Ontario Launches Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) Pilot

The province of Ontario has launched a new pilot program called Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) to address labor shortages and attract skilled foreign workers. This program began on January 2, 2025, and will run until December 31, 2025, offering an excellent opportunity for skilled foreign workers and international graduates who wish to live and work in rural and northern communities of Ontario.

Participating Communities

The REDI Pilot includes the following four communities:

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

These communities were selected for their labor market needs, cultural diversity, and readiness to provide better settlement opportunities for newcomers.

Goals and Benefits of the REDI Pilot

With 200 nomination spaces allocated to each community, the REDI Pilot aims to:

• Attract skilled workers in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, technology, and skilled trades.
• Address labor shortages in rural and northern regions.
• Promote economic growth and improve living conditions in smaller and underserved communities.

Eligibility Requirements for the REDI Pilot

To qualify for this program, applicants must:

1. Meet the eligibility criteria for one of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Employer Job Offer streams.
2. Have a full-time and permanent job offer from an employer in one of the participating communities.
3. Intend to settle in Ontario.
4. Provide any required professional credentials or licenses for their job, if applicable.

Employer Job Offer Streams in the REDI Pilot

The REDI Pilot utilizes three OINP Employer Job Offer streams to attract skilled workers:

1. Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream

• Job Type: The job must be in TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3.
• Wage: The wage must be at or above the median wage for the occupation in Ontario.
• Work Experience: Applicants must have at least two years of work experience in a related field within the past five years.

2. Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream

• Job Type: The job must be in TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3.
• Education: Applicants must have completed one of the following on a full-time basis from a recognized institution in Canada:
  • Bachelor’s degree or two-year diploma.
  • Master’s degree or a minimum one-year postgraduate diploma.
  • One-year college diploma.
  • At least a one-year master’s degree at a university.
• Time of Application: Applications must be submitted within two years of completing the program.
• If the applicant is already working in the position: The wage offered must match or exceed their current salary and meet the low-wage threshold for the job.

3. Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream

• Job Type: The job must be on the in-demand occupations list, such as healthcare, agriculture, construction, and transportation.
• Education: Minimum high school diploma.
• Work Experience: At least nine months of full-time work experience in the same field.
• Language Requirement: Minimum CLB 4 or higher.

How to Apply

No separate application process is required for the REDI Pilot. Eligible applicants can apply through the OINP’s Expression of Interest (EOI) system and participate in targeted pilot draws.

How Ghasedak Immigration Can Help You

At Ghasedak Immigration Services, our expert team is ready to assist you at every step, from securing a job offer to preparing your documents and submitting your application for the REDI Pilot. With our expertise and dedication, we ensure your application is completed and submitted to the highest standard.