Privacy Policy
Your privacy is important to us. This policy explains how SYDCITI CONSULTANCY collects, uses, and protects your personal information.
Overview
SYDCITI CONSULTANCY IMMIGRATION SERVICES ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information responsibly. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our immigration and citizenship services, visit our website, or interact with us in any capacity.
We comply with the Privacy Act 1988 (Commonwealth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), as well as other applicable privacy laws and regulations. By engaging our services or using our website, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in this policy.
Information We Collect
Personal Information
We collect personal information that you provide directly to us, including but not limited to:
- Full name and contact details
- Date of birth and place of birth
- Passport and visa information
- Employment and education history
- Financial information
- Family and relationship details
- Medical and health information
- Character and police clearances
Technical Information
When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain technical information:
- IP addresses and location data
- Browser and device information
- Website usage patterns
- Cookies and tracking data
How We Use Your Information
Primary Purposes
Immigration Services
- Processing visa applications
- Preparing citizenship applications
- Providing immigration advice
- Document preparation and review
Client Management
- Communication and updates
- Appointment scheduling
- Billing and payment processing
- Record keeping and file management
Secondary Purposes
We may also use your information for the following purposes, where permitted by law:
- Service improvement
- Quality assurance
- Training purposes
- Marketing communications
- Legal compliance
- Fraud prevention
- Statistical analysis
- Business development
- Risk management
Information Sharing and Disclosure
Authorized Disclosures
We may share your information with the following parties when necessary for our services:
Government Agencies
- Department of Home Affairs
- Australian Border Force
- Australian Taxation Office
- State and territory authorities
Professional Partners
- Legal professionals and barristers
- Registered migration agents
- Qualified translators and interpreters
- Medical examination providers
Important Notice
We will never sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes. All disclosures are made only when necessary for our services or required by law.
Data Security
Security Measures
We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, alteration, or destruction:
Technical Safeguards
- SSL encryption for data transmission
- Secure cloud storage systems
- Regular security updates and patches
- Multi-factor authentication
- Firewall and intrusion detection
Administrative Controls
- Staff training on privacy requirements
- Access controls and user permissions
- Regular privacy audits and reviews
- Incident response procedures
- Third-party security assessments
Physical Security
Our physical premises and document storage are secured through:
Your Rights
Under Australian privacy laws, you have several rights regarding your personal information:
Access
Request access to your personal information we hold
Correction
Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
Deletion
Request deletion of your information (subject to legal requirements)
Opt-out
Opt-out of marketing communications at any time
Restrict Processing
Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances
Complain
Lodge a complaint about our privacy practices
Data Retention
Retention Periods
We retain your personal information for different periods depending on the type of information and legal requirements:
Client Files
Maintained for 7 years after completion of services as required by professional standards
Financial Records
Kept for 7 years as required by taxation and accounting standards
Marketing Communications
Until you opt-out or withdraw consent, reviewed every 3 years
Website Analytics
Aggregated data retained for 26 months, individual data for 14 months
Secure Disposal
When retention periods expire, we securely dispose of your information using industry-standard methods including shredding of physical documents and secure deletion of electronic files.
Cookies and Website Technology
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit our website. They help us provide you with a better browsing experience and analyze website usage.
Essential Cookies
Required for website functionality, security, and remembering your preferences like dark mode settings.
Analytics Cookies
Help us understand how visitors use our website to improve performance and user experience.
Preference Cookies
Remember your choices and settings to provide a personalised experience on return visits.
Managing Cookies
You can control and manage cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:
- View stored cookies
- Delete existing cookies
- Block future cookies
- Enable private browsing
Third-Party Services
We may use carefully selected third-party services to enhance our operations and provide better service to you:
Service Providers
- Cloud storage providers (encrypted)
- Payment processing systems
- Email communication platforms
- Website analytics tools
Our Requirements
- Contractual privacy obligations
- Security and encryption standards
- Limited data processing rights
- Regular compliance audits
Contact Us About Privacy
Privacy Officer Contact
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding your privacy or this Privacy Policy, please contact our Privacy Officer:
privacy@sydciti.com
Phone
+61 (0)420 273 094
Postal Address
Privacy Officer
SYDCITI CONSULTANCY
Sydney, NSW, Australia
Making a Complaint
If you believe we have mishandled your personal information, you can:
Contact Us First
Lodge a complaint with our Privacy Officer using the contact details above
Our Response
We will acknowledge your complaint within 5 business days and investigate thoroughly
External Complaint
If unsatisfied, you may complain to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
Website: www.oaic.gov.au
Phone: 1300 363 992
Email: enquiries@oaic.gov.au
Post: GPO Box 5218, Sydney NSW 2001
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. When we make changes:
Notice of Changes
We will update the "Last updated" date at the top of this policy and notify you of significant changes through our website or direct communication.
Review Regularly
We recommend you review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.
Continued Use
Your continued use of our services after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Legal Framework
This Privacy Policy is governed by and operates under the following Australian legal frameworks:
Primary Legislation
- Privacy Act 1988 (Commonwealth)
- Australian Privacy Principles (APPs)
- Notifiable Data Breaches scheme
Professional Standards
- Migration Agents Code of Conduct
- Legal Professional Standards
- Industry Best Practices
Questions About Our Privacy Practices?
Contact our Privacy Officer for any questions, concerns, or requests regarding your personal information and privacy rights.