In a recent development within Canada’s immigration landscape, American edtech firm Duolingo’s efforts to be recognised as an official language test provider by the federal government have come to an abrupt halt. The company sought to have its online-only English test accepted as part of the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP), a programme designed to facilitate permanent residency for skilled refugees. However, despite multiple lobbying efforts, Duolingo’s proposals were ultimately met with resistance from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The Quest for Digital Inclusion
Duolingo, renowned for its user-friendly language courses, aimed to provide a solution for many prospective migrants from conflict-ridden areas who struggle to access traditional language testing facilities. The EMPP, launched in 2018 with the goal of attracting skilled individuals identified as displaced by the United Nations, requires proof of English or French proficiency. Current regulations stipulate that candidates must undertake these assessments in person at designated testing centres, which can be particularly challenging for those in war-torn regions.
Lobbying records reveal that Duolingo representatives engaged with IRCC officials on five occasions between August and December 2025. Their discussions focused on potential improvements to the EMPP programme, stressing the advantages of digital testing methods. However, concerns about the security and integrity of online tests seemed to overshadow the discussions. Two anonymous sources close to Duolingo indicated that government officials expressed unease regarding verification processes, specifically how to ensure that the test-taker was indeed the applicant.
Challenges for Refugees Seeking Residency
The implications of IRCC’s stringent language testing requirements have been acutely felt by individuals like Hamdan Albuhaisi, a Palestinian residing in Gaza. Albuhaisi’s application for the EMPP programme was hindered by the inaccessibility of approved English tests. With no physical testing centres available in Gaza—especially after the recent closure of the British Council’s facilities—he resorted to taking the Duolingo English Test. Despite achieving a score far exceeding IRCC’s benchmarks, his application was rejected due to the lack of an accepted test.
This case has now escalated into a judicial review in federal court, highlighting the broader ramifications of IRCC’s policies. Albuhaisi’s lawyer, Kelly O’Connor, has labelled the decision as “unreasonable,” arguing that it failed to take into account the dire circumstances faced by applicants from conflict zones. The necessity for language proficiency is undoubtedly important, but it raises ethical questions when access to testing is severely limited.
The Wider Context of Immigration Policies
The EMPP programme, which has recently been paused amid a growing backlog of applications, represents a critical pathway for skilled refugees. However, the suspension of this and other immigration streams has caused uncertainty for many employers and prospective immigrants alike. The recent turmoil in Gaza has only intensified the need for compassionate immigration policies that can adapt to the realities faced by displaced persons.
Duolingo’s efforts to have its online test recognised were not entirely in vain; the test has gained acceptance in various educational institutions across Canada, Britain, and the United States, including a recent endorsement from Ireland for study visa applications. Nevertheless, the IRCC’s reluctance to embrace digital testing for immigration purposes signals a cautionary approach, prioritising established methods over innovative solutions.
Why it Matters
The refusal to accept Duolingo’s English test for immigration purposes underscores a critical gap in Canada’s immigration policy—one that fails to accommodate the unique challenges faced by refugees. As the world witnesses escalating conflicts and human displacement, it becomes increasingly imperative for governments to implement flexible and inclusive systems. The current limitations not only hinder the prospects of skilled individuals seeking safety but also risk undermining Canada’s reputation as a welcoming destination for those in need. With the right adjustments, Canada could lead by example, demonstrating that language proficiency and humanitarian considerations can coexist within a robust immigration framework.
