Is Duolingo acceptable during the visa process?Is it acceptable in all Canadian universities as well?

Question

Blake Prescher · Accepted Answer

The good news is that Duolingo is acceptable in Canadian universities. For the visa process, it depends on what visa you are talking about. Like if you are simply asking for a visa process to study in Canadian universities, then yes. You can get a student visa with the Duolingo English test. But for specific immigration purposes, it's not recognized.
Higher studies is a completely different thing than regular immigration. In studies, you are generally there to complete your graduation or a little longer for a job outlook. But immigration visas are more serious. You are basically inviting a foreign individual to live in your country. This is why it is handled with more care. No online tests are acceptable for immigration purposes in Canada, including Duolingo.
For Canadian universities, however, you have some flexibility. Not all universities there will accept Duolingo as an English language test. Because even with global pandemics and everything, not all universities have accepted Duolingo as an alternative to IELTS and TOEFL. In most cases, you will still see these two major tests (IELTS and TOEFL) being asked by Canadian universities. I would suggest you attempt IELTS or TOEFL if you are planning for a master's course in Canada.
Some of the popular Canadian universities that accept the Duolingo test -
Cape Breton UniversityConcordia UniversityThompson Rivers UniversityUniversity of AlbertaUniversity of CalgaryUniversity of New Brunswick
These universities in Canada are very famous and good ones. If, by any reason, you can not attempt IELTS or have attempted and didn't get enough bands, these universities are still there for you. You can use Duolingo as an alternative to IELTS in the mentioned universities and a few more.
My suggestion is to start your preparation early. The longer you wait, the more application rounds go away. With that, you will have less number of seats available in universities there. It's smart to be prepared in advance, especially for your education.

Ashish Yadav · Answer

The Duolingo English Test has become a popular option among students due to its affordability and the ability to take it online from home. This test is increasingly being accepted by a growing number of Canadian universities, making it a viable option for admission purposes. 
Major institutions such as the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia accept Duolingo scores. However, the required score can vary depending on the program and university, typically ranging from 105 to 125. Always refer to the specific university&rsquo;s admissions page for the most accurate information. 
When it comes to the visa process, things get a bit more complicated. The Canadian Student Visa process, particularly through the Student Direct Stream (SDS), traditionally emphasizes IELTS or TOEFL scores as proof of English proficiency. While there is some flexibility, and certain visa offices might consider Duolingo scores, this is not a standardized practice. To avoid any potential issues or delays, it is safer to present an IELTS or TOEFL score when applying for your student visa. 
In essence, while the Duolingo English Test is accepted by many universities in Canada, it might not be sufficient for visa purposes. To ensure a seamless application process, use IELTS or TOEFL scores when applying for your visa, and confirm specific university requirements on their official websites.