The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has unveiled a new regional economic immigration initiative: the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot.
This pilot will run from January 2 to December 31, 2025.
The REDI program aims to attract up to 800 skilled immigrants to four specific rural and northern regions in Ontario:
- Lanark
- Leeds and Grenville
- Sarnia-Lambton
- Thunder Bay
Immigrants who are selected through the REDI pilot will receive a provincial nomination from OINP, which can be used to apply directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residency.
This article will outline the details of how the new pilot program works and who is eligible to apply.
How the Program Works
The REDI pilot program will process applicants through the OINP’s Employer Job Offer streams. Each of the four participating regions will be allocated 200 extra nominations, which will be distributed through three of the OINP’s job-offer streams.
The primary goal of REDI is to address labor shortages in critical sectors, such as healthcare, technology, and skilled trades (including construction), while supporting regional economic growth in the targeted areas.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the REDI pilot, applicants must meet the criteria for one of the OINP’s job offer streams. Specifically, they must have a valid job offer from an employer located in one of the designated regions targeted by the pilot program.
This job offer requirement is essential for applicants seeking to participate in the REDI pilot through the OINP’s job offer streams.
For all streams, applicants must:
- Plan to live in Ontario; and
- Hold the necessary license or authorization to work in their occupation if it is regulated.
Background
The REDI pilot program follows the OINP Regional Pilot, which concluded in 2020, and continues the OINP’s efforts to address key labor shortages through skilled immigration.
The previous Regional Pilot allocated approximately 300 additional provincial nominations through the OINP’s job offer streams to regions like Chatham-Kent, Cornwall, and Belleville/Quinte West. It successfully reached its target in 2020 and was regarded as a success by the OINP.
According to the OINP, integrating skilled immigrants into professions aligned with their training could contribute up to 100 billion CAD to Ontario’s GDP over the next five years.
About the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are immigration pathways that allow provincial governments to nominate foreign nationals to settle in their regions.
PNPs aim to spread the benefits of immigration beyond the country’s largest metropolitan areas. While Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal attract the majority of new immigrants, this can lead to overpopulation and strain on services in those cities. Smaller communities, on the other hand, often miss out on the economic benefits of immigration.
PNPs help address this by offering pathways for skilled immigrants to settle in rural and regional areas, helping to fill labor gaps and support broader demographic and economic objectives.
Federal Rural and Regional Immigration Pilots
The federal government has also introduced two new pilot programs aimed at boosting immigration to rural and regional communities:
- The Rural Community Immigration Class
- The Francophone Community Immigration Class
How We Can Help
At IJS Immigration, we simplify your path to Canada. Whether it’s a work permit, study permit, or permanent residency, our expert team offers tailored solutions and guidance at every step.
We specialize in a variety of immigration programs, helping individuals, families, and businesses navigate Canada’s immigration system with confidence.
Get started today! Fill out our Free Assessment Form or contact us to explore your options.
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