In a significant development, Saskatchewan has brought charges against an individual for offering immigration services without the required license. The case is linked to the ordeal faced by TingTing Biao, who shared her distressing experience with CBC News last year. Biao, a Chinese immigrant, recounted how she invested a substantial sum, $40,000, with Jun Su and June HR Solutions in Saskatoon for immigration guidance that promised a straightforward path to permanent residency. However, the outcome was far from what was expected, leaving Biao and her family disheartened and financially strained upon discovering that Su lacked the necessary immigration consultant license.
Su, in her defense, stated to CBC that she assists her licensed consultant husband, Zheng Tao Li, relying on his guidance and her own experience to provide advice. The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, responsible for regulating the profession in Canada, acknowledged the charge against Su. The college emphasized that unauthorized practitioners, who offer immigration advice for a fee without proper licensing, pose significant risks to the public. It reiterated the importance of licensed consultants overseeing delegated work to uphold professional standards.
For the first time, the provincial government has pressed charges against Su for unauthorized provision of immigration services, contravening the Immigration Services Act of 2024. This legal action marks a milestone in the efforts to curb unlicensed consultancy practices. Immigration lawyer Richard Kurland, expressing surprise at the promptness of the government’s actions, believes that such measures are crucial for preventing similar incidents and aiding affected individuals.
If found guilty, Su faces a potential fine of up to $750,000 and/or a maximum imprisonment term of two years. The Ministry of Immigration and Career Training urged individuals with immigration concerns or grievances to contact its Program Compliance Branch for assistance and emphasized the confidentiality of such communications. While the ministry refrained from attributing the charges directly to CBC’s reporting due to the legal proceedings, it underscored the importance of addressing violations in the immigration system.
Biao’s account revealed how she got entangled in a web of payments totaling $110,000 with June HR Solutions, aiming for permanent residency through various immigration steps. Despite initial payments and attempts at securing a work permit, Biao’s dreams were shattered when her applications were rejected, leading to a dead-end in her immigration journey. The distressing ordeal prompted Biao to caution others about potential pitfalls in the Canadian immigration process.
Su is scheduled to appear in Saskatoon provincial court on Feb. 18 to address the charges of providing immigration services without a license. The case has raised awareness about the risks associated with unauthorized immigration consultancy practices and the importance of stringent enforcement measures to safeguard individuals seeking legitimate immigration assistance.