Ontario Expands Immigration Support to Six Communities

Ontario has launched a new round of its Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) initiative, directing provincial immigration support towards six communities outside the Greater Toronto Area.

The initiative, announced in October 2026, will continue until the end of 2027. It operates under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), which helps the province identify foreign workers who could contribute to its economy.

Six Communities Selected

The participating areas are Greater Sudbury, Kenora District, Nipissing District, Rainy River District, Renfrew County and Thunder Bay.

These northern and eastern Ontario communities will receive dedicated nomination spaces through the OINP. The province chose participants based on their need for workers, opportunities for economic growth, employer involvement and ability to help newcomers settle.

Ontario invited communities outside the Greater Toronto Area to express interest during spring 2026. Officials considered local labour needs and the services available to support immigrants joining those communities.

How the Initiative Works

REDI is not a separate immigration program. Instead, it sets aside provincial nomination spaces for participating communities within Ontario's existing immigration system.

Skilled foreign workers interested in living and working in these areas must still meet the requirements of the applicable OINP pathway.

An offer of employment in a participating area does not automatically qualify someone for nomination. Applicants must follow provincial rules, which may involve their occupation, education, language ability, work experience and employer circumstances.

Ontario's announcement did not specify how many nomination spaces each community would receive or announce an invitation score threshold.

Why Ontario Is Looking Beyond Toronto

Regional employers can struggle to recruit qualified staff when local populations cannot meet workforce demand. Smaller communities may also face challenges attracting workers who initially consider settling in larger cities.

Through REDI, Ontario aims to direct immigration towards areas where employers need additional talent and where communities can support newcomers over the longer term.

The initiative recognizes that successful settlement depends on more than finding a job. Housing, community services and local support can influence whether newcomers remain in a region.

What Workers Should Know

Prospective applicants should first confirm that their intended destination falls within one of the six designated areas. Ontario uses Statistics Canada census division boundaries to define those locations.

They should then review the applicable OINP requirements and check whether their employment and qualifications meet provincial criteria.

Employers must also satisfy any relevant program conditions. Simply relocating outside Toronto will not make an individual eligible for REDI support.

A provincial nomination can support a permanent residence application, but federal authorities make the final immigration decision.

Support Continues Through 2027

The latest round builds on Ontario's earlier regional immigration efforts and keeps attention on communities seeking workers outside major urban centres.

For eligible candidates, REDI may provide another route towards provincial nomination. However, eligibility and selection remain essential, and participating communities do not guarantee an immigration outcome.

Ontario expects the initiative to operate until December 2027, giving regional employers and prospective newcomers a defined period to explore these opportunities.