Ontario Opens Permanent Residency Applications for Skilled Workers
Ontario launches a new rural pathway to permanent residency in 2025
Ontario is opening a fresh route for skilled newcomers who are willing to build their careers outside the GTA. A new pilot called Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) will run from January 2 to December 31, 2025. The province says it will accept up to 800 skilled immigrants through the initiative, with the goal of easing long-running labour shortages in smaller communities.
For many applicants, the headline is simple: a job offer in the right region could become a direct stepping stone to permanent residency.
The communities Ontario is prioritizing
REDI is aimed at regions that have struggled to attract enough workers, especially in healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. The four participating areas are:
- Lanark
- Leeds and Grenville
- Sarnia-Lambton
- Thunder Bay
These are not “try your luck” destinations. They are communities actively trying to match newcomers with employers who need people now, and who are prepared to hire for long-term roles.
How the REDI pathway works
REDI sits under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). The model is straightforward:
- You secure an eligible job offer in one of the four participating regions.
- Ontario nominates you through the OINP stream that fits your profile.
- With a nomination, you apply for permanent residence to the federal government.
The practical takeaway is that REDI is designed for applicants who want a clear, job-led route rather than a points-only strategy.
Who can qualify, in plain terms
Your eligibility hinges on having a full-time, permanent job offer in the targeted area. From there, applicants generally fit into one of three common OINP categories:
1) Skilled foreign workers
- Permanent full-time job offer in an eligible occupation
- Wage must meet Ontario norms for that role
- Experience and licensing may be required, depending on the job
2) International graduates in Ontario
- Permanent full-time job offer in an eligible occupation
- Recent graduation from an Ontario institution
- Wage must meet the required threshold
3) In-demand skills workers
- Permanent full-time job offer in a high-need occupation
- At least 9 months of relevant work experience
- Must meet language and education requirements
If you are planning your move, the key is to treat the job offer as the foundation of the entire plan. Without it, REDI is not the right tool.
Why this pilot matters for people trying to immigrate
REDI signals a bigger shift in Canadian immigration: more weight is being placed on regional needs. Major cities remain popular, but provinces are increasingly using nominations to steer talent toward communities where shortages are hurting essential services and local growth.
For newcomers, that can be an advantage. Smaller centres often offer:
- Faster access to employers who are struggling to hire
- Lower cost of living than major urban markets
- A clearer link between your occupation and community demand
That said, rural and smaller-city settlement comes with trade-offs. Job options can be narrower if you want to switch employers later, and some regulated roles may require licensing steps that take time. Planning ahead matters.
What applicants should do next
If REDI fits your goals, the strongest approach is targeted and practical:
- Identify the participating region that best matches your occupation.
- Focus your job search locally, including smaller employers and sector-specific organizations.
- Check licensing requirements early if you work in healthcare or regulated trades.
- Prepare documentation that supports a nomination pathway, including proof of experience, education, and language results where needed.
The bottom line
Ontario’s REDI pilot gives skilled workers and eligible graduates a realistic shot at permanent residency, as long as they are ready to commit to building a life in Lanark, Leeds and Grenville, Sarnia-Lambton, or Thunder Bay. With only 800 spots available across 2025, competition may be tight. Candidates who align their job search with regional labour needs will be best positioned to benefit.
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