TingTing Biao and her family moved to Saskatoon hoping to settle in Canada, but after losing $40,000 amid bureaucratic issues, they returned to China and are cautioning others about flaws in the immigration system.

Saskatoon

A family from China seeking permanent residency in Canada lost $40,000 after following advice from an unlicensed immigration consultant in Saskatoon. The consultant, Jun Su, charged the family significantly more than standard fees and provided guidance that did not lead to a viable residency pathway. 

Experts note that the lack of regulation and enforcement in the immigration consulting industry leaves newcomers vulnerable to misinformation and financial loss. The family has since returned to China and hopes their experience will serve as a warning to others considering similar immigration routes.

Family loses $40K in immigration struggle, warns system is flawed

We don't have the money. Financially devastated and heartbroken. That's not how Tingting Bao expected her Canadian dream to turn out. In January, she and her family came from China to Canada on tourist visas. But the school teacher wanted to find a way to stay. When my daughter was born, maybe six years ago, we wanted to go to Canada. Bao turned to this Saskatoon immigration agency for help. Here she met Jun Su, who gave her the immigration advice. The woman offered what appeared to be a clear path to permanent residency. The price tag? $110,000. Experts say that's 10 times the typical cost. We lost our whole money and we no food to give my daughter. Bao signed this contract with Su, but experts say Su gave advice that would not lead to permanent residency. Bao's work permit application was later denied and her job didn't even qualify for a permanent residency pathway at the time. After more bad advice, Bao walked away. In total, she paid $40,000. Chinese people cheat our money, lie to us. Then Bao learned Su isn't even licensed. Bao and her husband confronted Su. They even went to her house demanding a refund. The police made them leave. She said, Yes, go out. Su declined CBC's request for an on-camera interview. In an email statement, Su alleges Bao and her family have damaged her reputation. She says she simply assists her husband, Zhengtao Liu, who CBC has confirmed is a licensed consultant. The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants regulates agents. It says since Su is not licensed, she cannot charge money for immigration advice. And beyond that, any fees must be reasonable. Su says Canada's free market allows her to set her own fees. It's an open wild west when it comes to consultants. This expert says the regulations are lax and there's not enough enforcement. The guidance was incorrect. So in a sense, it's a misdirection. But there's a deeper problem that relates to what you're paid to do. Properly advise people to get that path to permanent residence. Instead of a new life in Canada, Bao is now back in China haunted by nightmares. In the dream, I'm crying. My husband shaking me. Wake up and I'm in crying dream. Sad, angry and hoping her story stops others from losing money and their future. Aishwarya Duda, CBC News, Saskatoon.

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