Apply World Group

1. Introduction and Scope

Apply World Group ABN [88 661 307 651] ("we", "our", "us") is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, store, and dispose of your personal information when you use our website at applyworldgroup.com.au or engage our immigration and related services.

By using our services or website, you consent to the collection and use of your personal information as described in this Privacy Policy.

2. Types of Personal Information We Collect

The types of personal information we may collect include:

2.1 Identity and Contact Information

Full name, date of birth, place of birth, nationality
Contact details including address, phone numbers, email address
Emergency contact information
Passport details and other identification documents

2.2 Visa and Immigration Information

Current visa status and immigration history
Previous visa applications and outcomes
Sponsor and nomination details
Character and health assessment information

2.3 Employment and Education Information

Educational qualifications and transcripts
Employment history and references
Skills assessments and professional registrations
English language test results

2.4 Financial Information

Bank statements and financial capacity evidence
Income tax returns and employment contracts
Proof of funds and financial support
Payment information for our services

2.5 Website Usage Information

IP address, browser type, and device information
Pages visited, time spent, and navigation patterns
Cookies and similar tracking technologies
Referral sources and search terms

3. How We Collect Personal Information

We collect personal information through various means:

3.1 Direct Collection

Information you provide in consultation forms and applications
Documents you submit for visa applications
Communications via phone, email, or in person
Online contact forms and assessment tools

3.2 Third-Party Sources

Educational institutions for verification purposes
Employers and professional bodies
Government agencies and departments
Skills assessment authorities

3.3 Automatic Collection

Website analytics and usage data
Cookies and tracking technologies
Server logs and technical information

4. Purposes for Using Personal Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

4.1 Primary Purposes

Providing immigration consultation and advisory services
Preparing and lodging visa applications
Communicating with you about your matter
Representing you before government authorities
Providing ongoing case management and support

4.2 Secondary Purposes

Improving our services and client experience
Website analytics and optimization
Training and professional development
Quality assurance and compliance monitoring

4.3 Legal and Regulatory Purposes

Complying with legal and regulatory obligations
Responding to law enforcement requests
Defending legal claims or proceedings
Meeting professional standards and codes of conduct

5. Disclosure of Personal Information

We may disclose your personal information to:

5.1 Government Authorities

Department of Home Affairs and related agencies
Skills assessment authorities
State and territory government departments
Law enforcement agencies when required

5.2 Third-Party Service Providers

Educational institutions for verification
Translation and document certification services
Medical professionals for health assessments
IT service providers and cloud storage platforms

Important: We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties for commercial purposes.

6. Data Security and Storage

Security Measures: We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, destruction, or loss.

Storage Locations: Your personal information may be stored in Australia and, where necessary for service provision, in secure overseas locations with adequate privacy protections.

Access Controls: Access to personal information is restricted to authorized personnel who require it for legitimate business purposes.

7. Data Retention

Retention Periods: We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, comply with legal obligations, and resolve disputes.

Immigration Records: Immigration files are typically retained for a minimum of 7 years after case completion, or longer if required by law or ongoing client needs.

Secure Disposal: When personal information is no longer required, it is securely destroyed or permanently de-identified.

8. Your Rights and Choices

Under the Privacy Act 1988, you have the following rights:

Access and Correction

You may request access to the personal information we hold about you and request correction of any inaccurate, out-of-date, incomplete, irrelevant, or misleading information.

Marketing Preferences

You may opt out of receiving marketing communications from us at any time by contacting us or using unsubscribe links in emails.

Processing Requests: We will respond to access and correction requests within 30 days, or notify you if additional time is required.

9. Cookies and Website Analytics

Cookie Usage: Our website uses cookies to enhance user experience, analyze website performance, and provide personalized content.

Third-Party Analytics: We may use third-party analytics services like Google Analytics to understand website usage patterns.

Cookie Control: You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences, though disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

10. Contact Information and Complaints

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to make a complaint about our handling of your personal information, please contact us:

Privacy Officer

Apply World Group

Level 5 Suite 55, 104 Bathurst Street

Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Phone: +61 2 9136 2399

Email: info@applyworldgroup.com.au

11. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, services, or legal requirements.

Updated versions will be posted on our website with a revised effective date. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.