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Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) Pilot Program

The Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot was a targeted initiative delivered through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) from January to December 2025. The program supported participating communities, including Sarnia-Lambton, in attracting and retaining skilled talent by connecting local employers with qualified candidates through OINP’s Employer Job Offer streams.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: The Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot has now concluded. Employers and individuals interested in exploring other immigration pathways are encouraged to visit the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program website for current programs and eligibility details.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OINP
REDI PROGRAM IMPACT IN SARNIA-LAMBTON

The Rural Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot has delivered strong early results in Sarnia-Lambton.

  • We connected with over 500 applicants and 100 local employers
  • The region has reached 209 nominations through REDI / OINP
  • Over 110 applications remain in process, supporting continued momentum into 2026
  • Since the launch of REDI, Sarnia-Lambton has achieved a 364 percent increase in applications and nominations
  • The majority of nominations supported sectors experiencing ongoing labour shortages, including health care support services, early childhood education, and home support services.

These results reflect strong employer demand for talent and growing interest from skilled newcomers seeking opportunities in the region.

SLEP SUPPORT FOR EMPLOYERS

While the REDI pilot program has concluded, the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership team can continue to support employers who want to access the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program. This program allows Ontario employers to recruit and retain talent for positions that are difficult to fill locally.

SLEP also works with employers to help navigate available immigration pathways and connect them with appropriate provincial and federal programs.

As part of Canada’s Global Skills Strategy, eligible employers may be referred to the Dedicated Service Channel (DSC), which provides enhanced client service for companies making a significant investment in Canada. Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership is a DSC referral partner.

Through the DSC, employers may gain access to an account manager who can assess business needs, provide guidance on immigration pathways, and answer questions throughout the process.

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is the province’s primary immigration pathway, designed to help employers address workforce needs by attracting and retaining skilled international talent. Through a range of streams, including Employer Job Offer categories, the program enables qualified candidates with job offers in Ontario to apply for nomination and pursue permanent residence.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OINP

For Employers in Sarnia-Lambton

OINP provides employers with a structured pathway to recruit and retain international talent to support business growth and address labour shortages.

Through the Employer Job Offer streams, employers can:

  • Fill full-time, permanent positions that are difficult to recruit locally
  • Access talent across key streams, including Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills
  • Support candidates through the nomination process toward permanent residency

Employers must meet program requirements and submit job offers through the Employer Portal as part of the application process.

For further details:

  • Local support and guidance: Call 519-332-1820 or email contact@sarnialambton.on.ca
  • OINP program inquiries: immigration.ontario@ontario.ca

For Applicants

OINP offers multiple pathways for individuals seeking to live and work in Ontario permanently. Many streams require a valid job offer from an Ontario employer and operate through an Expression of Interest system, where candidates may be invited to apply based on labour market needs.

Through the Employer Job Offer streams, eligible applicants can:

  • Apply with a full-time, permanent job offer from an Ontario employer
  • Be considered under streams aligned with their experience or education
  • Receive a provincial nomination, which can support an application for permanent residence

If you are interested in opportunities in Sarnia-Lambton, visit livesarnialambton.ca to learn more about working and living in the region.

Please note:

  • We do not accept resumes or applications for immigration programs
  • Job seekers must apply directly to employers
  • All applicants must follow OINP and IRCC guidelines

OINP Business Immigration Services

Through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), employers can access dedicated support to help navigate immigration pathways and address workforce needs.

The OINP Business Immigration Services team works directly with employers to:

  • Fill labour shortages
  • Retain international students
  • Access skilled workers more efficiently

As a designated referral partner under Canada’s Global Skills Strategy, OINP can support high-growth and scaling companies with expedited processes, including work permits and Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs).

Employers also have access to information sessions, one-on-one support, and dedicated program staff to guide them through the process.

OINP Business Immigration Services may be contacted via immigration.ontario@ontario.ca

Local Support in Sarnia-Lambton

The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership works with employers to help navigate available immigration pathways and connect them with appropriate provincial and federal programs.

As part of Canada’s Global Skills Strategy, eligible employers may be referred to the Dedicated Service Channel (DSC), which provides enhanced client service for companies making a significant investment in Canada.

Through the DSC, employers may gain access to an account manager who can:

  • Assess business needs
  • Provide guidance on immigration pathways
  • Answer questions throughout the process

Please note that access to the DSC is not automatic. Employers must be identified and referred by a designated referral partner, and eligibility is determined by the Government of Canada.

It is important to note that the Dedicated Service Channel does not process applications or provide exemptions from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process.

Our team can support employers in understanding these pathways and determining whether they may be a fit for programs such as the Global Skills Strategy and OINP.

For support, please contact our team at 519-332-1820 or contact@sarnialambton.on.ca

Other Helpful Resources:

If your organization has other workforce requirements beyond the OINP, we would be happy to discuss how we can support your talent needs. Please reach out to us at contact@sarnialambton.on.ca for further assistance.

Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership

Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park
1086 Modeland Road,
Building 1050, Suite 100,
Sarnia, ON
Canada N7S 6L2

Telephone: 519-332-1820

Email: contact@sarnialambton.on.ca

Toll Free Telephone
(within North America)
1-800-972-7642
© Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership 2025. All rights reserved. Website by hi5design.