Ontario Introduces Pilot Program for Canadian Permanent Residency

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has introduced an exciting new pilot initiative: the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot program for Canadian permanent residency. Set to operate from January 2 to December 31, 2025, this program aims to welcome up to 800 highly skilled immigrants to Ontario’s rural and northern areas, specifically targeting Lanark, Leeds and Grenville, Sarnia-Lambton, and Thunder Bay.

Through REDI, successful applicants will secure a provincial nomination from the OINP, which can be used to apply for Canadian permanent residency through Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Let’s dive into how this pilot program works and who is eligible to apply.

Functionality:
REDI will process applications via the OINP’s Employer Job Offer streams. Each region involved will receive 200 additional nominations to be distributed through these streams. The objective is to fill labour gaps in essential sectors like healthcare, technology, and skilled trades, all critical to local economic growth.

Eligibility:
Candidates must meet the criteria of the OINP’s job offer streams to qualify. Applicants need a bona fide job offer from an employer located in one of the target regions. Applicants must plan to reside in Ontario and possess any necessary authorization to practice if working in a regulated profession.

Stream Details:
1. Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream: Candidates must secure a full-time, permanent job in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation that meets Ontario’s median wage. The position should align with the employer’s core business needs.

1. Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream: This stream requires a job offer in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation, with a wage meeting or exceeding the low-wage level in the region. Eligible candidates should be recent graduates from a recognized Canadian institution in Ontario.
2. Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream: Applicants must have a full-time, permanent position in a critical occupation. A crucial requirement includes nine months of work experience, a high school diploma, and language proficiency of CLB 4 or higher.

Ontario’s REDI pilot seeks to build upon the success of the former OINP Regional Pilot, encouraging skilled immigrants to support the province’s economic and demographic goals. This initiative not only helps fill key labour shortages but also strengthens regional communities across Ontario.

Please email us at hello@bisonimmigration.com for more information