Last Updated On 20 January 2025, 9:17 AM EST (Toronto Time)
Ontario launches a new permanent residency pathway aimed at addressing regional labour shortages and boosting local economies.
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has unveiled its latest pilot program, the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot.
This pathway will run from January 2, 2025, to December 31, 2025, and is designed to attract highly skilled immigrants to rural and northern communities in Ontario, enhancing the province’s capacity to welcome new residents.
The REDI pilot will prioritize the economic development of four specific regions in the province by allocating up to 800 nominations for skilled newcomers.
The participating regions are:
- Lanark County (geographic boundaries)
- Leeds and Grenville (United Counties) (geographic boundaries)
- Sarnia-Lambton (geographic boundaries)
- City of Thunder Bay (geographic boundaries)
Successful applicants will receive a provincial nomination from the OINP, which they can use to apply directly to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residency.
This article provides an in-depth breakdown of the new pilot, including its functioning, eligibility criteria, and how it aims to address critical labour shortages in Ontario.
Table of Contents
The new pilot will operate under the OINP’s Employer Job Offer streams.
Each of the four participating regions will receive an allocation of 200 additional nominations.
These nominations will be distributed through the following three job offer streams:
The primary goal of the REDI pilot is to fill labour shortages in high-demand industries that are crucial for regional growth.
The pilot is a testament to commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for skilled immigrants.
These sectors include healthcare, technology, and skilled trades, such as construction.
To qualify for this new pilot program, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements of one of the OINP’s Employer Job Offer streams.
A key prerequisite is securing a qualifying job offer from an employer based in one of the targeted regions.
Additionally, all applicants must:
- Intend to reside in the province;
- Be licensed or authorized to practice their occupation if it is regulated.
Below is a detailed look at the eligibility requirements for each job offer stream.
Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream
This stream targets candidates with job offers in specific in-demand occupations that address regional labour shortages.
Job Offer Requirements:
- Must be full-time and permanent.
- Job must be in an eligible occupation based in Ontario.
- Wage must meet or exceed the median wage for the occupation.
- Job must be critical to the employer’s business operations.
Candidate Requirements:
- Must have at least nine months of work experience in the same occupation within the last three years.
- Must have completed a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Must demonstrate language proficiency at CLB 4 or higher.
If education was completed abroad, candidates must provide an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) to validate their qualifications.
Click here for a complete list of eligible occupations for the in-demand stream.
Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream
This stream is designed for skilled workers with job offers in specific occupations.
Job Offer Requirements:
- Must be full-time and permanent.
- Occupation must fall under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
- Wage must meet or exceed the median wage for the occupation in Ontario.
- Job must be based in the province and critical to the employer’s business operations.
Candidate Requirements:
- For regulated occupations, candidates must hold a valid license or authorization from the appropriate regulatory authority in Ontario.
- For non-regulated occupations, candidates must have at least two years of work experience in the same occupation within the past five years. Work experience can be gained through full-time or part-time employment.
Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream
This stream is tailored for recent graduates of eligible Canadian institutions who have received a job offer from an employer in the province.
Job Offer Requirements:
- Must be full-time and permanent.
- The occupation must fall under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the NOC.
- Wage must meet or exceed the low wage level for the occupation.
- The job must be based in Ontario and critical to the employer’s business.
Candidate Requirements:
- Must have completed a qualifying education program from an eligible Canadian institution in Ontario within the past two years.
- Eligible programs include:
- Undergraduate degrees or diplomas (minimum two years, full-time).
- Graduate degrees or diplomas (minimum one year, full-time).
- College or university graduate certificates (minimum one year, full-time).
- If currently employed in the position, the offered wage must be at least equal to or greater than the current wage level for the role, in addition to meeting the low wage level criteria.
Building on Past Success
The REDI pilot program builds upon the success of the previous OINP Regional Pilot, which concluded in 2020.
The Regional Pilot allocated 300 additional nominations to regions such as Chatham-Kent, Cornwall, and Belleville/Quinte West.
It was highly successful in addressing regional labour shortages and supporting economic growth.
The OINP estimates that integrating skilled newcomers into professions for which they are trained could increase provincial GDP by up to 100 billion CAD over the next five years.
This highlights the transformative potential of immigration-driven economic initiatives.
With the REDI pilot, Ontario aims to significantly boost its regional economies and create sustainable job opportunities.
The pilot aligns with federal initiatives aimed at promoting regional and rural immigration.
Two recent federal programs that complement this new pilot include:
- Rural Community Immigration Class: focused on addressing labour shortages in rural areas across Canada.
- Francophone Community Immigration Class: Designed to attract French-speaking immigrants to Francophone minority communities.
The launch of the REDI pilot program marks a significant step in provincial efforts to address regional labour shortages and support economic growth through skilled immigration.
This initiative illustrates how Canada’s largest province positions itself as a leader in attracting skilled immigrants to support its growth.
By targeting rural and northern communities, the program ensures that economic benefits are distributed more equitably across the province.
Aspiring immigrants looking for opportunities in Ontario should consider this pilot program as a promising pathway to permanent residency while contributing to the development of vibrant regional communities.
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