The Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI)
Program Description
The Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) Pilot Program is an initiative by the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario to attract skilled workers to Ontario’s rural and regional communities.
This one-year pilot program runs from January 2, 2025, to December 31, 2025, and aims to fill critical labor shortages in select Ontario regions.
Under REDI, foreign workers and international graduates who receive a full-time, permanent job offer from an employer in one of the designated communities can apply for permanent residency through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).
Partnering communities
Leeds and Grenville (United Counties) (geographic boundaries)
The REDI program ensures that skilled immigrants can contribute to economic growth while settling in welcoming communities with strong labor demand.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the REDI program, applicants must meet the criteria of one of the three OINP Employer Job Offer streams.
Option 1: Employer Job Offer – Foreign Worker Stream
✅ The offered wage must be at or above the median wage for that occupation in Ontario.
✅ The position must be essential to the employer’s business operations.
✅ The job must be classified as TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 (high-skilled occupations).
✅ Must have a valid, full-time, permanent job offer from an employer in a designated Ontario community.
Option 2: Employer Job Offer – International Student Stream
✅ Must be an international graduate from a recognized Canadian post-secondary institution.
✅ Must have a valid, full-time, permanent job offer in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation.
✅ The wage must meet or exceed the minimum wage level for the role in Ontario.
✅ The job must be related to the applicant’s field of study.
Option 3: Employer Job Offer – In-Demand Skills Stream
✅ Applies to workers in specific in-demand occupations such as healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trades.
✅ Must have a valid, full-time, permanent job offer in a qualifying in-demand occupation.
✅ The wage must meet or exceed the median wage for the job in Ontario.
Important:
✔️ All job offers must be based in one of the four designated Ontario regions.
✔️ Applicants must intend to live and work in the community where the job is offered.
✔️ Employers must meet OINP requirements, including offering fair wages and working conditions.
Benefits
The REDI program offers several advantages for skilled workers and international graduates looking to immigrate to Canada:
Fast-Track to Permanent Residency
✔️ Successful applicants receive a nomination for permanent residency through the OINP.
✔️ Since this is a provincial nomination, applicants gain 600 CRS points in the Express Entry system, virtually guaranteeing PR.
High Demand for Skilled Workers
✔️ Ontario’s regional communities face critical labor shortages—REDI helps skilled workers fill these gaps.
✔️ High demand in healthcare, IT, skilled trades, and food services means job security & career growth.
Rural & Regional Living Incentives
✔️ Lower cost of living compared to big cities like Toronto.
✔️ Access to settlement services, housing support, and community integration programs.
✔️ Ideal for families looking for safe, welcoming environments.
Open to International Graduates
✔️ Unlike many immigration programs, international students do not need work experience to apply under the International Student Stream.
Employer-Supported Immigration
✔️ Employers play an active role by offering job support & fulfilling OINP criteria.
✔️ Many companies provide relocation assistance & onboarding programs.
This program is a great opportunity for skilled workers and students looking for long-term immigration pathways in Canada!
Application Process
Applying for the REDI program follows a structured process through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).
Step 1: Secure a Job Offer
✔️ Applicants must first receive a full-time, permanent job offer from an employer in one of the four designated regions.
✔️ The employer must be approved under the OINP guidelines.
Step 2: Apply for an Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Stream
Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) under one of the following streams:
✔️ Foreign Worker Stream (for skilled workers with work experience).
✔️ International Student Stream (for graduates of Canadian institutions).
✔️ In-Demand Skills Stream (for trades & in-demand jobs).
Where to Apply?
✔️ Applications are submitted online through the OINP e-Filing Portal.
✔️ The system ranks applicants based on eligibility & regional job demand.
Step 3: Receive a Nomination from Ontario
✔️ If selected, the applicant receives a provincial nomination under the OINP.
✔️ This nomination adds 600 points to the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), practically guaranteeing PR.
Step 4: Apply for Permanent Residency with IRCC
✔️ Once nominated, applicants submit their PR application through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
✔️ The process usually takes 6-12 months depending on application volume.
Step 5: Move to Ontario & Start Working
✔️ Upon PR approval, the applicant relocates to the designated Ontario region.
✔️ Settlement support is provided, including job assistance, housing, and language services.
Deadlines & Processing Times:
✔️ The REDI Pilot Program runs from January 2, 2025, to December 31, 2025.
✔️ Only 800 spots available—apply early!
Related Programs
Canada Construction Worker Permanent Residency Pathway
Canada has introduced a new immigration pathway for construction workers, aiming to provide permanent residency …
Quebec Entrepreneur Program (QEP)
The Quebec Entrepreneur Program (QEP) is designed for business owners and entrepreneurs who want to establish or acquire a business …
Self-Employed Persons Program
The Self-Employed Persons Program is an immigration pathway for individuals with significant experience in cultural or athletic activities who can …