A shocking immigration scandal has unfolded in Saskatchewan, with a woman at the heart of it all. This story is a cautionary tale for anyone considering immigration services, and it's one that needs to be told.
The Price of a Broken Promise
TingTing Biao, a woman from China, arrived in Canada with dreams of a new life and a better future. She, along with her family, invested their life savings, tens of thousands of dollars, into an immigration scheme that promised a clear path to permanent residency. But little did they know, this decision would lead them down a path of frustration and financial ruin.
Biao paid a substantial sum of $40,000 to Jun Su and her company, June HR Solutions, based in Saskatoon. In return, she expected expert immigration advice and a secure future in Canada. However, the reality was far from what was promised.
The Nightmare Unveiled
As Biao and her family discovered, Su was not a licensed immigration consultant. This revelation left them broke and disappointed, forcing them to return to China, their dreams shattered. But here's where it gets controversial: Su claimed to be an assistant to her husband, Zheng Tao Li, who is a licensed consultant. She argued that she provided advice based on his guidance and her experience.
The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, which regulates the profession in Canada, has a clear stance on this matter. According to their code of conduct, a licensee can delegate work to an unlicensed individual, but only under strict supervision and professional responsibility. In this case, it appears that Su may have overstepped these boundaries.
A First-of-its-Kind Charge
For the first time in Saskatchewan's history, the provincial government has charged an individual for providing immigration services without a license. This charge is a direct result of the province's Immigration Services Act, 2024, and it sends a strong message to those who may consider operating outside the law.
Richard Kurland, an immigration lawyer with extensive experience, believes that this swift action by the Saskatchewan government will set a precedent. He suggests that by taking immediate action and allocating resources, the government can prevent similar situations from occurring in the future and provide support to affected families.
If convicted, Su faces a maximum fine of $750,000 and/or a maximum sentence of two years in prison. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of seeking licensed and regulated immigration services.
Biao's Story: A Warning to Others
Biao's journey began when a friend referred her to the immigration company. She trusted that an agent of Chinese descent would be reliable and honest. However, her contract with June HR Solutions outlined a series of payments totaling $110,000, each tied to specific immigration steps, ultimately leading to permanent residency.
Biao made the initial payment of $20,000 upon signing the contract, and a further $20,000 after a successful labor market impact assessment (LMIA). She received a positive assessment for a kitchen helper position, but an expert later confirmed that this did not qualify her for Saskatchewan's permanent residency pathway at the time.
The next step was obtaining a work permit, followed by another payment of $20,000 to Su. Unfortunately, Biao's work permit application was rejected, leaving her and her family with no other options.
In a desperate attempt, Su suggested an alternative: investing $100,000 in a business outside Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories, which would allow Biao to apply for an investment visa. However, this program had strict requirements, including a minimum net worth of $250,000, a Canadian language benchmark of Level 4 in English, and business experience - all of which Biao lacked.
Realizing she had exhausted all possibilities, Biao decided to terminate the contract. With no savings left and no hope of a future in Canada, she had no choice but to return to China.
This story serves as a warning to anyone considering immigration services: always verify the credentials of your consultant and ensure they are licensed and regulated. It's a crucial step to protect yourself and your future.
Su is scheduled to make her first appearance in Saskatoon provincial court on February 18th. This case will undoubtedly spark discussions and debates, and we encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. Is this charge enough to deter unlicensed immigration consultants? What steps can be taken to ensure a safer immigration process for all?
