REDI is intended to help selected communities attract and retain skilled newcomers. It is not a stand-alone immigration program: a candidate must still satisfy the relevant OINP requirements.
What Ontario announced
Ontario's October 16, 2026 program update says a new REDI round has launched and will run through the end of 2027. The province will allocate nomination spaces to selected communities that have shown a critical need for newcomer talent and capacity to support settlement and integration.
Participating communities
The province lists these six participating areas:
- Greater Sudbury / Grand Sudbury
- Kenora District
- Nipissing District
- Rainy River District
- Renfrew County
- Thunder Bay
How REDI works with the OINP
REDI operates inside the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program. Ontario expressly states that there is no separate REDI application process. A person must meet OINP eligibility requirements, and a provincial nomination is not the final permanent residence decision; the federal government makes that decision.
The announcement does not mean that anyone living in, working in or holding a job offer from a listed community automatically qualifies. The applicable OINP pathway, employer and job-offer conditions, evidence, current intake rules and any selection process still matter.
Who should pay attention
The update may be relevant to skilled foreign workers and Ontario employers in the six participating communities. It may also matter to candidates willing to build a genuine long-term life in northern or regional Ontario. Before taking action, confirm the current OINP pathway and whether the employer, position and applicant meet every required condition.
Practical checklist
- Confirm that the job location is inside a participating REDI community
- Identify the current OINP pathway that may apply to the candidate
- Verify the employer, job offer, wage, occupation and work arrangement requirements
- Match the actual job duties to the correct NOC and TEER
- Check language, education, work experience and status requirements
- Prepare consistent employer and applicant evidence
- Monitor Ontario's official REDI and OINP pages for implementation details
- Do not pay anyone for a guaranteed nomination or approval
Official sources
Program rules, nomination allocations, intake procedures and eligibility requirements can change. Every case depends on its complete facts and evidence. This guide does not guarantee eligibility, a nomination, an invitation or permanent residence approval.