Ontario has unveiled the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot, a strategic initiative aimed at bolstering economic growth in select regional communities by attracting skilled foreign workers. Running from January 2, 2025, to December 31, 2025, this one-year pilot integrates with the existing Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) to address specific labor shortages in four designated areas:

• Lanark County
• Leeds and Grenville
• Sarnia-Lambton
• City of Thunder Bay

Objectives of the REDI Pilot

The primary goal of the REDI pilot is to channel highly skilled foreign talent into these communities, thereby filling local labor market gaps and distributing the advantages of economic immigration more evenly across the province. To achieve this, the initiative will:

• Promote the OINP: Encourage participation in the Employer Job Offer streams within the pilot communities.
• Collaborate with Regional Partners: Educate employers on effectively utilizing the OINP to mitigate local labor shortages.
• Facilitate Permanent Residency Pathways: Offer skilled foreign workers with job offers in pilot communities a route to permanent residence.

Allocation of Nomination Spaces

For the duration of 2025, each of the four partner communities has been allocated 200 nomination spaces under the OINP’s Employer Job Offer streams. These spots are specifically reserved for applicants who secure job offers within these communities, ensuring that local employers have access to the skilled labor necessary for their operations.

Eligibility and Application Process

Prospective applicants must meet the criteria of any of the OINP Employer Job Offer streams and possess a full-time job offer located in one of the pilot communities. Notably, there are no additional criteria or separate application processes for the REDI pilot. Eligible individuals can apply through the standard OINP Expression of Interest (EOI) system and will be considered in targeted pilot draws.

Community Selection Criteria

The selection of the participating communities was based on several factors, including:

• Geographic and Cultural Diversity: Ensuring a broad representation of Ontario's varied regions.
• Specific Labor Challenges: Identifying areas with distinct labor shortages that could benefit from skilled immigration.
• Support Capacity: Assessing the communities' ability and readiness to assist newcomers in settling and integrating.
• Stakeholder Interest: Gauging the enthusiasm and commitment of local stakeholders to participate in the pilot.

Support for Employers

Employers in the participating communities will receive dedicated support from the OINP, including information sessions designed to help them leverage the program effectively. This initiative aims to facilitate connections between local businesses and skilled foreign workers, fostering economic development and addressing labor shortages in these regions.



The REDI pilot represents a concerted effort by Ontario to stimulate economic growth in its regional communities through targeted immigration strategies, ensuring that the benefits of skilled labor are felt province-wide.