In a significant setback for potential skilled immigrants, American edtech firm Duolingo’s attempt to have its online English language test recognised by the Canadian government as an official language assessment for immigration has been rejected. This move comes as the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) maintains strict regulations requiring in-person testing, leaving many applicants, particularly from conflict zones, in a precarious situation.
Duolingo’s Lobbying Efforts
Records indicate that Duolingo sought to engage with federal officials between August and December 2025, advocating for the inclusion of its digital English test within the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP). This pilot programme aims to facilitate permanent residency for highly skilled refugees, particularly those displaced by crisis. The company’s representatives met with IRCC officials five times to discuss potential enhancements to the EMPP, including the advantages of online language testing.
Despite the growing reliance on digital platforms, concerns about the integrity of Duolingo’s online assessments were raised during these discussions, particularly regarding verification of test-takers’ identities. Sources familiar with the discussions, who wished to remain anonymous, conveyed that bureaucratic apprehensions ultimately influenced the decision to deny Duolingo’s application.
The Implications of Current Language Testing Requirements
Under the current IRCC framework, applicants are mandated to complete approved language tests in person at designated centres worldwide. Presently, the IRCC accepts three English tests and two French tests, including the well-known International English Language Testing System (IELTS). This strict policy poses a significant barrier for many aspiring immigrants who lack access to these centres, particularly in war-torn regions.
For individuals like Hamdan Albuhaisi, a UNRWA-registered refugee from Gaza, the implications are severe. Albuhaisi’s application under the EMPP was thwarted due to his inability to provide an accepted English test, despite his proficiency and relevant qualifications. His case has progressed to a judicial review, highlighting the broader systemic issues within Canada’s immigration framework.
A Call for Change in Humanitarian Contexts
Albuhaisi’s plight underscores the urgent need for reform in immigration policies, especially concerning language testing requirements. Having worked with the United Nations for over a decade and holding a master’s degree, he submitted results from the Duolingo English Test, which demonstrated his competency well above the IRCC’s minimum standards. Nonetheless, his application was rejected due to the absence of an in-person test, a decision his legal representation has described as “unreasonable” given the dire circumstances in Gaza.
The recent escalation of conflict in the region has only exacerbated the challenges faced by applicants. Following the outbreak of hostilities in October 2023, the last remaining IELTS centres in Gaza were closed, leaving residents with no viable options for completing the required tests. Kelly O’Connor, Albuhaisi’s immigration lawyer, has urged the Canadian government to reconsider its stance on the Duolingo English Test, particularly in humanitarian cases where applicants meet other residency criteria but cannot attend in-person assessments.
Government Response and Future Prospects
In response to these pressing concerns, an IRCC spokesperson acknowledged the difficulties some applicants encounter in accessing language tests. However, they emphasised that demonstrating language abilities remains a fundamental requirement for economic immigration programmes. The ongoing discussions surrounding Duolingo’s lobbying efforts appear to have stalled, with company representatives confirming they are no longer in talks with IRCC.
Why it Matters
The refusal to accept online language tests like Duolingo’s not only limits opportunities for skilled refugees but also reflects broader challenges within Canada’s immigration system. As the country seeks to attract talent and support displaced individuals, it is imperative to adapt testing criteria that accommodate the unique circumstances faced by many applicants from conflict zones. The need for a more inclusive approach could pave the way for a fairer immigration process, ultimately enriching Canada’s workforce while extending a lifeline to those in desperate situations.
