Privacy Policy

Your privacy is important to us. This policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.

Last Updated: January 15, 2025

1. Overview

At HFX Consultancy ("we," "our," or "us"), we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our immigration services.

By using our services or accessing our website, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our services.

This policy applies to all information collected through our website, email communications, and any other electronic communications between you and HFX Consultancy.

2. Information We Collect

Personal Information

We may collect several types of information from and about users of our services:

  • Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address
  • Identification Information: Passport details, government-issued ID numbers, date of birth
  • Immigration Information: Visa history, education credentials, work experience, family details
  • Financial Information: Income details, bank statements, tax records
  • Communication Records: Emails, phone calls, meeting notes, consultation records

Technical Information

  • IP address and browser information
  • Device information and operating system
  • Website usage data and analytics
  • Cookies and similar tracking technologies

📋 Important Note

We only collect information that is necessary for providing our immigration services and complying with legal requirements. All sensitive information is handled with the utmost care and in accordance with applicable privacy laws.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

🎯 Service Delivery

  • • Process visa and immigration applications
  • • Provide consultation services
  • • Communicate about your case status
  • • Prepare and submit documents

⚖️ Legal Compliance

  • • Meet regulatory requirements
  • • Respond to government inquiries
  • • Maintain required records
  • • Report to immigration authorities

📞 Communication

  • • Send service updates
  • • Respond to inquiries
  • • Provide customer support
  • • Share relevant news and updates

🔧 Service Improvement

  • • Analyze service effectiveness
  • • Improve our processes
  • • Develop new services
  • • Train our staff

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

Government Authorities

With Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and other relevant government agencies as required for your applications.

Service Providers

With trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our business, such as document translation services or courier companies.

Legal Requirements

When required by law, court order, or government regulation, or to protect our rights and safety.

With Your Consent

In any other circumstances, only with your explicit written consent.

🔒 We Do NOT Sell Your Information

We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes. Your trust is paramount to us.

5. Data Security

We implement robust security measures to protect your personal information:

Encryption

SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission

Access Control

Role-based access and authentication

Secure Storage

Protected servers and backup systems

  • Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
  • Employee training on data protection and privacy
  • Secure document handling and destruction procedures
  • Multi-factor authentication for sensitive systems
  • Regular software updates and security patches

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this privacy policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

Retention Periods:

  • Active Client Files: Duration of service plus 7 years
  • Consultation Records: 3 years from last contact
  • Website Analytics: 24 months
  • Marketing Communications: Until you unsubscribe
  • Legal Documents: As required by law (minimum 7 years)

After the retention period expires, we securely delete or anonymize your personal information in accordance with our data destruction policies.

7. Your Privacy Rights

Under applicable privacy laws, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

1

Right to Access

Request a copy of your personal information we hold

2

Right to Correction

Request correction of inaccurate information

3

Right to Deletion

Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal requirements)

4

Right to Portability

Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format

5

Right to Object

Object to certain processing of your information

6

Right to Withdraw Consent

Withdraw consent for processing based on consent

📧 Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at [email protected]. We will respond to your request within 30 days.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience and analyze website usage.

Cookie Type Purpose Duration
Essential Website functionality and security Session
Analytics Website usage and performance 2 years
Functional Remember preferences 1 year
Marketing Personalized content and ads 1 year

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

9. Third-Party Services

We may use third-party services to help us operate our business. These services have their own privacy policies:

Google Analytics

Website analytics and performance monitoring

View Privacy Policy

Mailchimp

Email marketing and newsletters

View Privacy Policy

Stripe

Payment processing

View Privacy Policy

Microsoft Office 365

Document management and email

View Privacy Policy

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

11. International Data Transfers

Your 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 relevant authorities
  • Standard contractual clauses
  • Certification schemes and codes of conduct
  • Your explicit consent

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of any material changes by:

  • Posting the updated policy on our website
  • Sending an email notification (if you have provided your email)
  • Providing notice through our services

The updated policy will be effective immediately upon posting. Your continued use of our services after the changes take effect will constitute acceptance of the revised policy.

13. Contact Us About Privacy

Questions About Your Privacy?

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us using the information below:

Privacy Officer

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +1 (782) 234-0211

Response Time: Within 30 days

Mailing Address

HFX Consultancy
Attention: Privacy Officer
123 Business Street, Suite 456
Toronto, ON M5V 3A8
Canada

Note: If you are not satisfied with our response to your privacy concern, you may have the right to make a complaint to your local data protection authority.

Your Privacy Matters to Us

We're committed to protecting your personal information. If you have any questions about our privacy practices, don't hesitate to reach out.