Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) Pilot

For more information about the REDI Pilot Program, please visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/regional-economic-development-through-immigration-redi-pilot

The REDI pilot program has now concluded.

Individuals or employers interested in exploring other immigration pathways through Ontario are encouraged to visit the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) website for up-to-date information on available streams and eligibility requirements:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-immigrant-nominee-program-oinp

Overview

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has launched the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot, a one-year initiative that will run from January 2, 2025 to December 31, 2025.

This new initiative will use the OINP to target skilled labour that is not available locally to help fill the labour market needs of employers in four pilot communities:

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

The REDI pilot offers a pathway to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers with a job offer who want to live and work in a pilot community.

About the Pilot

The Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot is a regionalization initiative from the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). The REDI pilot works within the existing Employer Job Offer streams of the OINP.

For 2025, 200 nomination spaces from the OINP’s Employer Job Offer streams are allocated to each of the four partner communities. These nominations are specifically, reserved for applicants with job offers in one of the four pilot communities.

REDI Pilot Objectives

The goal of this initiative is to attract more highly skilled foreign talent to Ontario regional communities to fill local labour market gaps and help spread the benefits of economic immigration across the province. Through this initiative, we will:

Promote the OINP to encourage uptake under the Employer Job Offer streams in pilot communities
Collaborate with regional partners to educate employers on how best to leverage the OINP to fill local labour shortages
Provide a pathway to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers with a job offer who want to live and work in a pilot community

Participating communities will receive dedicated support from the OINP, including information sessions for employers. Employers will have access to business service support to help them leverage the program.

Eligible Applicants

If an applicant qualifies for any of the OINP Employer Job Offer streams and their full-time job offer is for a position located within one of the pilot communities, then they may qualify for the pilot.

There are no additional criteria or a separate application process for the pilot. Eligible applicants can apply through the regular OINP Expression of Interest (EOI) system and are eligible for targeted pilot draws.

The REDI pilot program has now concluded. Individuals or employers interested in exploring other immigration pathways through Ontario are encouraged to visit the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) website for up-to-date information on available streams and eligibility requirements: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-immigrant-nominee-program-oinp

For Employers in Sarnia-Lambton

The REDI pilot program provides businesses in Sarnia-Lambton with access to skilled talent, helping employers fill persistent workforce gaps and support long-term business growth. Through dedicated program support, employers can strengthen their workforce, reduce turnover, and enhance overall competitiveness. This initiative is designed to complement local hiring efforts, ensuring businesses have the resources they need to succeed in an evolving economy.

For further details:

Local support and resources: Call us at 519-332-1820 or email redi@sarnialambton.on.ca
OINP business support: Email immigration.ontario@ontario.ca to learn more about the program.

How to participate in the REDI program:

Step 1: Confirm Your Business Eligibility

Before participating in REDI, your business must meet the following requirements:

Operating for at least three years before applying.
Located in Sarnia-Lambton.
No outstanding orders under the Ontario Employment Standards Act, 2000 or the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
At least 3 full-time employees who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Minimum $500,000 in total gross annual revenue.

Step 2: Understand the Job Offer Requirements

To hire a foreign worker through REDI, you must offer a permanent, full-time job:

Minimum 30 hours per week.
Indeterminate contract (no fixed end date).
Meets wage requirements as per the Job Bank Wages Report
Matches an eligible OINP stream:
- Foreign Worker Stream: Permanent job offer in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 of the National Occupation Classification (NOC) at median wage, 2 years full-time work experience in the same field from the last 5 years or a valid license for the required occupation.
- International Graduate Stream: Skilled occupation at TEER Category 0, 1, 2 or 3 of the National Occupation Classification (NOC). Completed education in an eligible Canadian institution within 2 years.
- In-Demand Skills Stream: Job in listed NOC, median wage, 9 months Ontario experience.

Step 3: Complete the Employer Form

Employers must complete the Application for Approval of an Employment Position Form
Must be signed and given to the candidate for submission.

Step 4: Write a Job Offer Letter

Your job offer letter must include:

Business name, address, phone, email.
Supervisor’s name and title.
Job title, NOC code, wage, duties, hours, start date.
Signed and stamped by the employer.

Step 5: Promote Job Openings & Connect with Candidates

Post job openings through your website and/or on Indeed and LinkedIn
Participate in information sessions.

For Applicants

The REDI pilot program is part of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), which offers skilled workers and international graduates a pathway to permanent residency.

If you are an immigrant applicant, explore opportunities to live and work in Sarnia-Lambton by visiting https://livesarnialambton.ca. We are also happy to provide information about life in the Sarnia-Lambton region and the resources available to help you settle.

Please note:

We do not accept resumes or applications for immigration programs.
Interested job seekers must apply directly to the employer job postings.
Individuals interested in immigration programs must follow the guidelines outlined by the OINP and IRCC.

Below is a guide on how the process would look like:

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

To qualify, you must meet one of the following streams:

OINP Stream Requirements Foreign Worker

‍Permanent job offer in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 of the National Occupation Classification (NOC) at median wage, 2 years full-time work experience in the same field from the last 5 years or a valid license for the required occupation

‍International Graduate

‍Skilled occupation at TEER Category 0, 1, 2 or 3 of the National Occupation Classification (NOC). Completed education in an eligible Canadian institution within 2 years.In-Demand SkillsJob in listed NOC, median wage, 9 months Ontario experience.

Step 2: Find a Job in Sarnia-Lambton

Search for opportunities through the Sarnia-Lambton Workforce Development Board (SLWDB) job portal.
Ensure the job is permanent and full-time.
Employer must complete an Employer Form.

Step 3: Obtain the Employer Form

Your employer must complete and sign the Employer Form
You must upload this form with your OINP application

Step 4: Gather Your Required Documents

Personal Identification: Passport, proof of status in Canada.
Education: Degree/diploma, Educational Credential Assessment (if required).
Work Experience: Reference letters, pay stubs.
Job Offer Documents: Signed job offer letter, Employer Form.
Financial Proof: Bank statements, income proof.
For the full list of documents, please refer to the guidelines on the OINP website.

Step 5: Submit Your Application Online

Apply via the OINP e-Filing Portal.
Application Fees:
- $1,500 CAD (outside GTA)
- $2,000 CAD (Greater Toronto Area)
- Processing Time: 90-120 days.

Step 6: Apply for Permanent Residence

If approved, you receive a Nomination Certificate.
Submit a permanent residence application to IRCC.
Complete medical and background checks.