Migrants' English language tests could soon be run on Duolingo despite major security warning

Dan McDonald
Wed, 22 Apr 2026 01:50:08 +0000

US language app Duolingo is eyeing up a deal with the Home Office to take control of English language tests for migrants, it has been revealed.

The app - used by up to 135 million people across the globe every month - is close to signing a £816million contract to run language tests for migrants attempting to gain entry into Britain, according to The Telegraph.

The potential deal to test migrant workers, students and other new arrivals would last for five years.

The Home Office is evaluating bids from other firms - with technical assessments of the bidders not due to take place until next month.

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

The department will remain open to offers throughout the summer, and plans to offer the contract around November.

Duolingo is one of a host of companies seeking to close the deal, and there is no guarantee it will be awarded to the US firm.

Migrants seeking a visa to Britain must sit physical exams overseas - overseen by invigilators - to demonstrate they have a minimal level of English language knowledge.

But Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is planning an overhaul of the system - replacing it with an entirely digital testing scheme.

She is also seeking to raise the standard of English that migrants must possess before they can be approved a visa to enter Britain.

Under current rules, universities can set their own English language requirements for incoming foreign students.

The Home Office’s primary immigration assessment - the secure English language test - does not currently allow for Duolingo to be used for the process.

However, the Home Secretary has been warned the switch to all-digital testing could leave Britain's immigration system vulnerable to cheating.

MIGRANT CRISIS - READ THE LATEST:

Afghan man becomes first person convicted of endangering migrants during Channel crossing

Migrants handed record levels of legal aid to fight their deportation - paid for by YOU

Islamist terrorist allowed to stay in Britain - despite having asylum claim turned down

In a letter sent to Ms Mahmood last month, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) consortium cautioned that online testing would cause “weaker security and more opportunities for malpractice”.

IELTS - who also previously expressed interest in taking on the contract - dropped out of the race last month over fears surrounding online testing.

Its board said: “Evidence from research and regulatory practice shows that fully remote testing presents challenges in meeting these standards consistently - especially in the highest stakes environments where security is paramount."

The consortium also warned that applicants could exploit AI to cheat the test, and fraudsters may impersonate as candidates to pass the test.

When probed about the potential Duolingo deal in Parliament, immigration minister Mike Tapp told MPs: “Prior to the Home Office English language testing programme publishing invitation to tender, five rounds of market engagement were conducted under non-disclosure agreements.

“However, there were opportunities for those who participated to share information that they wished for the Home Office to consider and ask clarifying questions.

“It would not be appropriate to disclose details of individual organisations’ participation in a confidential market engagement process.”

Meanwhile, a Government spokesman said: “The Home Office English language test is in live procurement and has not yet been awarded.”

GB News has approached Duolingo for comment.