In a significant setback for prospective migrants, American edtech firm Duolingo has failed in its attempts to gain approval as a language test provider for Canadian immigration applications. The company’s online English test, designed to facilitate access for skilled refugees, was not accepted by the federal government, despite multiple lobbying efforts aimed at reforming language testing requirements.
Duolingo’s Lobbying Efforts and the Current Landscape
Duolingo, known for its innovative online language courses, sought to have its Duolingo English Test (DET) recognised by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as part of the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP). This immigration stream aims to offer permanent residency to highly skilled individuals fleeing war-torn regions. Lobbying records reveal that Duolingo representatives engaged with IRCC officials on five occasions between August and December 2025, advocating for the inclusion of its digital test in the list of approved assessments.
Currently, IRCC mandates that applicants complete language tests in person at designated centres around the world. As it stands, only three English tests, including the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), and two French tests are accepted. Duolingo’s push for a digital alternative was seen as a crucial step in easing access for many prospective migrants, particularly those lacking physical test centres nearby.
However, concerns regarding the integrity of Duolingo’s online testing process have emerged. Sources close to the discussions indicated that government officials questioned how to verify the identity of test-takers, which is critical in ensuring the credibility of the results.
The Human Impact: One Refugee’s Struggle
The implications of the IRCC’s stringent testing requirements are starkly illustrated in the case of Hamdan Albuhaisi, a Palestinian citizen currently living in Gaza. Albuhaisi’s application for the EMPP programme was derailed by the language testing rules, a situation that has now escalated into a judicial review in federal court.
A registered refugee with a master’s degree in computing systems, Albuhaisi applied for residency in Canada in June 2025. However, he was unable to submit an accepted English language test due to the lack of available options in Gaza. Although he achieved a high score on the DET, which exceeds the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) required by IRCC, his application was ultimately rejected.
The backdrop of Albuhaisi’s circumstances is marked by tragedy. Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023, the only two IELTS centres in Gaza, managed by the British Council, have closed. Now, the only available option for residents is an online IELTS test that IRCC does not recognise.
Calls for Compassionate Consideration
Kelly O’Connor, an immigration lawyer representing Albuhaisi, has labelled the IRCC’s decision “unreasonable,” citing a lack of consideration for the extreme conditions faced by applicants in conflict zones. The loss of 11 family members, including Albuhaisi’s young daughter in an Israeli airstrike, underscores the urgent need for a more flexible approach to language testing under humanitarian grounds.
O’Connor argues that the Canadian government should reevaluate its stance on the acceptance of the Duolingo English Test, especially in cases where applicants meet other residency criteria but cannot access in-person testing due to dire circumstances.
An IRCC spokesperson acknowledged the challenges some applicants face in accessing language tests, yet reiterated that proof of language proficiency remains a crucial requirement for economic programmes.
The Future of Language Testing in Canadian Immigration
As Canada continues to grapple with its immigration backlog and the complexities of its refugee programmes, the push for modernising language testing protocols could gain renewed urgency. The call for digital alternatives, such as Duolingo’s DET, reflects a growing recognition of the need for innovative solutions to accommodate vulnerable populations.
The failure of Duolingo to secure approval may prompt further discussions within the government about how to balance the integrity of language assessments with the pressing humanitarian needs of individuals seeking refuge.
Why it Matters
The inability of Duolingo to become an approved language test provider highlights deeper systemic issues within Canada’s immigration framework. As the country seeks to uphold its commitment to welcoming skilled refugees, the rigidity of current language testing requirements raises questions about accessibility and compassion in the face of global crises. The conversation surrounding digital testing options is not merely about convenience; it is about ensuring that those fleeing conflict can find a pathway to safety and opportunity without being hindered by bureaucratic barriers.