Canada: New Round of Ontario’s Regional Immigration Initiative Launched

Following its 2025 pilot, the Ontario government has launched a new round of its Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) initiative, which will run until the end of 2027. The initiative will allocate nomination spaces to six participating communities: Greater Sudbury, Kenora District, Nipissing District, Rainy River District, Renfrew County and Thunder Bay. These communities were selected based on their need for skilled foreign workers and their capacity to attract and support newcomers. The number of nomination spaces allocated to each participating community has not yet been announced. 

REDI operates through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), which nominates foreign nationals with the skills and experience needed by Ontario’s economy for permanent residence. Skilled foreign workers who intend to live and work in a participating community may be considered through the regular OINP process, provided they meet its eligibility requirements; there is no separate REDI application. The federal government then adjudicates permanent residence applications following provincial nomination. Interested applicants and employers should consult the REDI website and their immigration professional for case-specific advice. 

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.