At Visa-Pro.uk, we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This policy explains when and why we collect personal information, how we use it, the conditions under which we may disclose it to others, and how we keep it secure. This policy complies with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Who We Are
Visa-Pro.uk is a professional immigration advisory service based in the United Kingdom. For the purposes of data protection legislation, we act as the "Data Controller" — meaning we determine how and why your personal data is processed.
If you have questions regarding this privacy policy or our data handling practices, please contact our Data Protection Lead at enquiries@visa-pro.uk.
Information We Collect
We may collect and process the following categories of personal data:
- Identity Data: Full name, date of birth, gender, nationality, passport details, and biometric details.
- Contact Data: Email address, telephone number, residential address, and billing address.
- Immigration History: Past visa applications, refusal letters, travel history, and criminal record declarations (where legally required).
- Financial Data: Bank statements, employment details, and proof of funds to satisfy visa financial requirements.
- Technical Data: IP address, browser type, referral source, page views, and website navigation paths.
How We Collect Your Data
We collect data through several methods:
- Direct Interaction: When you fill in forms on our website, book a consultation, email us, or call us.
- Third Parties: From your employer (if sponsoring your visa), educational institutions, or legal partners.
- Automated Technologies: Cookie settings and analytics platforms when you browse our site.
Purpose & Legal Basis for Processing
We process your personal data under the following legal bases:
- Performance of a Contract: To assess your visa eligibility and represent you in submissions to the UK Home Office (UKVI) or relevant authorities.
- Legal Obligation: To satisfy regulatory requirements, identity checks, and anti-money laundering regulations.
- Legitimate Interests: To respond to website enquiries, manage client relationships, and improve our services.
Data Sharing & Third Parties
We do not sell or rent your information to third parties. We only share it where necessary:
- Government Bodies: The UK Home Office (UKVI) or other official visa departments to process your application.
- Service Providers: Secure cloud storage providers, communication systems, and IT support services under data protection agreements.
- Legal Professionals: Certified advisors or solicitors assisting with your application, under strict confidentiality obligations.
We never sell your data. All third-party data processors are bound by contractual obligations meeting UK GDPR standards.
International Data Transfers
Because immigration applications involve processing cross-border travel details, your data may occasionally be transferred outside the UK or EEA. In all such cases, we ensure that Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or ICO-approved adequacy decisions are in place to protect your personal data.
Data Retention
We retain your personal data only as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, including legal, accounting, or reporting requirements.
Standard client files are securely retained for up to 6 years following the completion of your immigration case, after which they are permanently and securely destroyed.
Data Security
We implement industry-standard technical and organisational security measures including:
- SSL/TLS Encryption across all data transmissions on our website and client portal.
- Secure Access Controls with role-based permissions and multi-factor authentication for all staff systems.
- Firewalls & Intrusion Detection monitoring our infrastructure 24/7.
- Regular Security Audits and annual staff data protection training.
Your Legal Rights
Under UK GDPR, you have the right to exercise any of the following by emailing enquiries@visa-pro.uk:
- Right of Access: Request a copy of all personal data we hold about you.
- Right to Rectification: Request correction of any inaccurate or incomplete data.
- Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data ("right to be forgotten"), subject to legal obligations.
- Right to Object: Object to processing of your data for direct marketing or legitimate interests purposes.
- Right to Data Portability: Request transfer of your data to another provider in a machine-readable format.
- Right to Restrict Processing: Request that we limit how we use your data in certain circumstances.
How to Lodge a Complaint
You have the right to make a complaint at any time to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) — the UK's data protection supervisory authority.
We would appreciate the chance to resolve your concerns before you approach the ICO. Please contact us first at enquiries@visa-pro.uk and we will respond promptly and fairly.