Migrants to the UK may be subjected to English tests via Duolingo app

The United Kingdom (UK) Home Office may soon manage English test for migrants via Duolingo, a US-based language app to assess the English proficiency of foreign workers and students under a proposed all-digital system.

Duolingo is currently competing for the contract to manage English language assessments for migrants.

The American technology firm is understood to be shortlisted for a five-year, £816m deal to evaluate the linguistic abilities of foreign workers, students, and other individuals seeking entry to the United Kingdom.

Government officials have concluded initial bid reviews and are scheduled to begin technical assessments of the competing firms in May. Best and final offers are anticipated over the summer, with the Home Office aiming to formally award the contract by November.

While Duolingo is a prominent contender for the lucrative agreement, the outcome of the procurement process remains uncertain.

A shift to digital

Currently, visa applicants must attend overseas examination centres to sit invigilated tests, proving they meet the statutory English language requirements. However, the Government is seeking to modernise this framework.

Shabana Mahmood, Home Secretary is reportedly keen to replace the legacy system with a fully digital testing programme.

This move aligns with broader efforts to tighten entry requirements by mandating higher levels of English proficiency for successful applicants.

Duolingo, has offered standardised online English testing since 2014. These timed assessments surged in popularity during the pandemic when physical test centres were forced to close. Several UK universities already accept Duolingo scores as part of their international admissions process.

Despite its academic use, the app is not yet approved for the “Secure English Language Test” (SELT), the primary assessment used for UK immigration purposes

Security concerns

The proposal to transition to an online-only model has drawn sharp criticism from established testing providers, who warn that remote examinations are vulnerable to industrial-scale fraud.

In March, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) consortium, which manages over two-thirds of UK assessments, wrote to the Home Secretary to warn that digital shifts could lead to “weaker security and more opportunities for malpractice.”

The consortium, comprising the British Council, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, and IDP, withdrew from the bidding process last month, citing fundamental concerns over the plan’s integrity.

“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 IELTS board stated. The group further cautioned that applicants might use artificial intelligence to cheat or engage in “proxy testing,” where fraudsters impersonate candidates.

In response to these concerns, Duolingo has implemented enhanced ID verification and eye-tracking technology to detect the use of AI or prohibited reference materials during exams.

Securing the Home Office contract would provide a significant boost to Duolingo. The company’s share price has fallen by 70 percent over the past year, amid investor anxiety that emerging AI-driven translation and tutoring services could erode its user base. As of November, the company reported over 50 million daily active users.