Foreign workers exploring immigration to Ontario should note two new developments this October. The province is continuing its regional immigration initiative through 2027, while a separate change gives eligible candidates a revised way to earn points based on their Canadian income history.
Although both updates fall under Ontario’s provincial immigration framework, they serve different purposes. The Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) initiative focuses on communities seeking skilled newcomers, whereas the updated Expression of Interest (EOI) scoring applies to candidates under the Ontario Workforce Priority (OWP) stream.
Also Read REDI Returns and OWP Candidates Gain New EOI Points
Two Changes, Two Different Opportunities
Ontario announced these changes on October 7 and October 16, 2026. Here is how the updates differ:
| Date | Development | Main takeaway |
| October 7, 2026 | OWP earnings-based EOI scoring revised | Eligible candidates with at least CAD 80,000 in earnings in one year within the past five years receive 10 points for the relevant factor |
| October 16, 2026 | New REDI round announced | The regional initiative will continue until December 2027 |
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Looking Beyond Major Cities: REDI’s Role in Ontario Immigration
Ontario’s immigration strategy also targets regional labour needs, not just employment demand in major metropolitan areas. The REDI initiative supports selected communities that want to attract skilled workers and have the capacity to help newcomers settle.
Under the new round, participating areas will continue to have access to designated OINP nomination spaces until the end of 2027. The initiative considers local economic needs, employer involvement and settlement support when determining which communities participate.
For applicants who are flexible about where they live in Ontario, these regional options may be worth investigating.
The Six Participating Areas
The communities and districts included in the initiative are:
- Greater Sudbury/Grand Sudbury
- Kenora District
- Nipissing District
- Rainy River District
- Renfrew County
- Thunder Bay
REDI does not have a standalone application form. Interested candidates must qualify under the applicable OINP stream and meet its requirements to be considered. Living in, or being interested in, a participating area alone does not guarantee nomination.
A Higher Canadian Income Could Improve an OWP EOI Score
A separate OINP change concerns candidates whose Canadian earnings meet a specific threshold. Effective with the October 7 announcement, the relevant earnings-history factor awards 10 points to eligible candidates who earned CAD 80,000 or more in at least one year during the previous five years.
The earnings must be substantiated by a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Notice of Assessment. This makes tax records important for candidates assessing their score under the Ontario Workforce Priority stream.
The adjustment recognises qualifying income history within the EOI scoring system. It does not mean that every candidate earning this amount will receive an invitation to apply.
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- PEI PNP Records 1,482 Invitations in 2026 Following Latest October Selection
- Canada Introduces Wage-Based CRS Bonus for 186 Occupations
What About EOIs Already in the System?
Candidates who had already registered an Expression of Interest do not need to submit a new profile just to receive this scoring adjustment. Ontario confirmed that the revised factor was applied automatically to existing EOIs.
There is no need to log in to the OINP e-Filing Portal solely to request these points. However, candidates should still check that their profile details are correct and that they can provide the required evidence if requested.
Which Update Is Relevant to Your PR Plans?
The right development to focus on depends on your circumstances:
- You are open to regional settlement: Check whether an eligible OINP pathway aligns with your plans and whether you can meet its requirements in a participating REDI community.
- You have worked in Canada and earned a qualifying income: Review your CRA Notice of Assessment and assess how the revised earnings factor affects your EOI score.
- You are preparing an Ontario immigration profile: Check the current stream criteria rather than relying on the scoring change alone.
Ontario’s October announcements provide additional information for candidates evaluating their options, but neither change guarantees an invitation or permanent residence. Applicants should verify the latest provincial rules before submitting or updating an immigration profile.
Considering Canada PR through Ontario?
