TingTing Biao recalls the moment she discovered she had lost everything, including tens of thousands of dollars in savings, due to an immigration scheme that left her financially devastated and emotionally scarred. All she could provide her child was a donated loaf of bread.
Instead of the promised new life in Canada, Biao found herself back in China, cautioning others about the nightmarish ordeal she faced. In January, Biao and her husband traveled to Canada on tourist visas with their six-year-old daughter, aiming to explore the possibility of settling permanently in the country.
Upon a friend’s recommendation, Biao engaged with Jun Su and June HR Solutions in Saskatoon. She believed the company, led by Su, who shared her Chinese heritage, would offer reliable immigration advice. Su presented a pathway to permanent residency at a staggering cost of up to $110,000, of which Biao paid $40,000 before discontinuing the agreement.
An immigration expert indicated that typical immigration consultant fees range between $5,000 and $10,000 for a process similar to Biao’s, making Su’s charges exorbitant. Notably, Su is not a licensed immigration consultant, contravening regulations set by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC).
Reviewing Biao’s contract with June HR Solutions, it outlined payments totaling $110,000 linked to various immigration procedures leading to permanent residency. The absence of specific fee guidelines from the CICC raises concerns about reasonable pricing practices within the industry.
Subsequently, Biao faced setbacks with her work permit application, leading to Su proposing a costly detour involving a significant investment in a business in the Northwest Territories. With no viable options left and her savings depleted, Biao made the difficult decision to terminate the contract and return to China.
Most of Biao’s interactions were with Su, who lacks regulatory oversight as an immigration consultant. Despite Su referencing her husband, Zheng Tao Liu, as a licensed consultant, Liu is not authorized to practice law in Saskatchewan. Su defended her actions, stating that she assists her husband and sets her fees according to market dynamics.
Legal expert Richard Kurland emphasized the lack of oversight in the immigration consultant sector, allowing unchecked practices and exorbitant fees. Kurland highlighted the urgent need for enhanced regulations, including the enforcement of existing legislation to safeguard vulnerable individuals like Biao.
Biao’s harrowing experience serves as a stark reminder of the systemic flaws in the immigration consultancy industry, prompting calls for immediate reforms to protect individuals from exploitation. As Biao copes with the aftermath of her ordeal, she hopes that sharing her story will prevent others from falling victim to similar deceitful schemes.
