Duolingo lobbied Ottawa to get online English test approved for immigration applications

▤ Summary

Duolingo lobbied Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to have its online Duolingo English Test accepted for immigration applications, including the EMPP stream, but the effort was unsuccessful. Company representatives met with IRCC officials multiple times between August and December 2025 to discuss digital language-testing options and program improvements. IRCC cited concerns about test integrity and current rules that require in-person testing at designated centres. A Palestinian applicant who could only take the online test has challenged IRCC’s decision in federal court, and Duolingo says it is no longer in active discussions with the department.

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