Immigration

CEDC Immigration Pilots

2026 Employer-Led Rural Community Immigration Pilot Program is now Open

The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) has officially launched the second year of the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), an employer-driven initiative designed to strengthen workforce attraction and retention by providing a streamlined immigration pathway for skilled workers.

Click here to view information on the 2026 RCIP program

Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) initiative

The CEDC is pleased to announce it has successfully secured the Thunder Bay District Census Division’s participation in the 2026–2027 Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) initiative, delivered through Ontario’s Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).

Designed to help regional communities attract and retain skilled international talent, the initiative will provide the Thunder Bay District with an expected allocation of 150 immigration nominations in 2027. This will create additional opportunities for local employers to address critical workforce shortages while providing eligible foreign workers with a pathway to permanent residence.

Local employers looking to fill or retain skilled positions can learn more by clicking this link: Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) initiative | ontario.ca

Discover why people live and work in Thunder Bay

Frequently Asked Questions

I am absolutely in awe of the immigrants that have come to Thunder Bay in hopes of a better life. They offer a new perspective, intense dedication, and work especially hard to prove themselves. Employers who do not try to attract foreign workers are missing out on a huge pool of talent.