Key takeaways
- Ontario launched a new round of REDI, running to the end of 2027
- It has 6 partner communities outside the GTA
- There is no separate application process
- You must meet OINP eligibility requirements and want to live and work in a participating community
- Ontario has not published quotas per community or a draw date
What Ontario announced
Ontario’s OINP updates page says that on October 14, 2026, the program provided updates on REDI. It says a new round has launched and will run to the end of 2027. The page shows “Updated: October 16, 2026”.
Ontario says REDI allocates nomination spaces to selected partner communities that have shown a critical need for newcomer talent. It offers a pathway to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers in the participating communities.
The 6 partner communities for 2026–2027
Ontario lists these partner communities on its REDI page:
- Greater Sudbury (Grand Sudbury)
- Kenora District
- Nipissing District
- Rainy River District
- Renfrew County
- Thunder Bay
Ontario says the geographic boundaries are census divisions as defined by Statistics Canada. This means the area is larger than the city or town name.
How to be considered
Ontario says: “There is no separate application process for the initiative.” To be considered, applicants must meet OINP eligibility requirements. Candidates must also want to live and work in a participating community.
Ontario has not published nomination quotas for each community or a draw date. It has not published stream-specific REDI rules in the pages we used.
Background
Ontario says REDI began as a pilot in 2020 with 3 partner communities. It expanded in 2025 with 4 new community partners. To date, it has supported the nomination of nearly 1,000 workers across 7 partner communities.
Ontario says that in the spring of 2026, it invited communities outside the GTA to express interest. The selection criteria included specific labour challenges, including in health care, and the ability and readiness to help newcomers get settled. Employers can contact immigration.ontario@ontario.ca.
A note on dates
Ontario’s pages show different dates. The OINP updates page says the updates were provided on October 14, 2026. The REDI page shows October 13, 2026 as its date. We use “announced in mid-October”.
What this means for you
- You plan to live in one of the 6 communities: read the OINP eligibility requirements and the REDI page. There is no separate REDI form.
- You plan to live in Toronto or another area: REDI does not apply to that area.
- You are an employer in a partner community: Ontario gives immigration.ontario@ontario.ca as the contact.
What to do next
- Read the REDI page and the OINP updates page for changes.
- Check the OINP eligibility requirements.
- See our guide to the Provincial Nominee Program and our PNP draws page.
Frequently asked questions
Which communities are in Ontario REDI for 2026–2027?
Greater Sudbury, Kenora District, Nipissing District, Rainy River District, Renfrew County and Thunder Bay.
Do I apply separately for REDI?
No. Ontario says there is no separate application process. You must meet OINP eligibility requirements.
How long does the new REDI round run?
To the end of 2027.
How many spaces does each community have?
Ontario has not published quotas per community.
Sources
- Ontario: 2026 Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program updates (updated October 16, 2026)
- Ontario: Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) (updated October 13, 2026)
Facts as provided in our research brief dated October 21, 2026.
This is general information, not legal or immigration advice. For your situation, consult a licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) or lawyer.
