Ontario REDI: six regions to explore for your next job and life in Canada
by 
Babylon Radio
Listen nowIf your next chapter in Canada could be outside Toronto, Ontario’s renewed REDI initiative gives six regions a place on your job-search shortlist. It links local employers with international workers who want to build a life in their communities.
The province’s October announcement says the new Regional Economic Development through Immigration round launched on 14 October 2026 and runs until the end of 2027. It works through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, rather than a separate REDI application.
Where to look
The participating areas are Greater Sudbury, Kenora District, Nipissing District, Rainy River District, Renfrew County and Thunder Bay. Ontario uses census-division boundaries, so check the location of the job rather than assuming every nearby town is included.
For a useful starting point, North Bay’s REDI page brings together applicant information, employer resources and links to settlement support across Nipissing District. The city says the district has up to 150 nomination spaces for 2027. That figure is specific to Nipissing, not a province-wide allocation.
Photo: Hayden Soloviev / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0 (cropped).
Start with the employer and your occupation
The Ontario Workforce Priority stream sets out the current requirements. For the job-offer route, the employer starts the process through its portal. The worker then registers an expression of interest and applies if invited. Eligible self-employed physicians have a separate route within the stream.
Language, education and experience requirements depend on your occupation. The official page lists language levels of CLB 6 for most TEER 0–3 jobs, CLB 5 for specified skilled trades and CLB 4 for TEER 4–5 jobs. Certain recent Ontario qualifications can meet the language requirement for TEER 0–3 applicants without a test. Use the full official criteria for your own role, including any licence requirements.
A practical next step is to identify employers in a participating area whose roles fit your experience, then ask whether they can support an OINP application. REDI is a pathway towards permanent residence, not a promise of a quicker decision.
An upcoming session for regional employers
Kenora and Rainy River Districts made a joint regional application, led by Confederation College. The City of Kenora’s 22 October announcement also invites employers to an in-person immigration information session on 5 November, from 11am to 12.30pm. Its registration link is on that page.
For someone weighing a move, local settlement services are worth exploring alongside vacancies. North Bay’s resources cover transport, education, employment and community life, helping you picture the everyday routine as well as the next career step.
Explore Babylon’s Canada stories for more ideas as you plan where to work and settle. You can also join Babylon for free.
Top photo: Jim Patterson / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped).