North Bay Announces 150 Immigration Nomination Spaces for Foreign Workers in 2027

Ontario Immigration Update 2027: New Permanent Residence Opportunities Through the REDI Initiative

Ontario is planning to reserve 150 provincial immigration nomination spaces for foreign workers in Nipissing District in 2027, according to information published by the City of North Bay.

The announcement was made by the City of North Bay’s Economic Development Department on October 26, 2026. The information was published on the city's official website, although the webpage was no longer accessible at the time of the original report.

These nomination spaces are expected to be offered through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) under the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) initiative.

The initiative aims to help employers in selected Ontario regions attract and retain skilled foreign workers while providing eligible candidates with a potential pathway to Canadian permanent residence.

Who Can Apply for Permanent Residence Through the REDI Initiative?

Foreign workers interested in applying through the REDI initiative must meet specific eligibility requirements.

To be considered, applicants must:

• Have a qualifying job offer from an employer located within Nipissing District.
• Meet the minimum eligibility requirements of an applicable OINP stream.
• Submit an online Expression of Interest (EOI) with the support of their employer.
• Receive an invitation from the OINP before submitting an application for provincial nomination.
  
  

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee an invitation or approval.

How Does the REDI Immigration Process Work?

The REDI initiative operates through Ontario's provincial immigration system.

Step 1: Secure a Job Offer

The foreign worker must obtain a qualifying job offer from an employer in Nipissing District.

Step 2: Meet OINP Eligibility Requirements

The applicant must satisfy the requirements of the relevant OINP immigration stream.

Step 3: Submit an Expression of Interest

An online Expression of Interest must be submitted with employer support.

Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply

The OINP reviews eligible candidates and selects applicants who may submit a provincial nomination application.

Step 5: Apply for Provincial Nomination

Selected candidates can submit their applications to the OINP. If approved, they receive a provincial nomination.

Step 6: Apply for Canadian Permanent Residence

After receiving a provincial nomination, successful applicants can apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence.

The final decision on permanent residence remains with IRCC.

Six Ontario Regions Selected for the 2026–2027 REDI Initiative

Ontario has identified six regions to participate in the 2026–2027 Regional Economic Development through Immigration initiative.

These regions include:

1. Nipissing District
2. Greater Sudbury/Grand Sudbury
3. Kenora District
4. Rainy River District
5. Renfrew County
6. Thunder Bay
   
   

The OINP published the list of participating regions on October 14, 2026.

The geographic boundaries of these regions are based on the census divisions established by Statistics Canada.

The REDI initiative focuses on communities outside the Greater Toronto Area, helping regional employers address workforce needs and attract foreign workers.

Which Ontario Regions Have Confirmed Their Immigration Quotas for 2027?

As of November 3, 2026, only two of the six participating regions had publicly confirmed their provincial nomination allocations.

Although these allocations have been publicly reported, the OINP had not released a detailed breakdown of its planned 2027 REDI nomination distribution on its official website as of November 3, 2026.

What Is Ontario’s REDI Immigration Initiative?

The Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) initiative is part of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program.

It is designed to support economic development in selected Ontario communities by helping employers recruit and retain eligible foreign workers.

Through this initiative, Ontario reserves a portion of its annual provincial nomination allocation for candidates who meet the program requirements and have qualifying employment opportunities in participating regions.

The program also supports regional workforce development by encouraging immigration to communities outside the Greater Toronto Area.

How Many Immigration Spaces Were Available Under REDI in 2025?

Ontario previously operated the REDI initiative from January 2 to December 31, 2025.

During that period, the province allocated 800 provincial nomination spaces across four participating regions.

Each region received 200 nomination spaces.

The 2026–2027 initiative includes a revised list of participating regions and new regional nomination allocations.

What Does This Mean for Foreign Workers in Ontario?

The announcement of 150 nomination spaces for Nipissing District may create additional permanent residence opportunities for eligible foreign workers with qualifying job offers in the region.

However, applicants should understand that provincial nomination spaces are limited and selection is not guaranteed.

Foreign workers interested in the REDI initiative should carefully review the eligibility criteria of the applicable OINP stream and ensure their employment offers meet the program's requirements.

Employer support is also an important part of the application process.

Latest Ontario Immigration Update for 2027

North Bay's announcement provides an early indication of how Ontario may distribute provincial immigration nomination spaces through the REDI initiative in 2027.

With 150 spaces identified for Nipissing District and another 150 for Thunder Bay, further announcements may provide more clarity about the remaining participating regions.

As of November 3, 2026, the OINP had not published an official breakdown of how all REDI nominations would be allocated for 2027.

Foreign workers and employers should continue monitoring official OINP announcements for updated eligibility requirements, application procedures, and regional nomination allocations.