Ontario Sets Aside 150 Nomination Spaces for Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay to Receive 150 Ontario Nomination Allocations Under Regional Immigration Initiative in 2027
Ontario's October Immigration Announcements at a Glance
| Announcement date | Immigration update | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| October 16, 2026 | New REDI initiative round | Regional immigration initiative continues through December 2027 |
| October 7, 2026 | Updated Canadian earnings scoring | Eligible candidates with annual earnings of CAD 80,000 or more can receive 10 EOI points under the specified factor |
Ontario Sets Aside 150 Nomination Spaces for Thunder Bay
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) will manage the selection process, with eligible applicants considered through targeted regional draws.
How Can Foreign Workers Qualify Through REDI?
- Meet OINP eligibility requirements: Candidates must satisfy the minimum conditions of an eligible Ontario immigration stream.
- Secure a qualifying job offer: The employment offer must come from an eligible employer located within the designated community boundaries.
- Create an Expression of Interest: Candidates must submit their EOI within 30 days after their employer registers the job offer.
- Receive an invitation: The OINP must select the candidate through a targeted regional immigration draw.
- Apply for provincial nomination: Invited candidates can submit their nomination applications to Ontario.
Once the provincial nomination is approved, successful applicants can proceed with their permanent residence applications through the federal immigration department.
Citizenship Certificate Backlog Continues to Expand
The longer processing period is occurring alongside a substantial increase in the number of applications waiting for a decision. IRCC’s September figures put the outstanding inventory at approximately 136,000 applications. This represents another significant rise from August, when the queue stood at about 121,800 applications.
The backlog has developed alongside the expansion of eligibility for citizenship by descent. At the end of 2025, the queue was considerably smaller, at roughly 40,400 applications. By September 2026, it had grown to 136,000.
Backlog Growth Over 2026
| Month | Applications Awaiting a Decision |
|---|---|
| December 2025 | 40,400 |
| January 2026 | 42,400 |
| February 2026 | 47,900 |
| March 2026 | 50,900 |
| April 2026 | 56,300 |
| May 2026 | 70,400 |
| June 2026 | 82,000 |
| July 2026 | 99,500 |
| August 2026 | 121,800 |
| September 2026 | 136,000 |
This rapid increase means new applicants are entering an already crowded queue.
Ontario Workforce Priority Stream: The Active Route for REDI Candidates
The employer’s location is particularly important, as the job must fall within the boundaries of a participating REDI community.
Six Ontario Regions Included in the 2026–2027 REDI Program
Thunder Bay is not the only community receiving dedicated immigration allocations. Ontario has included five additional regions in the current REDI initiative, which will continue until December 31, 2027.
- Thunder Bay
- Greater Sudbury/Grand Sudbury
- Kenora District
- Nipissing District
- Rainy River District
- Renfrew County
By extending regional immigration opportunities across these locations, Ontario aims to distribute skilled workers more effectively and support employers struggling to fill available positions.
Why Is Ontario Expanding Regional Immigration Opportunities?
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Conclusion
Foreign workers considering regional immigration should explore their options early, particularly if they have an employment opportunity in one of the participating communities. Looking to explore your Ontario PNP options? Universal Adviser can help you understand available immigration pathways, assess your eligibility and prepare for the provincial nomination process.
3. Full-Time Equivalency Standard
Full-time work is defined as at least 30 hours per week. Candidates must accumulate the equivalent of 12 months at this standard.
- 30 hours per week for 12 months qualify.
- Part-time work is acceptable if it equals the same total number of hours (for example, 15 hours per week over 24 months).
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