TingTing Biao vividly recalls the moment when she discovered she had lost everything, including a substantial amount of money, due to an immigration scam that left her financially drained and emotionally scarred. She found herself in a situation where she could only provide her child with a donated loaf of bread for a meal.
Instead of realizing her dream of starting a new life in Canada, Biao found herself back in China, warning others about the nightmare she had experienced. In January, Biao, along with her husband and six-year-old daughter, arrived in Canada on tourist visas with the intention of exploring permanent residency options.
Engaging with Jun Su and June HR Solutions in Saskatoon, Biao signed a contract based on a friend’s referral, believing that the Chinese agent would be reliable. Su, offering immigration advice, presented a seemingly clear path to permanent residency for a hefty fee of up to $110,000, of which Biao paid $40,000 before discontinuing the arrangement.
An immigration expert highlighted that the typical cost for a process like Biao’s should range between $5,000 to $10,000, emphasizing that Su was not a licensed immigration consultant. Despite Su claiming to provide guidance based on her husband’s licensed status, Biao’s journey took a downward turn with failed immigration steps and misleading advice.
Biao’s contract with June HR Solutions outlined payments totaling $110,000 linked to various immigration procedures, aiming for permanent residency. However, subsequent steps, including a rejected work permit application and an unfeasible investment proposition, led Biao to realize the futility of her situation, eventually prompting her to terminate the contract and return to China.
Most of Biao’s interactions were with Su, who lacked official immigration consultancy credentials. The absence of proper oversight in regulating immigration agents was highlighted by the expert, underscoring the vulnerability of individuals like Biao in such situations.
In response to allegations, Su justified her actions by referring to her role as an assistant to her husband, a licensed consultant, and maintained that the agreed-upon fees were reasonable. The lack of stringent regulations in the immigration consultancy sector was emphasized as a significant concern, with recommendations proposed to address such issues.
Biao’s harrowing experience continues to impact her family, with lingering feelings of sadness, anger, and betrayal. Despite the trauma, she hopes that sharing her story will serve as a cautionary tale for other foreign nationals and newcomers facing similar challenges.