In pursuit of a fresh start in Canada with his family, Dattaray Avhad invested over $24,000 in a lawyer to secure a cooking job in Newfoundland and Labrador and obtain permanent residency.
Over a year later, Avhad finds himself working as a cab driver under a vulnerable worker permit, struggling to secure permanent residency and seeking reimbursement of his investment.
The lawyer in question, Amardeep Singh, promotes his immigration services on social media, offering kitchen job opportunities and the promise of Canadian immigration within 6-12 months.
Singh’s services, which include legal counsel for migrants and job placement, have raised concerns among immigration experts who label them as “unethical” and exploitative.
Avhad, who relocated from Mumbai, alleged that Singh assured him of a job and facilitated his family’s relocation to Canada.
After six months of payment, Avhad secured a kitchen job at Shenanigans Bar & Grill in Conception Bay South, only to encounter discrepancies in his pay compared to the agreed contract terms.
Despite a signed contract stipulating a wage of $16 per hour, Avhad received $15.60 per hour as per a pay stub dated July 26, 2025, reviewed by CBC News.
Avhad recounted receiving a call from Singh during his brief employment at Shenanigans Bar & Grill, where he was informed of the employer’s decision to dismiss him and the demand for an additional $10,000 to secure another job opportunity.
These events left Avhad distressed, describing them as causing ‘sleepless nights’ due to their unexpected nature.
CBC News reached out to Singh for comments, to which Singh referred to a complaint lodged by Avhad with the Ontario Law Society, citing ongoing investigations into the matter.
Regarding Avhad’s termination, Shenanigans Bar & Grill owner Luc Viau attributed it to Avhad’s alleged misrepresentation, claiming deficiencies in Avhad’s culinary skills.
