In a significant setback for digital language assessment, American edtech giant Duolingo has failed to secure approval from the federal government to become an official language test provider for immigration applications. The company’s ambitions centred around its online English proficiency test, which it sought to have recognised under the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP), a programme aimed at facilitating permanent residency for high-skilled refugees. This development highlights ongoing challenges in the immigration system, particularly for individuals from conflict zones who face barriers in demonstrating language proficiency.
Duolingo’s Lobbying Efforts
Records of lobbying activity reveal that Duolingo representatives engaged with officials from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on five occasions between August and December 2025. Discussions focused on potential enhancements to the EMPP programme, including the viability of digital language testing. The lobbying efforts also touched upon broader immigration language requirements, indicating Duolingo’s desire to broaden its reach within Canada’s immigration framework.
Despite the growing acceptance of Duolingo’s English Test (DET) in academic institutions across Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States, concerns about the integrity of online assessments ultimately hampered its approval. Sources familiar with the discussions reported that government officials expressed apprehension regarding verifying the identity of test-takers, which is crucial for maintaining the reliability of language assessments.
The Landscape of Language Testing
Under current regulations, individuals seeking to immigrate to Canada must complete in-person language tests at designated centres worldwide. The IRCC currently recognises three English tests and two French tests, including the widely used International English Language Testing System (IELTS). This restriction poses significant challenges for applicants from regions where access to testing centres is severely limited.
For individuals such as Hamdan Albuhaisi, a Palestinian living in Gaza, the inability to take an accepted language test has directly impacted immigration applications. Albuhaisi, a UNRWA-registered refugee with an advanced degree in computing systems, submitted his application for the EMPP programme in June 2025. However, his application was rejected due to his inability to provide an IRCC-approved language test result.
The Plight of Applicants in Conflict Zones
Albuhaisi’s situation has now escalated to a judicial review in federal court, where he argues that the IRCC’s requirements do not account for the unique and perilous circumstances faced by applicants from war-torn regions. His only option for language testing— the Duolingo English Test— was submitted to the IRCC, as no approved tests were available in Gaza. Notably, his test results exceeded the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) requirements.
The recent escalation of violence in Gaza has exacerbated the challenges faced by potential immigrants. Following the Israel-Hamas conflict that erupted in October 2023, the two IELTS testing centres in Gaza were closed, further isolating residents from opportunities to fulfil language test requirements.
Montreal-based immigration lawyer Kelly O’Connor, representing Albuhaisi, has called the IRCC’s decision “unreasonable,” criticising the agency for failing to consider the dire conditions affecting applicants in conflict zones. She advocates for the acceptance of the Duolingo English Test on humanitarian grounds, particularly for those who meet all other criteria for permanent residency but lack access to in-person testing.
Government Response and Future Implications
In response to questions about the challenges faced by applicants, an IRCC spokesperson acknowledged the difficulties some individuals encounter in accessing language tests. However, they reiterated that proof of language proficiency remains a critical requirement for economic immigration programmes.
The failure of Duolingo to gain approval for its online test raises important questions about the adaptability of Canada’s immigration system in an increasingly digital world. As the demand for flexible solutions grows, particularly for vulnerable populations, the government’s response to these challenges will be pivotal in shaping future immigration policies.
Why it Matters
This situation underscores the urgent need for Canadian immigration authorities to reconsider their rigid testing requirements, especially for applicants from conflict-affected regions. As more individuals seek refuge in Canada, a more inclusive approach to language testing—one that accommodates the realities faced by displaced persons—could not only expedite the immigration process but also affirm Canada’s commitment to humanitarian principles. The inability to adapt to modern realities risks leaving talented individuals stranded and unrecognised, potentially depriving Canada of valuable contributions from skilled immigrants.
