Ontario Launches New Regional Immigration Pilot for Skilled Workers

Ontario has launched a new regional immigration initiative aimed at addressing labor shortages and driving economic growth in the province’s rural and northern communities. The Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot program, which commenced on January 2, 2025, will run through December 31, 2025, and seeks to attract up to 800 highly skilled immigrants to four specific regions of Ontario.

Targeted Areas for the REDI Pilot Program

The REDI pilot program focuses on four rural and northern areas of Ontario, which include:

• Lanark
• Leeds and Grenville
• Sarnia-Lambton
• Thunder Bay

These regions have been identified as areas experiencing significant labor shortages, especially in sectors such as healthcare, technology, and skilled trades, including construction. The program aims to fill these gaps by attracting skilled immigrants who can contribute to local economies and support community growth.

Provincial Nomination for Permanent Residence

Participants in the REDI pilot program who meet the eligibility criteria will be nominated by the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). A provincial nomination will allow successful candidates to apply directly to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for Canadian permanent residence (PR), streamlining the process for skilled workers who wish to settle in Ontario.

How the REDI Pilot Works

The REDI pilot program will process applications through the OINP’s Employer Job Offer streams. The participating regions will each be allocated 200 nominations, available through the following job-offer streams:

1. Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream
2. Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream
3. Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream

These streams target sectors that are critical to the growth of the regions, ensuring that newcomers with skills in high-demand occupations are selected for permanent residency.

Eligibility Criteria for the REDI Pilot Program

To qualify for the REDI pilot program, candidates must meet the eligibility requirements for one of the OINP’s Employer Job Offer streams. Additionally, they must have a valid job offer from an employer located in one of the regions participating in the pilot.

1. Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream

• Job Requirements:
  • Full-time, permanent position
  • Occupation in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
  • Wage must meet or exceed the median wage for the occupation in Ontario
  • Job must be critical to the employer’s business operations
• Candidate Requirements:
  • Must have relevant work experience (either licensed for regulated occupations or two years of work experience in the past five years for non-regulated occupations)

2. Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream

• Job Requirements:
  • Full-time, permanent position in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
  • Pay at or above the low wage level for the occupation
  • Job must be critical for employer’s business
• Candidate Requirements:
  • Must have completed eligible postsecondary education in Ontario within the past two years
  • Eligible credentials include undergraduate degrees, graduate certificates, and diplomas
  • Must meet the low wage level as defined by Canada’s Job Bank

3. Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream

• Job Requirements:
  • Full-time, permanent position
  • Occupation must be in a high-demand field
  • Job must meet the median wage for Ontario
  • Critical for employer’s business operations
• Candidate Requirements:
  • Must have at least nine months of work experience in the relevant occupation
  • Must hold a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Must demonstrate language proficiency (CLB 4 or higher)

Expanding Ontario’s Economy Through Immigration

The REDI pilot program is designed to build on the success of the previous OINP Regional Pilot, which concluded in 2020 and contributed to filling labor gaps in regions such as Chatham-Kent and Cornwall. This initiative aligns with Ontario’s broader economic strategy of spreading the benefits of immigration beyond major urban centers to smaller, underserved communities.

The Ontario government estimates that by enabling skilled newcomers to work in occupations they have trained for, the province’s GDP could grow by up to CAD 100 billion over the next five years, benefiting not just the selected regions but the entire province.

Broader Efforts to Promote Rural and Regional Immigration

The REDI pilot is part of a broader national initiative to promote immigration to rural and regional communities across Canada. The Federal Government has also launched programs such as the Rural Community Immigration Class and the Francophone Community Immigration Class, aimed at addressing labor shortages and enhancing economic opportunities in less populated areas.

How the OINP Supports Regional Immigration

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) offers several pathways for skilled workers, international students, and entrepreneurs to settle in Ontario. By focusing on areas outside of large metropolitan centers like Toronto, the OINP plays a key role in helping smaller communities thrive while diversifying the provincial economy.

With this new REDI pilot, Ontario is taking significant steps to address local labor market needs while offering skilled immigrants the opportunity to become permanent residents of Canada. This program is a crucial tool for Ontario’s ongoing efforts to attract skilled talent and ensure economic prosperity for both its rural and urban communities.

For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!