Ontario Launches REDI Pilot Program in January 2025

Ontario has launched an innovative initiative under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), namely the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot. It will run from January 2, 2025, to December 31, 2025.

This one-year pilot aims to address local labour shortages and drive regional economic growth by attracting highly skilled immigrants to four key communities:

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

An Overview of REDI

The REDI pilot offers a streamlined route to Canada permanent residence for skilled foreign workers who secure job offers in these communities.

Operating within the OINP Employer Job Offer streams framework, the program reserves 200 nomination spaces for each participating community.

Objectives of the REDI Pilot

The primary goals of the REDI pilot include:

• Addressing Labour Shortages: Filling critical gaps in industries such as healthcare, technology, and skilled trades.

• Promoting the OINP: Encouraging businesses in pilot communities to leverage the Employer Job Offer streams to attract foreign talent.

• Strengthening Local Economies: Spreading the benefits of economic immigration across Ontario’s regional communities.

• Supporting Employers: Providing dedicated support, including information sessions and business services, to help employers navigate the program.

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Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants must meet the criteria of one of the OINP Employer Job Offer streams and have a full-time job offer in one pilot community. There are no additional application steps; qualified candidates can apply through the regular OINP Expression of Interest (EOI) system and may be selected in targeted pilot draws.

Key eligibility requirements include:

• A qualifying job offer from an employer in one of the four pilot regions.
• Intent to live and work in Ontario.
• Licensing or authorization to practice their occupation, if required.

How does the OINP Expression of Interest System Work?

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) uses an Expression of Interest (EOI) system to manage applications for its key streams:

• Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream
• Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream
• Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream
• Masters Graduate Stream
• PhD Graduate Stream

Before applying to these streams, candidates must register an Expression of Interest, signaling their intention to apply.

Registering an EOI allows the OINP to assess candidates based on:

• Education
• Language Proficiency
• Regional Immigration Goals
• Skills and Work Experience
• Earnings History
• Job Offers and Work Experience in Ontario
• Strategic Priorities

Benefits for Communities and Employers

Participating communities will receive focused support from the OINP, including resources to educate employers on utilizing the program effectively. Employers in these regions will benefit from a pool of skilled talent to address persistent labour shortages.

Conclusion

Aspiring applicants and employers who want to apply for Canada PR are encouraged to explore opportunities under the REDI pilot and attend information sessions hosted by the OINP. This initiative represents a significant step in fostering regional economic development through strategic immigration.

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Source: ontario.ca

Tags: Regional Economic Development through Immigration REDI Pilot Program REDI Pilot Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Employer Job Offer Foreign Worker Stream Masters Graduate Stream International Student Stream Canada Immigration News