1. Introduction
VisaCore Canada ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of personal information provided by our clients and website visitors. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our immigration consultation services.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Personal Information
We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:
- Request a consultation or assessment
- Fill out forms on our website
- Subscribe to our newsletter
- Contact us directly
- Engage our professional services
2.2 Types of Personal Information
The personal information we may collect includes:
- Name and contact information (email, phone, address)
- Date of birth and nationality
- Education and employment history
- Language proficiency details
- Family information
- Financial information (when required for assessments)
- Immigration history and status
- Any other information relevant to immigration services
2.3 Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:
- IP address and location data
- Browser type and version
- Device information
- Pages visited and time spent
- Referring website information
- Cookie and tracking data
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the collected information for the following purposes:
- Providing immigration consultation and advisory services
- Conducting eligibility assessments
- Preparing and submitting immigration applications
- Communicating with you about your case
- Sending newsletters and updates (with consent)
- Improving our website and services
- Complying with legal and regulatory requirements
- Preventing fraud and ensuring security
4. Information Sharing and Disclosure
4.1 When We Share Information
We may share your personal information in the following circumstances:
- With Government Agencies: When required for immigration applications
- With Service Providers: Third-party vendors who assist in service delivery
- Legal Requirements: When required by law or legal process
- Business Transfers: In case of merger, acquisition, or sale
- Consent: When you have given explicit consent
4.2 Information We Do Not Share
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes without your explicit consent.
5. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction:
- Encryption of sensitive data in transit and at rest
- Secure servers and databases
- Access controls and authentication measures
- Regular security assessments and updates
- Employee training on data protection
- Incident response procedures
6. Data Retention
We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected:
- Active Clients: For the duration of service provision
- Completed Cases: 7 years after case completion (as required by ICCRC regulations)
- Website Data: According to our cookie policy
- Marketing Data: Until you unsubscribe or request deletion
7. Your Rights
Under applicable privacy laws, you have the following rights:
- Access: Request access to your personal information
- Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
- Deletion: Request deletion of your information (subject to legal requirements)
- Portability: Request transfer of your data
- Restriction: Request restriction of processing
- Objection: Object to certain processing activities
- Withdrawal: Withdraw consent for marketing communications
8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies. Please refer to our Cookie Policy for detailed information about:
- Types of cookies we use
- How to manage cookie preferences
- Third-party cookies
- Analytics and advertising cookies
9. International Data Transfers
Your personal information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers, including:
- Adequacy decisions by privacy authorities
- Standard contractual clauses
- Binding corporate rules
- Certification schemes
10. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.
11. Children's Privacy
Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that we have collected such information, we will take steps to delete it promptly.
12. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by:
- Posting the updated policy on our website
- Updating the "Last updated" date
- Sending email notifications for significant changes
- Obtaining consent for material changes where required
13. Contact Information
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:
14. Regulatory Compliance
This Privacy Policy complies with applicable privacy laws, including:
- Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)
- Provincial privacy legislation
- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) where applicable
- California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) where applicable
15. Professional Standards
As licensed immigration consultants regulated by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), we adhere to strict professional standards regarding client confidentiality and data protection.