In a notable setback for American edtech firm Duolingo, efforts to gain federal approval as a language test provider for immigration applications in Canada have been thwarted. The company’s push to have its online-only English test recognized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) was met with resistance, raising questions about the accessibility of language assessments for individuals from conflict-affected regions.
The Struggle for Language Test Acceptance
Duolingo, renowned for its innovative online language courses, sought to have its Duolingo English Test (DET) included among the language assessments accepted under the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP). This immigration stream aims to provide permanent residency to skilled individuals identified as refugees by the UN. The availability of a digital testing option could significantly aid numerous prospective immigrants who lack access to in-person testing facilities due to circumstances such as war.
Current regulations stipulate that applicants must complete language tests at designated centres, with the IRCC recognising only three English tests—namely, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)—and two French assessments. Notably, these requirements have created barriers for many, particularly those in war-torn regions.
Lobbying records reveal that Duolingo representatives engaged with IRCC officials on five occasions from August to December 2025, advocating for the inclusion of digital testing options and discussing the overall framework of the EMPP programme. However, concerns lingered among government officials regarding the integrity of online testing methods, particularly in verifying the identity of test-takers.
A Personal Impact: The Case of Hamdan Albuhaisi
The consequences of IRCC’s stringent language testing requirements are poignantly illustrated in the case of Hamdan Albuhaisi, a Palestinian resident of Gaza. His application for the EMPP programme has been stalled due to his inability to secure an accepted English language test. This situation has escalated into a judicial review, reflecting wider issues within the immigration system.
Albuhaisi, a master’s degree holder in computing systems and a UN employee, submitted the DET results as no IRCC-approved tests were available in Gaza. His score significantly exceeded the Canadian Language Benchmark, yet he faced rejection solely on the grounds of the test’s non-acceptance by IRCC. This case raises critical questions about the fairness of the immigration process, particularly for individuals caught in dire circumstances.
Challenges Intensified by Conflict
The geopolitical landscape has further complicated matters. Before the escalation of violence in October 2023, Gaza had two IELTS testing centres operated by the British Council. Following the outbreak of hostilities, both centres closed, leaving residents reliant on the online IELTS option, which remains unrecognised by IRCC.
Kelly O’Connor, Albuhaisi’s immigration lawyer based in Montreal, has deemed the IRCC’s decision as “unreasonable,” arguing that it fails to account for the precarious conditions faced by applicants like Albuhaisi. She emphasised that the Canadian government should consider accepting the DET on humanitarian grounds, especially for applicants who meet all other residency criteria but cannot access traditional testing venues.
The Government’s Stance
In response to the growing concerns about accessibility, an IRCC spokesperson acknowledged the challenges some applicants face in obtaining language tests. Nevertheless, they reiterated that proof of language proficiency is a crucial requirement for those applying to economic programmes, thus maintaining the status quo despite mounting pressure.
Why it Matters
The refusal to accept Duolingo’s English test not only affects the immediate prospects of applicants like Albuhaisi but also highlights broader systemic issues within Canada’s immigration framework. As the nation grapples with its humanitarian commitments, the rigidity of language testing requirements poses significant barriers for skilled refugees seeking safety and stability. In an era where digital solutions are increasingly vital, the need for a more inclusive approach to immigration testing has never been clearer. The outcome of this situation may well define the future of Canada’s immigration policies and its commitment to supporting vulnerable populations.