In a notable setback for American edtech firm Duolingo, the company has been denied approval as an official language test provider for Canadian immigration applications. This decision follows a series of lobbying efforts aimed at securing acceptance for its online English test, the Duolingo English Test (DET), as part of the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP). This immigration stream was designed to offer permanent residency to highly skilled refugees, particularly those fleeing conflict zones.
The Details of the Lobbying Effort
Lobbying records reveal that Duolingo representatives engaged with officials from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on five separate occasions between August and December 2025. Discussions centred on potential enhancements to the EMPP programme, including the viability of digital language tests. Despite the growing acceptance of the DET in educational institutions across Canada, the UK, and the United States—most notably since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic—IRCC remains steadfast in its requirement for in-person assessments at designated testing centres worldwide.
Currently, the immigration department recognises three English language tests and two for French: the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) being the most prominent among them. The federal stance against remote testing has raised concerns about accessibility, particularly for individuals from regions where testing centres are scarce or non-existent.
Concerns Over Test Integrity
Sources familiar with Duolingo’s lobbying efforts indicated that government officials expressed apprehension regarding the integrity of the online testing format. Specifically, there were questions about verifying the identity of test-takers, a crucial factor in maintaining the credibility of the language assessment process. These discussions highlight the challenges of balancing innovation in testing methods with the need for stringent verification protocols.
A Case in Point: Hamdan Albuhaisi
The implications of IRCC’s rigid testing requirements are starkly illustrated in the case of Hamdan Albuhaisi, a Palestinian UNRWA-registered refugee currently residing in the Gaza Strip. Albuhaisi, who holds a master’s degree in computing systems, sought to apply for the EMPP programme in June 2025. His application was ultimately rejected due to his inability to provide an accepted English language test, a situation exacerbated by the absence of IRCC-approved testing facilities in Gaza.
Despite achieving a high score on the DET, which exceeded the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) requirements, Albuhaisi’s situation highlights a critical flaw in the immigration system. His legal representatives have launched a judicial review of IRCC’s decision, arguing that the department failed to consider the extraordinary circumstances surrounding his application.
The Impact of Recent Geopolitical Events
The recent escalation in the Israel-Hamas conflict has further complicated matters. Prior to the outbreak of hostilities in October 2023, there were two IELTS testing centres in Gaza, but both have since closed. The British Council, which managed these centres, has confirmed that the only remaining option for residents is an online IELTS test—one that IRCC does not accept. This closure has left many, like Albuhaisi, without viable means to fulfil the language requirements for their immigration applications.
Albuhaisi’s plight resonates deeply, particularly as he navigates the complexities of an immigration system that seems ill-equipped to accommodate individuals in crisis. His family’s tragic loss during a recent airstrike underscores the urgency for a more compassionate approach from Canadian authorities.
A Call for Compassionate Reforms
Kelly O’Connor, Albuhaisi’s immigration lawyer, has called on the Canadian government to reconsider its stance on the acceptance of the Duolingo English Test, especially in light of humanitarian and compassionate grounds. Given the dire circumstances faced by many applicants from conflict zones, the argument for flexibility in language testing requirements gains considerable weight.
An IRCC spokesperson acknowledged the challenges some applicants face in accessing language tests but maintained that proof of language proficiency remains a fundamental requirement for those seeking entry through economic programmes. Nevertheless, the rigidity of this policy raises broader questions about the inclusivity of Canada’s immigration framework.
Why it Matters
The refusal to accept remote language tests like Duolingo’s DET raises significant concerns about the future of Canada’s immigration policies, particularly regarding vulnerable populations in crisis. As the nation grapples with its role as a refuge for skilled refugees, it must also consider the practical barriers these individuals face in their pursuit of safety and opportunity. The case of Hamdan Albuhaisi serves as a poignant reminder that immigration systems must evolve to meet the realities of a changing world, prioritising empathy and accessibility over outdated protocols.
