Key Points
- Program Launch: Ontario has initiated the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot program to attract highly skilled immigrants to specific rural and northern regions.
- Participating Regions: The pilot includes Lanark County, Leeds and Grenville, Sarnia-Lambton, and the City of Thunder Bay.
- Program Duration: The REDI pilot runs from January 2, 2025, to December 31, 2025.
- Nomination Allocations: Each participating region is allocated 200 additional nominations through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Employer Job Offer streams for a total of 800 nominations.
Overview
The Ontario government has launched the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot program to attract highly skilled immigrants and bolster economic growth in select rural and northern communities. The program commenced on January 2, 2025, and will continue until December 31, 2025.
Participating Regions:
- Lanark County
- Leeds and Grenville
- Sarnia-Lambton
- City of Thunder Bay
Each region has been allocated 200 additional nomination spaces through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Employer Job Offer streams, facilitating the hiring of up to 800 skilled workers. The initiative focuses on in-demand sectors such as healthcare, technology, and skilled trades.
Program Objectives:
- Address local labor market gaps by attracting skilled foreign talent.
- Promote economic growth in rural and northern Ontario communities.
- Provide a pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers with job offers in the pilot regions.
Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify for the REDI pilot, applicants must meet the requirements of one of the OINP Employer Job Offer streams and have a full-time job offer in a participating community. There are no additional criteria or separate application processes for the pilot; eligible candidates can apply through the regular OINP Expression of Interest (EOI) system and may be selected in targeted pilot draws.
Looking Ahead
For Employers in Participating Regions:
- Leverage the REDI Pilot: Utilize the additional nomination spaces to address labor shortages in key sectors.
- Engage with OINP: Participate in information sessions and access business support services to effectively navigate the immigration process.
For Prospective Immigrants:
- Explore Opportunities: Consider employment prospects in the participating regions and assess eligibility under the OINP Employer Job Offer streams.
- Stay Informed: Regularly check the OINP website for updates on the REDI pilot and application procedures.
The REDI pilot represents Ontario’s commitment to strengthening regional economies through targeted immigration strategies, ensuring that the benefits of skilled immigration are distributed across the province.
Source: Government of Ontario
