The Government of Ontario has launched the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) Pilot, an initiative aimed at addressing labor shortages and facilitating economic growth in regional communities. This one-year pilot, running from January 2, 2025, to December 31, 2025, will utilize the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) to attract skilled foreign workers to four selected communities:
Lanark County
Leeds and Grenville
Sarnia-Lambton
City of Thunder Bay
The program offers a pathway to permanent residence for qualified foreign workers with job offers in these communities, bridging local labor gaps and supporting economic development.
Overview of the REDI Pilot
The REDI Pilot works within the existing Employer Job Offer streams of the OINP. Each of the four partner communities has been allocated 200 nomination spaces, reserved for applicants with full-time job offers in those areas.
Key Objectives:
Address labor shortages: Match skilled foreign talent with in-demand jobs in regional communities.
Promote economic growth: Spread the benefits of immigration beyond urban centers to Ontario’s regional areas.
Support employers: Equip businesses with the tools to leverage immigration programs for their workforce needs.
Encourage settlement: Provide foreign workers with a clear path to integration and permanent residence in Ontario
Eligibility and Application Process
To qualify for the REDI Pilot, applicants must:
Meet the criteria for any OINP Employer Job Offer stream.
Have a full-time job offer from an employer located in one of the participating communities.
There is no separate application process for the pilot. Eligible applicants should apply through the OINP Expression of Interest (EOI) system and will be included in targeted pilot draws.
Also, Employers in the participating communities will receive tailored support, including information sessions and access to business services to help them navigate the OINP process.
How the Communities Were Selected
After a call for interest in summer 2024, four communities were chosen based on:
Representation of Ontario’s geographic and cultural diversity.
Specific labor challenges impacting local industries.
Readiness to support newcomers through settlement services.
Strong interest from community stakeholders, including businesses and municipal governments.
This collaborative approach ensures the REDI Pilot meets the unique needs of each region while fostering sustainable growth.
What’s Next?
Our team of immigration experts is well-versed in the latest updates to the OINP and can provide personalized guidance tailored to your unique circumstances. If you’re a skilled worker looking for your next big opportunity or an employer in one of the pilot regions struggling to fill critical roles, this is your moment.
Contact us for further assistance or book our tailored IN Canada PR Consultation. Let us be your trusted partner in navigating the evolving landscape of immigration opportunities in Ontario. Your journey toward permanent residency starts with a conversation with InfoPlace Canada.