In a significant development, Saskatchewan has made history by charging an individual for delivering immigration services without the required license, marking a first for the province. This case is notably linked to the troubling journey of TingTing Biao, whose experience was highlighted in a CBC News report last year.
Biao recounted her arrival in Canada from China, where she invested her life savings—an astonishing $40,000—into what she believed was a legitimate immigration scheme. This investment was made with Jun Su and June HR Solutions, an immigration consultancy based in Saskatoon, promising a straightforward route to obtaining permanent residency. Unfortunately, this turned into a devastating setback for Biao and her family as they soon discovered that Su was not a licensed immigration consultant, leaving them disillusioned and financially drained.
The amount paid by Biao was intended to cover various immigration services, including an initial payment of $20,000 upon signing the contract and another $20,000 following a favorable labour market impact assessment (LMIA) for a kitchen helper position. However, a qualified expert later clarified that this position did not qualify Biao for Saskatchewan’s permanent residency pathway at that time.
After her subsequent application for a work permit was denied—citing concerns that she would not leave Canada post-visa—Biao was left with no viable options. In a desperate turn, Su suggested an alternative route: investing $100,000 in a business outside of Yellowknife, which would potentially allow Biao to apply for an investment visa. However, the requirements for this program were unattainable for her, as it necessitated a minimum net worth of $250,000, proficiency in English at a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 4, and relevant business experience—all criteria Biao did not meet.
Realizing that all avenues had been exhausted and with her savings depleted, Biao made the heart-wrenching decision to return to China, disheartened by what she described as an immigration nightmare.
The Saskatchewan provincial government’s recent charge against Su stems from violations of the Immigration Services Act, 2024, specifically targeting unlicensed consultants. Richard Kurland, an experienced immigration lawyer, expressed surprise at the swift action taken by the government, suggesting that such measures could serve as a deterrent for potential future offenses and offer some form of justice for affected families like Biao's.
If found guilty, Su could face severe penalties, including a fine of up to $750,000 and/or a prison sentence of up to two years. The Ministry of Immigration and Career Training has urged anyone facing similar struggles or experiencing rights violations during the immigration process to reach out to their Program Compliance Branch, assuring confidentiality in all reports.
This case not only sheds light on the vulnerabilities within the immigration system but also raises critical questions about the accountability of consultants who have the power to influence individuals' futures. As this situation unfolds, it opens a dialogue on the challenges faced by immigrants and the necessity for protective measures in the immigration consulting industry.
With Su's court appearance scheduled for February 18 in Saskatoon, the community watches closely. How do you feel about the actions being taken against unlicensed immigration consultants? Do you think this will lead to meaningful change in the immigration system? Share your thoughts!
