In a move that could have transformed the landscape of language testing for immigration, American edtech giant Duolingo has been unsuccessful in its efforts to gain approval from Ottawa to serve as an official language test provider for immigration applications. This setback comes as the Canadian immigration system grapples with significant backlogs, particularly concerning the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP), an initiative aimed at granting permanent residency to skilled refugees from conflict-ridden regions.
Duolingo’s Lobbying Efforts
Duolingo’s push to have its online-only English test recognised by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) was marked by multiple engagements with federal officials between August and December 2025. Lobbying records indicate that Duolingo representatives met five times to discuss potential enhancements to the EMPP programme, including the feasibility of incorporating digital language assessments.
Despite the growing acceptance of the Duolingo English Test (DET) in academic institutions across Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States, the federal immigration regulations currently mandate in-person testing at designated centres. As it stands, IRCC only endorses three English tests and two French tests, notably including the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
Concerns Over Test Integrity
Insiders from Duolingo have revealed that government officials expressed apprehensions regarding the integrity of the online testing format, particularly how to ensure that the individual taking the test is indeed the applicant. These concerns highlight the challenges of validating online assessments in an immigration context, where identity verification is paramount.
The company’s spokesperson, Marlene Olsavsky, confirmed that discussions with IRCC have ceased for the time being, leaving the future of Duolingo’s lobbying efforts uncertain.
Real-Life Implications for Refugees
One poignant example of the current system’s shortcomings is the case of Hamdan Albuhaisi, a Palestinian citizen living in the Gaza Strip. Albuhaisi, a UNRWA-registered refugee holding a master’s degree in computing systems, applied for permanent residency through the EMPP programme in June 2025. His application was denied due to an inability to submit an approved English language test result, a situation that has since escalated into a judicial review.
Albuhaisi’s predicament underscores the dire consequences of IRCC’s rigid requirements. With no IRCC-approved testing facilities available in Gaza, he opted to take the Duolingo English Test, achieving a score well above the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) minimum. His submission was ultimately rejected, prompting legal action against IRCC, arguing that the decision overlooked the extraordinary circumstances in which he and countless others find themselves.
The Impact of Recent Conflicts
Before the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023, Gaza had limited access to IELTS testing through two British Council centres. Following their closure, the only option left for residents is an online IELTS test, which remains unrecognised by IRCC. Kelly O’Connor, a Montreal-based immigration lawyer representing Albuhaisi, condemned IRCC’s stance as “unreasonable” and called upon the Canadian government to accept the Duolingo English Test on humanitarian grounds, especially for applicants who have otherwise met all residency criteria but face insurmountable barriers to in-person testing.
In light of the recent conflict, O’Connor highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting the tragic loss of Albuhaisi’s family members during air strikes, further emphasising the need for compassionate considerations in immigration policy.
Why it Matters
The refusal to accept digital language tests like Duolingo’s not only hinders the prospects of skilled refugees seeking a new life in Canada but also raises questions about the inclusivity and adaptability of Canada’s immigration framework. As the nation strives to balance security and humanitarian obligations, the challenges faced by individuals like Albuhaisi serve as a stark reminder of the human cost embedded in bureaucratic processes. The situation calls for a re-evaluation of policies to ensure that those in desperate need are not left behind due to rigid testing requirements, especially in an increasingly digital world.
