In a recent lobbying effort, American education technology firm Duolingo sought to become an approved provider of language tests for immigration applications in Canada but ultimately did not succeed. The company aimed to have its online English test recognised by the federal government as part of the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP), a programme designed to grant permanent residency to skilled refugees. The lack of approval for digital assessments poses significant barriers for many prospective migrants, particularly those from conflict-affected regions.
Duolingo’s Lobbying Efforts
Duolingo, renowned for its interactive language learning platform, engaged with officials from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on multiple occasions from August to December 2025. Records indicate that the discussions revolved around potential enhancements to the EMPP, with a particular focus on the viability of remote testing options. Currently, IRCC mandates that language proficiency tests be undertaken in person at designated centres, which limits access for many applicants, particularly those in areas lacking such facilities.
The company’s representatives, in their meetings with IRCC, conveyed the advantages of incorporating the Duolingo English Test (DET) into the accepted repertoire of language assessments. However, two sources familiar with Duolingo’s internal strategy revealed concerns from government officials regarding the integrity of the online testing process, specifically the challenge of verifying test-takers’ identities.
The Impact of Language Testing Restrictions
Under present regulations, applicants to the EMPP must provide proof of language proficiency through specific tests, including the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The requirement for in-person testing has raised significant issues for individuals like Hamdan Albuhaisi, a Palestinian refugee from Gaza, who is currently embroiled in a judicial review of IRCC’s decision to deny his application based on language test criteria.
Albuhaisi, who holds a master’s degree in computing systems and has worked with the United Nations for over a decade, applied for Canadian residency via the EMPP in June 2025. He found himself unable to meet the language testing requirements due to the closure of local centres amid escalating conflict in Gaza. His attempts to submit the online Duolingo English Test, which exceeded the Canadian Language Benchmark standards, were dismissed due to IRCC’s rigid policies.
The Broader Context of Immigration Policy
The need for flexibility in language assessment is underscored by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Following the outbreak of hostilities in October 2023, the only two IELTS testing centres in the region were shuttered, leaving residents with no access to IRCC-approved testing options. While IRCC acknowledges the challenges some applicants face in accessing language evaluations, they maintain that proving language capabilities is essential for those applying under economic programmes.
Montreal immigration lawyer Kelly O’Connor, representing Albuhaisi, has publicly critiqued IRCC’s stance, arguing that the department failed to take into account the dire circumstances surrounding applicants like her client. She advocates for the adoption of the Duolingo English Test under humanitarian grounds, especially for individuals who otherwise meet residency criteria but are hindered by the inaccessibility of testing facilities.
Why it Matters
The refusal to accept digital language tests like Duolingo’s not only complicates the immigration pathway for skilled refugees but also highlights a significant gap in Canada’s immigration policy. As the world faces increasing displacement due to conflict, the need for adaptable, accessible solutions becomes crucial. The current inflexibility may inadvertently exclude qualified individuals from contributing to Canadian society, undermining the very goals of programmes designed to assist those in need. As Ottawa grapples with immigration backlogs and policy reform, the implications of this decision could resonate widely, affecting countless lives amidst a backdrop of global humanitarian crises.
