In a significant setback for prospective immigrants, the American educational technology company Duolingo has been unsuccessful in its lobbying efforts to have its online English test recognised by the Canadian immigration authorities. The Duolingo English Test (DET) sought approval as an official language assessment for the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) programme, which aims to provide permanent residency opportunities for high-skilled refugees. This denial underscores ongoing challenges faced by applicants from regions with limited access to traditional language testing facilities.
Duolingo’s Lobbying Efforts
Documents from federal lobbying records reveal that Duolingo representatives engaged with officials from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on five separate occasions between August and December 2025. The discussions centred around potential enhancements to the EMPP and the viability of incorporating digital language testing options. Despite the growing acceptance of the DET among educational institutions in Canada, the US, and the UK, IRCC remains wary of the integrity of online assessments, particularly regarding identity verification during testing.
Concerns were raised by government officials about ensuring that the individual taking the test was indeed the applicant, a crucial factor in maintaining the rigour of immigration processes. Sources familiar with the discussions, who requested anonymity, indicated that doubts regarding the DET’s security measures contributed to the ultimate decision to reject its inclusion.
The Consequences of Current Language Testing Requirements
Currently, the IRCC mandates in-person testing at designated centres worldwide, a stipulation that has posed significant hurdles for many applicants. There are three acceptable English tests and two for French, including the widely known International English Language Testing System (IELTS). However, for many refugees, particularly those from war-torn regions, reaching these centres can be nearly impossible.
Hamdan Albuhaisi, a Palestinian citizen residing in Gaza, exemplifies the plight many face. His application for the EMPP programme has been hindered by the IRCC’s in-person language testing requirement. Despite holding a master’s degree and a decade of experience with the United Nations, Albuhaisi’s application was rejected because he could not submit an accepted English test score. His lawyer has since initiated a judicial review of this decision, highlighting the dire circumstances under which he and his family live.
The Impact of the Israel-Hamas Conflict
The situation for applicants in Gaza has recently worsened, particularly following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023. Prior to this escalation, two IELTS testing centres operated in Gaza, administered by the British Council. However, these facilities have since closed, leaving residents without access to any IRCC-approved English tests. The only available option is an online IELTS test, which, unfortunately, does not meet IRCC standards.
Kelly O’Connor, an immigration lawyer representing Albuhaisi, has described the IRCC’s refusal to accept the DET as “unreasonable,” given the unique challenges faced by applicants in conflict zones. She advocates for a reconsideration of the language testing rules, particularly under humanitarian grounds for individuals who meet all other criteria for immigration.
A Call for Compassionate Consideration
In light of the increasing number of displaced individuals seeking refuge in Canada, the necessity for flexible language testing options has never been more pressing. The IRCC acknowledges the challenges applicants may encounter in accessing language tests; however, it maintains that proof of language proficiency remains a fundamental requirement for those seeking economic opportunities in Canada.
With the EMPP programme recently halted due to application backlogs, the future for skilled refugees aiming to settle in Canada appears uncertain. The inability to access language testing facilities in their home countries continues to obstruct their paths to safety and stability.
Why it Matters
The implications of Duolingo’s unsuccessful bid for approval extend far beyond the realm of language testing; they illuminate the broader systemic barriers faced by skilled refugees seeking to immigrate to Canada. As the country grapples with its immigration policies, the need for compassionate reforms that consider the unique circumstances of applicants in crisis situations is critical. Fostering an inclusive immigration system that adapts to the realities of global displacement could ultimately enhance Canada’s reputation as a refuge for those in need, while also benefiting the nation’s economy through the influx of skilled workers.
