In a recent setback for American edtech firm Duolingo, the Canadian government has declined to accept its online English test as an approved language examination for immigration purposes. This decision is particularly significant for skilled refugees seeking permanent residency through the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP), a programme aimed at assisting high-skilled individuals displaced by conflict.
Duolingo’s Lobbying Efforts
Duolingo, known for its engaging online language courses, made a concerted effort to have its Duolingo English Test (DET) recognised by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as part of the EMPP. Lobbying records reveal that Duolingo representatives engaged with IRCC officials on five occasions between August and December 2025, advocating for the inclusion of digital language assessment options.
Despite the growing popularity of online learning during the pandemic, the current policy framework at IRCC mandates that language assessments must occur in person at designated centres. At present, the IRCC recognises only three English tests and two French tests, including the well-established International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The restrictions pose significant barriers for prospective migrants, especially those from regions with limited access to testing facilities.
Concerns Over Test Integrity
Insider sources reported that IRCC officials expressed reservations regarding the integrity of Duolingo’s online testing process. Specifically, there were concerns about verifying the identity of test-takers to ensure that the individual sitting the exam was indeed the applicant. This issue underscores the ongoing challenge of maintaining rigorous standards while exploring digital alternatives.
Duolingo’s spokesperson for Canada, Marlene Olsavsky, confirmed that the company is no longer in active discussions with the IRCC and refrained from commenting on the possibility of resuming lobbying efforts in the future.
Personal Impact: The Case of Hamdan Albuhaisi
The implications of this decision are starkly illustrated in the case of Hamdan Albuhaisi, a Palestinian refugee from Gaza. Albuhaisi, who holds a master’s degree in computing systems and has extensive experience with the United Nations, applied for the EMPP in June 2025. His application was ultimately rejected due to the lack of a recognised English language test, which was compounded by the ongoing conflict in his home region.
Albuhaisi’s lawyer, Kelly O’Connor, has launched a judicial review of the IRCC’s decision, arguing that the department’s rigid adherence to its testing policy fails to account for the extraordinary circumstances faced by applicants like Albuhaisi. Following the recent closure of IELTS testing centres in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas conflict, the only remaining option for residents is an online IELTS exam—one that is not accepted by IRCC.
O’Connor has highlighted Albuhaisi’s successful completion of the Duolingo test, noting that his results far exceeded IRCC’s minimum language competency requirements. She urged the government to reconsider its stance on the DET, particularly under humanitarian and compassionate grounds.
The Bigger Picture: Immigration Policy Under Scrutiny
The EMPP programme, launched in 2018, was designed to attract skilled refugees designated by the UN Refugee Agency. However, the initiative has faced recent challenges, including a temporary suspension due to a burgeoning backlog of applications across various immigration streams, further complicating the landscape for prospective immigrants.
An IRCC spokesperson acknowledged the difficulties some applicants face in accessing language tests but maintained that proof of language proficiency remains a critical component of the immigration process. The refusal to accept the DET represents a missed opportunity to enhance the inclusivity of Canada’s immigration framework.
Why it Matters
The refusal to accept Duolingo’s English test has significant implications for Canada’s immigration policy, particularly for vulnerable populations seeking refuge and stability in a new country. It raises critical questions about how immigration frameworks can adapt to the realities faced by individuals in conflict zones. As the Canadian government grapples with mounting backlogs and an urgent need for skilled refugees, the integration of flexible, accessible testing methods could play a vital role in shaping a more humane and responsive immigration system.
