In a recent development, American edtech firm Duolingo has been unable to secure approval from the Canadian government to include its online language test as an option for immigration applications. This decision impacts numerous potential immigrants, particularly those from war-torn regions who face significant barriers in accessing traditional language testing centres. The Duolingo English Test (DET), which gained traction during the pandemic, was proposed as a viable solution for applicants under the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP), a programme aimed at facilitating permanent residency for skilled refugees.
Duolingo’s Lobbying Efforts
Records indicate that Duolingo engaged in extensive lobbying efforts with the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) over a span of five months, from August to December 2025. The discussions focused on the potential integration of digital language testing into the EMPP, alongside broader considerations for federal immigration programmes. However, concerns were raised regarding the integrity of the online testing process, particularly the challenge of verifying that the test-taker is indeed the applicant. Insiders familiar with the matter disclosed that government officials were apprehensive about the authenticity of results generated through Duolingo’s platform.
Despite the popularity of the DET among educational institutions in Canada, Britain, and the United States, the IRCC remains steadfast in its requirement for in-person testing at designated centres. Currently, the department accepts three English tests and two French tests, including the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), which has been the standard for many years.
Impact on Vulnerable Applicants
The repercussions of this decision are particularly acute for individuals like Hamdan Albuhaisi, a Palestinian citizen living in Gaza. Albuhaisi, a registered refugee with a master’s degree in computing systems, applied for the EMPP programme in June 2025 but faced rejection due to the absence of an accepted language test. His case has since escalated into a judicial review, highlighting not only his personal struggles but also the broader implications for countless applicants similarly hindered by the IRCC’s stringent testing requirements.
In Gaza, the situation has become even more dire following the closure of the two IELTS testing centres amid ongoing conflict. As of October 2023, the British Council-operated centres ceased operations, leaving the online IELTS test—unrecognised by IRCC—as the only option for local residents. Albuhaisi’s legal representative, immigration lawyer Kelly O’Connor, has labelled the IRCC’s stance as “unreasonable,” stressing that it fails to consider the dire circumstances faced by applicants in conflict zones.
Calls for Compassionate Consideration
Albuhaisi’s plight underscores a pressing need for the Canadian government to reassess its immigration policies, particularly concerning language testing. O’Connor has urged that the IRCC consider accepting the Duolingo English Test on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, especially for applicants who meet all other criteria yet are unable to attend in-person testing due to exceptional circumstances.
The IRCC has acknowledged the challenges applicants face in accessing language tests but has reiterated that proof of language proficiency remains a crucial component of the immigration process.
Why it Matters
The inability of Duolingo to gain approval for its online test highlights a significant gap in Canada’s immigration framework, particularly as it pertains to vulnerable populations seeking refuge from conflict. As nations grapple with the complexities of humanitarian immigration, the need for adaptable and inclusive measures has never been more pressing. By continuing to enforce rigid testing requirements, the Canadian government risks perpetuating systemic barriers that hinder skilled individuals from contributing to society. The situation calls for a reevaluation of policies to ensure that compassion and practicality guide the immigration process, especially in these challenging times.
