'The public would call such conduct theft': Immigration adviser barred for five years

An immigration adviser, Qian Yu, who has defrauded at least nine clients, faces a five-year ban from practicing. The licensing board's tribunal found her to have a shocking record, involving multiple breaches of the code and even a previous scam involving a fake job setup. She continued to work as an adviser despite being suspended, misusing $8000 of a client's student fees for personal gain.

The tribunal deems her contempt for the licensing regime and theft of client money as grave violations of professional standards. Yu's dishonesty and disregard for professional obligations are systemic, and the public would consider such behavior as theft. Her misconduct was prolonged, deliberate, and financially harmful, with no remorse shown.

The tribunal cannot believe she has learned from her mistakes, as she has not offered an explanation, apology, or repayment. Yu attempted to rehabilitate herself but did not repay any penalties or compensate the complainant. The tribunal heard she falsified the date of an INZ visa decision, leaving her client an overstayer and causing substantial anxiety and disruption.

She was ordered to repay $8960 within a month and was additionally fined $4000. Yu has not made any payment towards the imposed penalties since her first disciplinary case in March.