Ontario reserves 150 immigration spots for Nipissing District in 2027
Ontario will set aside 150 provincial immigration spaces for foreign workers in the Nipissing District, to be allocated through the 2027 REDI initiative. The quota takes effect for nominations issued in 2027 and targets workers with a local job offer who meet OINP stream criteria.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Ontario reserves 150 immigration spaces for foreign workers in Nipissing District
- Timing
- Quota applies to nominations issued in 2027
- Who is affected
- Foreign workers with a job offer in Nipissing District
The details
- Announced by
- City of North Bay Economic Development Department
- Takes effect
- 2027
- Previous rule
- Under the 2025 REDI iteration, 800 nomination spaces were split equally among four regions, each receiving 200 allocations.
- New rule
- For 2027, Ontario will allocate 150 nomination spaces specifically for foreign workers in the Nipissing District.
Announcement and purpose
The City of North Bay Economic Development Department posted the new quota on its website on 26 October 2026. The allocation forms part of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program’s Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) initiative, which aims to direct skilled foreign workers to regions outside the Greater Toronto Area.
Eligibility and application process
To be considered, a foreign worker must hold a valid job offer from an employer located within the Nipissing District. The candidate must also satisfy the minimum criteria of an OINP stream and submit an online expression of interest that is supported by the employer. The OINP will review submissions, select candidates, and notify those invited to apply for a provincial nomination.
- Job offer must be from an employer operating in Nipissing District
- Candidate must meet the baseline OINP stream requirements
- Expression of interest must be submitted online with employer endorsement
Comparison with previous REDI allocation
The earlier REDI cycle ran from 2 January to 31 December 2025 and distributed a total of 800 nomination spaces across four regions—Lanark County, Leeds and Grenville, Sarnia‑Lambton, and Thunder Bay—each receiving 200 spots. The 2027 allocation introduces a distinct, smaller pool of 150 spaces dedicated solely to Nipissing District, reflecting a shift toward more targeted regional recruitment.
Other regions and timeline
Ontario has identified five additional regions for participation in the 2026‑2027 REDI initiative, with the full list released on the OINP REDI web page on 14 October. While the geographic boundaries follow Statistics Canada census divisions, only Nipissing District and Thunder Bay have publicly confirmed their nomination numbers as of 3 November. The OINP has not yet posted detailed allocation figures for the 2027 cycle.
Candidates should monitor OINP communications for invitation dates and any updates to the nomination process.
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Existing travel plans to North Bay are not affected by the new immigration quota.
- Prospective applicants should align relocation timelines with the 2027 nomination schedule.
Cost and documents
- No additional fee is announced for the 150 nomination spaces.
- Applicants must still provide standard OINP documentation, including a valid job offer and proof of meeting stream criteria.
What you need to do
- Foreign workers with a Nipissing job offer should submit an online expression of interest before nomination invitations are issued in 2027.
- Employers must supply the required supporting documents for each expression of interest submitted by their candidates.
Who this affects
-
Foreign workers with a Nipissing job offer
They are eligible for the 150 reserved nomination spaces under the 2027 REDI initiative.
What to do Submit an online expression of interest supported by the employer.
-
Employers in Nipissing District
Their job offers enable candidates to qualify for the regional quota.
What to do Provide required documentation to support employees’ expressions of interest.
-
Applicants in other REDI regions
The new allocation may affect the overall pool of nomination spaces available to their regions.
What to do Monitor OINP updates for any changes to their region’s allocation.
-
Candidates using the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream
It remains the only active pathway while the REDI quota offers an additional option for Nipissing workers.
What to do Consider eligibility for the REDI initiative if employed in Nipissing District.
Frequently asked questions
What is the new immigration quota for Nipissing District in 2027?
Ontario has set aside 150 provincial immigration spaces for foreign workers in the Nipissing District as part of the 2027 REDI initiative.
How can foreign workers apply for the Nipissing District quota?
Applicants need a job offer from a Nipissing employer, must meet OINP stream criteria, and must submit an online expression of interest with employer support.
When will the 150 nomination spaces be allocated?
The spaces will be allocated through nominations issued in 2027 under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program’s REDI program.
Does the new quota affect the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream?
The Workforce Priority Stream remains active; the new quota provides an additional pathway for workers in Nipissing District but does not replace the existing stream.
Which regions are participating in the 2026‑2027 REDI initiative?
Ontario selected six regions for the 2026‑2027 REDI initiative, including Nipissing District and Thunder Bay, with five other regions announced on the OINP REDI web page on 14 October.
