Ontario has unveiled a new permanent residency pathway aimed at addressing labour shortages in key regions and boosting local economies. The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has launched the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot program. This initiative will run from January 2, 2025, to December 31, 2025, and aims to attract skilled immigrants to rural and northern communities across the province.
What is the Regional Economic Development through Immigration Pilot Program?
The REDI pilot is designed to strengthen economic development in specific regions by offering up to 800 provincial nominations for eligible candidates. These nominations can be used to apply for permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The four participating regions include:
- Lanark County
- Leeds and Grenville (United Counties)
- Sarnia-Lambton
- City of Thunder Bay
The program focuses on filling critical labour gaps in industries such as healthcare, technology, and skilled trades, ensuring economic growth across these regions.
How Does the REDI Pilot Work?
The REDI pilot operates under the OINP’s Employer Job Offer streams. Each of the four selected regions will receive an allocation of 200 additional nominations, distributed across the following job offer streams:
- Foreign Worker Stream
- International Student Stream
- In-Demand Skills Stream
The program’s primary goal is to address regional labour shortages by attracting qualified professionals to meet local workforce demands.
Eligibility Criteria for the REDI Pilot
To qualify for the REDI pilot, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements of one of the OINP’s Employer Job Offer streams and secure a valid job offer from an employer in one of the designated regions.
Additional requirements include:
- Proof of intent to reside in Ontario.
- Licensing or authorization for regulated occupations.
Job Offer Requirements
Each stream under the REDI pilot has specific job offer requirements:
| Job Offer Stream | Requirements |
| In-Demand Skills Stream | Full-time, permanent job; CLB 4 or higher; ECA if applicable. |
| Foreign Worker Stream | TEER 0, 1, 2, 3 occupations; median wage compliance. |
| International Student Stream | Recent graduate from an eligible Canadian institution. |
Candidate Requirements
Candidates must meet criteria based on their selected stream. For instance:
- Minimum two years of relevant work experience within the last five years.
- Must have graduated from an eligible Canadian institution within the past two years.
- A minimum of nine months of work experience within the past three years.
Benefits of the REDI Pilot for Ontario
The REDI pilot builds on previous successful initiatives such as the OINP Regional Pilot, which supported economic growth in areas like Chatham-Kent and Cornwall. The new program is expected to:
- Boost regional economies by attracting skilled workers.
- Support employers in finding qualified talent.
- Enhance opportunities for immigrants in rural and northern communities.
Ontario estimates that successful implementation of the program could add up to 100 billion CAD to the provincial GDP over the next five years.
Federal Support and Additional Immigration Pathways
The REDI pilot aligns with Canada’s broader immigration strategy, complementing federal initiatives such as:
Rural Community Immigration Class: Targeting labour shortages in rural areas.
Francophone Community Immigration Class: Attracting French-speaking immigrants to minority communities.
The launch of the REDI pilot program represents a significant step in addressing Ontario’s regional labour shortages and promoting economic development. Skilled workers looking to establish themselves in the province should consider this pathway as an excellent opportunity to obtain permanent residency and contribute to the province’s growth.
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