuhaisi, a Palestinian applicant currently residing in the Gaza Strip. Albuhaisi’s struggle to meet IRCC’s in-person testing requirement has resulted in his application for the EMPP being delayed and is now subject to judicial review. The EMPP was created in 2018 to facilitate the immigration of skilled individuals identified as refugees by the UN Refugee Agency.
Albuhaisi, a UNRWA-registered refugee with a master’s degree in computing systems, applied for permanent residency in June 2025, only to be rejected due to his inability to provide an accepted English language test. His lawyer has argued in court that the decision to deny his application was unreasonable, especially given the challenging conditions in Gaza.
The situation has been further complicated by the closure of the only IELTS testing centres in Gaza following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023, leaving residents with no viable options for meeting language requirements.
The Call for Compassionate Consideration
Kelly O’Connor, a Montreal immigration lawyer representing Albuhaisi, has described IRCC’s refusal to accept the Duolingo English Test as a significant oversight. She argues that the Canadian government should exercise compassion in its immigration policies, particularly for applicants who meet all other criteria for residency but cannot complete in-person language tests due to their circumstances.
In response to the concerns regarding access to language testing, an IRCC spokesperson acknowledged the difficulties faced by some applicants but reiterated that proof of language proficiency remains a vital requirement for those applying to economic programmes.
Why it Matters
The failure of Duolingo to gain approval as a language test provider underscores a broader issue within Canada’s immigration framework, particularly as it pertains to vulnerable populations fleeing conflict. As the country grapples with significant backlogs in immigration applications, the rigidity of language testing requirements poses a barrier to those who are most in need of refuge. The situation raises critical questions about the balance between maintaining rigorous standards and ensuring that Canada’s immigration system remains accessible and humane for those seeking a new beginning.