Privacy Policy

At Mandeep Sidhu trading as Sidhu Immigration & Education Consultants (MARN 0744076, "we", "us", "our"), we are committed to protecting your personal information and upholding your privacy in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), the Migration Agents Code of Conduct, and applicable state privacy standards including the Victorian Health Records Act 2001 where health information is handled.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, hold, use, disclose, and protect personal and sensitive information obtained during enquiries, consultations, and the provision of immigration and educational advisory services.

1. Types of Information We Collect

Depending on the services requested, we may collect:

• Personal & Contact Details: Full name, date of birth, gender, nationality, country of residence, residential address, telephone number, and email address.
• Identity & Travel Documents: Passport copies, national identity cards, birth certificates, and current or past Australian and international visa records.
• Academic & Employment History: Educational qualifications, academic transcripts, Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) records, resumes, work references, employment contracts, and professional registrations.
• Financial Evidence: Bank statements, sponsorship undertakings, tax documentation, and payment records required to demonstrate financial capacity for visa criteria.
• Sensitive Information (collected with explicit consent): Health records (e.g. medical examination confirmations, health insurance policies) and character records (police clearance certificates from Australia or overseas jurisdictions) necessary to prepare and lodge visa applications or review submissions.

2. How We Collect Information

We collect personal information directly from you when you complete website forms, book an appointment, attend a consultation, email or phone our office, or provide documentation for your matter. In certain instances, with your prior authorisation, we may also receive information from nominated family members, employers, educational providers, or third-party assessing bodies.

3. Purpose of Collection and Use

Your information is used strictly to:

• Assess your eligibility for Australian visas, skills assessments, tribunal reviews, or educational courses
• Provide professional immigration assistance and prepare agreed visa or review documentation
• Communicate with you regarding your application, appointment, or enquiries
• Comply with regulatory obligations under the Migration Act 1958 and consumer protection requirements
• Maintain operational and audit records required by law

4. Disclosure of Information & Overseas Transfers

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We disclose information only to relevant parties where reasonably necessary to provide our services or as permitted by law, including:

• The Australian Department of Home Affairs, Australian embassies/consulates, and state/territory nominating bodies
• The Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) for review applications
• Skills assessing authorities (such as ACS, VETASSESS, TRA, Engineers Australia)
• Australian educational institutions (universities, TAFEs, colleges) for enrolment purposes
• Authorized cloud storage, CRM, and IT service providers operating secure servers

Overseas Disclosure: Because immigration matters inherently involve international elements, information may be transmitted to or accessed by overseas entities (such as overseas testing providers, foreign background check authorities, embassies, or authorized support staff in India). We take reasonable steps to ensure overseas recipients handle your personal information in a manner consistent with the Australian Privacy Principles.

5. Data Storage & Security

We maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to protect your personal and sensitive records against unauthorised access, loss, misuse, modification, or disclosure. Digital records are stored on secure servers with restricted access controls. Where sensitive files are transmitted, industry-standard encryption protocols are employed.

6. Data Retention

Under the Migration Agents Code of Conduct, Registered Migration Agents are legally required to maintain client files for a minimum period of 7 years after the completion of the matter. After this mandatory period, files are securely destroyed or permanently anonymised in accordance with legislative standards.

7. Access, Correction & Your Rights

You have the right to request access to personal information we hold about you and to request corrections if you believe the information is inaccurate, out of date, or incomplete. To make an access or correction request, please contact our Privacy Officer in writing with verification of your identity.

8. Privacy Complaint Procedure

If you have concerns about how your personal information has been handled or believe we have breached the Australian Privacy Principles, you may submit a formal complaint:

1. Step 1 - Lodge Complaint: Contact us in writing via email at info@sidhuimmigration.com.au or by post to our Melbourne office. Please detail the nature of your concern and provide relevant supporting information.
2. Step 2 - Internal Review: Our Privacy Officer will acknowledge receipt within 5 business days, investigate the matter thoroughly, and provide a formal written response within 30 calendar days.
3. Step 3 - External Escalation: If you are not satisfied with our response or resolution, you may escalate your complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):
   • Website: www.oaic.gov.au
   • Phone: 1300 363 992
   • Post: GPO Box 5218, Sydney NSW 2001

9. Dedicated Contact Route

For any questions, requests, or privacy-related matters, please contact: