Ontario has relaunched its Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pathway under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), according to a government update published October 17. The program targets six underserviced regions stretching from Thunder Bay to Renfrew County and will operate until the end of 2027. Unlike Ontario’s traditional Employer Job Offer streams, REDI does not require candidates to hold an individual labour-market approved job offer. Instead, applicants must meet standard OINP eligibility, secure employment in one of the participating communities and commit to residing there. Local economic-development offices screen employers and help match them with foreign talent. Ontario paused REDI in late 2024 after filling its allocation but revived it in response to continued labour shortages in healthcare, skilled trades and advanced manufacturing. The province says its goal is to nominate up to 1,500 candidates annually under the stream, with fast-track OINP processing promised for community-endorsed files. For companies operating in smaller Ontario centres, REDI offers a strategic alternative to the federal Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, providing more nomination spots and provincial settlement funding. Employers should coordinate with municipal partners early, as communities have limited endorsement quotas. Successful nominees receive 600 Express Entry points and are eligible for a bridging work permit, enabling them to start work while their permanent-residence application is processed. Relocation support includes newcomer-ready rental units funded through the province’s $45 million Rural Housing Initiative.
Source: IRCC.com
