Ontario’s New Regional Permanent Residency Pathway 2025: Key Updates

Ontario has introduced a new permanent residency pathway to tackle regional labor shortages and support local economies. The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has launched the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot. This initiative will be in effect from January 2, 2025, to December 31, 2025. Let's look at the key details of this new pathway.

Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) Pilot Program Details

The Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot program aims to attract skilled immigrants to rural and northern areas of Ontario, strengthening the province’s ability to welcome new residents. The initiative will focus on fostering economic growth in four specific regions, offering up to 800 nominations for skilled newcomers.

The regions involved in the REDI pilot include:

• Lanark County
• Leeds and Grenville (United Counties)
• Sarnia-Lambton
• City of Thunder Bay

Applicants selected for the program will receive a provincial nomination from the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). With this nomination, they can then apply directly to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residency.

How Does the REDI Pilot Program Work?

The REDI pilot program will be integrated into the OINP’s Employer Job Offer streams, targeting specific sectors to address labour shortages in Ontario’s rural and northern regions. Each of the four regions will receive an allocation of 200 additional nominations, which will be distributed across three job offer streams:

• Foreign Worker Stream
• International Student Stream
• In-Demand Skills Stream

The program aims to fill crucial labour gaps in industries that are key to regional development, including healthcare, technology, and skilled trades such as construction.

Also Read: IRCC Update: OINP Streams to Work Directly with Express Entry

REDI Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the new REDI pilot program, applicants must meet the criteria of one of the OINP's Employer Job Offer streams. A key requirement is securing a valid job offer from an employer located in one of the designated regions.

In addition to this, applicants must:

• Intend to live in Ontario.
• Hold the necessary license or authorization to practice their profession if it is regulated.

Here is a closer look at the specific eligibility criteria for each job offer stream.

Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream

This stream is designed for candidates with job offers in high-demand occupations that help address regional labour shortages in Ontario.

Job Offer Requirements:

• The position must be full-time and permanent.
• It must be an eligible occupation based in Ontario.
• The wage should meet or exceed the median wage for the position.
• The role must be essential to the employer's business operations.

Candidate Requirements:

• Applicants must have a minimum of nine months of relevant work experience in the same occupation within the past three years.
• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Language proficiency at CLB 4 or higher must be demonstrated.
• Candidates with education from outside Canada need to submit an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) to validate their qualifications.

Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream

This stream is tailored for skilled workers with job offers in specific occupations, focusing on positions that are essential for Ontario’s economic growth.

Job Offer Requirements:

• The position must be full-time and permanent.
• The occupation must be classified under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
• The wage must meet or exceed the median wage for the occupation in Ontario.
• The job must be based in Ontario and critical to the employer’s business operations.

Candidate Requirements:

• For regulated occupations, candidates must possess a valid license or authorization from the appropriate regulatory body in Ontario.
• For non-regulated occupations, candidates need at least two years of work experience in the same field within the past five years, which can be accumulated through full-time or part-time employment.

Quick Read: Why is Canada the Top Destination for Global Job Seekers?

Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream

This stream is designed for recent graduates from eligible Canadian institutions in Ontario who have secured a job offer from an employer in the province.

Job Offer Requirements:

• The position must be full-time and permanent.
• The occupation must fall under TEER 0,1,2, or 3 of the NOC.
• The wage should meet or exceed the low wage threshold for the occupation.
• The job must be located in Ontario and essential to the employer’s operations.

Candidate Requirements:

• Applicants must have graduated from a qualifying educational program at an eligible Canadian institution in Ontario within the past two years. Eligible programs include:
  • Undergraduate degrees or diplomas (minimum two years, full-time)
  • Graduate degrees or diplomas (minimum one year, full-time)
  • College or university graduate certificates (minimum one year, full-time)

• If currently employed in the offered position, the wage must meet or exceed the current wage for the role while also meeting the low wage level requirement.

Check Out: New Rules for International Students in Canada from January 2025

New Federal Regional Immigration Programs

The REDI pilot program is designed to significantly strengthen Ontario’s regional economies and foster long-term employment opportunities. It aligns with federal efforts to encourage immigration to rural and regional areas.

Two federal programs that complement the REDI pilot include:

• Rural Community Immigration Class: This program targets labour shortages in rural communities across Canada.

• Francophone Community Immigration Class: Aimed at attracting French-speaking immigrants to minority Francophone communities.

Together, these initiatives support the broader goal of addressing regional needs and diversifying Canada’s immigrant population.

Want to Immigrate to Canada with the REDI Pilot Program? Connect with GetGIS

The REDI pilot program represents a key move in tackling regional labour shortages and fostering economic growth through skilled immigration. By focusing on rural and northern areas, it ensures broader economic benefits across Ontario. Aspiring immigrants should view this program as a valuable pathway to permanent residency and community development.

Reach out to GetGIS for expert guidance and personalized assistance throughout your immigration process. The experts here can help you navigate the complex immigration requirements and ensure a smooth transition to your new life in Ontario.

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Quick Links for You:

• Canada Caps Study Permit Applications for 2025 at 505,162
• Government of Canada Hiring: Job Openings Nationwide
• Latest IRCC Processing Times Updates as of January 2025