In a bid to broaden access for skilled refugees, American edtech firm Duolingo lobbied Ottawa for approval as an official language test provider for immigration applications. However, their efforts were unsuccessful, leaving many prospective migrants still grappling with stringent testing requirements. Duolingo sought to have its online English test recognised by the federal immigration department as part of the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP), a programme aimed at granting permanent residency to high-skilled international refugees.
Duolingo’s Lobbying Efforts
Duolingo, renowned for its interactive language courses, engaged in extensive lobbying to advocate for the acceptance of its digital English test by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Records indicate that company representatives met with IRCC officials five times between August and December 2025, discussing potential enhancements to the EMPP programme, including the value of digital language testing.
However, existing regulations stipulate that all language tests must be conducted in person at designated centres, limiting access for those in remote or conflict-ridden areas. Currently, IRCC recognises three English tests—namely the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)—and two French tests. This rigid framework poses significant barriers for individuals like Hamdan Albuhaisi, a Palestinian refugee, whose application for the EMPP has been hindered by these testing requirements.
A Personal Struggle: Hamdan Albuhaisi’s Case
Hamdan Albuhaisi, a UN-registered refugee with a master’s degree from Al-Azhar University in Gaza, applied for Canadian permanent residency through the EMPP in June 2025. Unfortunately, he was unable to submit an accepted language test due to the lack of available options in Gaza, which has been under severe restrictions and conflict. His application was ultimately denied, prompting him to launch a judicial review of IRCC’s decision.
Albuhaisi took the Duolingo English Test (DET) online, which demonstrated his proficiency well above IRCC’s required standards. However, IRCC does not accept this test, leading to a deadlock in his immigration process. The situation has grown increasingly dire; after the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023, the existing IELTS centres in Gaza were shuttered, further complicating the landscape for applicants.
The Shift in Immigration Policy
The EMPP, initiated in 2018, was designed to attract skilled individuals displaced by conflict, yet it has recently faced significant operational challenges. Amid rising application backlogs, the Canadian government temporarily suspended the EMPP alongside other immigration streams, halting new applications at the end of 2025. This sudden policy shift has left many employers and potential migrants in a state of uncertainty.
IRCC officials have expressed concern regarding the integrity of online testing, specifically the need to verify the identity of test-takers. Sources familiar with the discussions revealed that these apprehensions were a significant factor in the decision to reject Duolingo’s proposal. Meanwhile, the company’s spokesperson, Marlene Olsavsky, confirmed that discussions with IRCC have ceased, leaving the future of digital testing in limbo.
Advocating for Change
Kelly O’Connor, an immigration lawyer representing Albuhaisi, has condemned IRCC’s stance as “unreasonable,” arguing that it fails to account for the dangerous conditions faced by applicants in conflict zones. In light of the tragic loss of Albuhaisi’s family members during airstrikes, O’Connor advocates for the acceptance of the Duolingo test on humanitarian grounds, particularly for those who meet all other residency criteria but cannot attend in-person assessments.
Despite acknowledging the challenges some applicants may face in accessing language tests, an IRCC spokesperson reiterated that proof of language competence remains a critical requirement for economic immigration programmes.
Why it Matters
The refusal to accept the Duolingo English Test highlights a significant gap in Canada’s immigration policy, particularly for those fleeing conflict and seeking refuge. By not adapting to the realities faced by potential migrants, Ottawa risks alienating skilled individuals who could contribute significantly to the Canadian economy. As the world grapples with displacement crises, it is crucial for immigration frameworks to evolve, ensuring that barriers to entry do not prevent deserving candidates from finding safety and opportunity in Canada.
