In a notable setback for American edtech firm Duolingo, efforts to gain federal recognition for its online English language test as an official option for immigration applications in Canada have been thwarted. Despite engaging in multiple discussions with officials from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) throughout late 2025, the company’s ambitions to have its Duolingo English Test (DET) accepted under the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) have been met with resistance, primarily due to integrity concerns surrounding remote testing.
Duolingo’s Persistent Lobbying Efforts
Duolingo, renowned for its accessible online language courses, sought to have its DET recognised as a viable alternative for individuals applying for permanent residency as skilled refugees. This initiative aimed to ease the pathway for many prospective immigrants from conflict-affected areas lacking access to physical testing facilities. Current regulations mandate that language assessments must be undertaken in person at designated centres, with only three English and two French tests currently approved by IRCC.
Between August and December 2025, Duolingo representatives met with IRCC officials on five occasions, discussing potential enhancements to the EMPP programme, including the viability of digital language testing. However, lobbying records reveal scepticism among government officials regarding the credibility of the online test, with particular attention to ensuring that test-takers are indeed the applicants themselves. This concern highlights the broader challenges associated with remote assessments in high-stakes immigration processes.
The Impact on Vulnerable Applicants
The necessity for in-person testing has become a barrier for many, notably for individuals like Hamdan Albuhaisi, a Palestinian living in Gaza who has faced significant obstacles in his quest for Canadian residency. Albuhaisi, a UNRWA-registered refugee with a master’s degree in computing systems, applied for the EMPP in June 2025 but was ultimately denied due to his inability to secure an accepted English language test. His plight underscores the limitations of current immigration regulations, especially for those in war-torn regions where testing centres are non-existent.
In a judicial review, Albuhaisi’s lawyer highlighted that he had taken the DET online, achieving results that exceeded IRCC’s language competency standards. Yet, the absence of an accepted test option in Gaza has left him in a precarious situation, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in the region. The closure of local IELTS centres following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war has further limited Albuhaisi’s options, forcing him to rely on the online DET, which remains unrecognised by IRCC.
Government’s Stance on Language Testing
IRCC has acknowledged the challenges faced by applicants regarding access to language tests, yet maintains that proof of language proficiency is a critical element for those seeking entry through economic programmes. An IRCC spokesperson reiterated the importance of language requirements, despite the harsh realities that many applicants, particularly from conflict zones, encounter in fulfilling these criteria.
The current situation has raised questions about the humanitarian implications of strict immigration policies. Advocates argue that the Canadian government should offer greater flexibility and consider allowing the DET under compassionate grounds, especially for applicants who meet all other requirements but lack the means to attend an in-person test.
The Broader Implications for Immigration Policy
As the Canadian immigration landscape continues to evolve, the debate surrounding the acceptance of digital assessments like Duolingo’s DET is likely to intensify. The challenges faced by individuals such as Albuhaisi call into question the effectiveness of existing language requirements, particularly in light of the global crises that force many to flee their homes.
Why it Matters
The refusal to accept online language tests in the context of Canada’s immigration system highlights significant barriers faced by vulnerable populations, especially those fleeing conflict. While the integrity of language assessments is undeniably important, the rigidity of current policies may inadvertently exclude deserving candidates from opportunities for safety and stability in Canada. As the world grapples with unprecedented displacement crises, it is vital for policymakers to consider more adaptable solutions that uphold both security and humanitarian values.