In a bid to establish itself as an approved language test provider for Canadian immigration, the American edtech firm Duolingo has faced a significant setback. Despite lobbying efforts in Ottawa, the company was unable to gain the necessary endorsement for its online English test to be included in the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP)—a programme aimed at granting permanent residency to high-skilled refugees from conflict zones.
Duolingo’s Lobbying Efforts
Between August and December 2025, Duolingo representatives engaged in discussions with officials from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on five separate occasions. Their focus was on advocating for the acceptance of their online-only English test as a viable option within the EMPP. This initiative is particularly relevant for many individuals fleeing war-torn regions, providing a much-needed alternative to traditional testing centres which may be inaccessible.
Currently, the IRCC mandates that applicants complete language assessments in person at designated testing facilities globally, with three approved English tests and two French tests in place—most notably the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Duolingo’s digital approach has garnered attention, especially as the necessity for remote solutions grows in the wake of global crises.
Concerns Over Test Integrity
However, concerns have arisen regarding the security and integrity of Duolingo’s online examinations. Sources close to the company revealed that IRCC officials expressed apprehensions about verifying the identity of test-takers. Ensuring that the individual sitting for the test is indeed the applicant remains a significant challenge for online assessments.
Marlene Olsavsky, Duolingo’s spokesperson for Canada, confirmed that the company has ceased discussions with IRCC, leaving its future intentions unclear. Despite its previous success in securing acceptance for the Duolingo English Test (DET) from numerous educational institutions in Canada, the UK, and the US, the path towards acceptance for immigration remains fraught with obstacles.
The Impact of Testing Requirements
The stringent testing requirements have had dire consequences for individuals like Hamdan Albuhaisi, a Palestinian citizen residing in the Gaza Strip. Albuhaisi’s situation exemplifies the challenges posed by the current language testing framework. He applied for the EMPP programme in June 2025 but was rejected due to his inability to meet the language testing requirements.
Albuhaisi, a registered UN refugee with a master’s degree in computing, has been unable to take an IRCC-approved English test due to the closure of local testing centres amid ongoing conflict. His online DET results, which significantly exceeded the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) standards, were dismissed by IRCC, prompting him to seek a judicial review of the decision.
Humanitarian Grounds for Language Test Flexibility
The situation further deteriorated when, following the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023, the last two IELTS testing centres in Gaza were closed. The only remaining option for residents is an online version of the IELTS, which IRCC does not recognise.
Kelly O’Connor, Albuhaisi’s immigration lawyer, has labelled the IRCC’s stance as “unreasonable,” particularly given the extraordinary conditions faced by applicants like Albuhaisi. She urges the Canadian government to consider humanitarian exemptions that would allow for the acceptance of the DET in cases where other language proficiency criteria are met but traditional testing avenues are unavailable.
An IRCC spokesperson acknowledged the difficulties some applicants encounter in accessing language tests but emphasised that proof of language proficiency remains a fundamental requirement for those applying through economic programmes.
Why it Matters
The refusal to accept Duolingo’s digital test underscores the challenges facing Canada’s immigration system, especially for vulnerable populations seeking refuge. As the world grapples with displacement crises, the need for flexible and accessible solutions in immigration processes has never been more critical. The lack of accommodation for online testing in the face of real-world barriers raises questions about the inclusivity of Canada’s immigration policy. As the government contemplates its next steps, there lies an urgent responsibility to consider the implications of rigid testing requirements on those most in need of protection and opportunity.
