What REDI is
REDI stands for Regional Economic Development through Immigration. It is a partnership between the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) and participating Ontario communities. Its purpose, according to the province, is to attract and retain skilled workers in regional communities, and it gives skilled foreign workers a pathway to permanent residence in those communities. It began as a pilot in 2020, and more communities were added in 2025.
The 2026-27 round
Ontario's page of 2026 OINP updates lists a new REDI round under October 16, 2026. The round runs to the end of 2027. It sets aside nomination spaces for partner communities that have a critical need for newcomer talent. The communities are:
- Greater Sudbury (Grand Sudbury)
- Kenora District
- Nipissing District
- Rainy River District
- Renfrew County
- Thunder Bay
How candidates apply
There is no separate REDI application. Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements of the OINP, whose streams were replaced by the Ontario Workforce Priority stream on June 25, 2026. Employers and candidates who want to know how REDI applies to a particular situation should contact the OINP using the contact details on the REDI page.