TingTing Biao vividly recalls the moment when 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. The only sustenance she could provide her child was a donated loaf of bread.
After arriving in Canada with her husband and six-year-old daughter on tourist visas in January, Biao had hoped to explore the possibility of establishing a permanent life in the country. She engaged with Jun Su and June HR Solutions in Saskatoon, referred by a friend, believing in the trustworthiness of an agent of Chinese descent.
Despite paying $40,000 to Su for immigration advice that promised a clear path to permanent residency, Biao soon discovered the exorbitant costs involved were far beyond the norm. An expert noted that the typical expense for a process similar to Biao’s should range from $5,000 to $10,000, making Su’s fees highly questionable.
The lack of oversight in the industry became apparent as CBC scrutinized Biao’s contract with June HR Solutions, revealing a payment structure totaling $110,000 for various immigration steps leading to permanent residency. The absence of clear fee regulations allowed consultants like Su to exploit vulnerable individuals seeking a new life in Canada.
Despite initial payments and positive assessments, Biao’s journey towards residency was fraught with obstacles, culminating in rejected work permit applications and misleading advice that led to dead-end investment propositions. Eventually, realizing the futility of her situation, Biao decided to terminate the contract, depleting her savings and forcing her to return to China.
Su, the key figure in Biao’s ordeal, defended her actions, claiming to provide assistance under her husband’s guidance as a licensed consultant. However, the dubious practices and lack of proper oversight highlighted by Biao’s case underscored the urgent need for stricter regulations and enhanced consumer protection in the immigration consultancy sector.
Biao’s story serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the dire consequences of unchecked practices within the industry. As she struggles to rebuild her life in China, haunted by the traumatic experience, she hopes to raise awareness among other prospective immigrants to avoid falling victim to similar exploitative schemes.