Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 2025

PV Lawyers is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

1. Information We Collect

We may collect personal information that is reasonably necessary for our functions and activities as an immigration law firm. This may include:

  • Your name and contact details (address, email, phone number)
  • Date of birth and citizenship information
  • Passport and travel document details
  • Employment and education history
  • Family and relationship information
  • Health information (where relevant to your visa application)
  • Financial information (where relevant to your matter)
  • Immigration history and visa details
  • Information about criminal history (where required for character assessments)

The specific information we collect will depend on the nature of your matter and the visa or service you are seeking assistance with.

2. How We Collect Information

We collect personal information in various ways, including:

  • Directly from you when you contact us, complete forms, or provide documents
  • Through our website when you submit enquiry forms
  • From third parties such as the Department of Home Affairs, other government agencies, or previous legal representatives (with your consent)
  • From referees, employers, or educational institutions you have authorised us to contact

3. Purpose of Collection

We collect and use your personal information to:

  • Provide legal advice and representation in immigration matters
  • Prepare and lodge visa applications and other documents with the Department of Home Affairs
  • Communicate with you about your matter
  • Comply with our legal and professional obligations
  • Manage our client relationships and records
  • Send you information about our services (where you have consented)

4. Disclosure of Information

We may disclose your personal information to third parties where necessary to provide our services or as required by law. This may include disclosure to:

  • The Department of Home Affairs and other government agencies
  • The Administrative Review Tribunal or courts
  • Skills assessment authorities
  • Health service providers for medical examinations
  • Translation and interpreting services
  • Other legal practitioners (with your consent)
  • Our professional advisers and service providers

We will not disclose your personal information to overseas recipients unless it is necessary for your matter (for example, contacting overseas authorities or institutions) or you have consented to the disclosure.

5. Sensitive Information

Some of the information we collect may be sensitive information, including health information, criminal history, and information about your racial or ethnic origin. We will only collect sensitive information where it is reasonably necessary for your matter and with your consent.

6. Data Security

We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. This includes:

  • Secure storage of physical documents
  • Password protection and encryption for electronic records
  • Restricting access to personal information to authorised staff
  • Secure disposal of personal information when no longer required

7. Access and Correction

You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you and to request correction of any inaccurate information. To make a request, please contact us using the details below.

We will respond to access requests within a reasonable period. In some circumstances, we may refuse access where permitted by law (for example, where access would be unlawful or would prejudice legal proceedings).

8. Retention of Information

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, to comply with our legal obligations, and to meet our professional record-keeping requirements. Immigration files are typically retained for a minimum of seven years after the completion of a matter.

9. Website and Cookies

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to improve your browsing experience and analyse website traffic. You can control cookies through your browser settings.

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those websites.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The current version will always be available on our website. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

11. Complaints

If you have a complaint about how we have handled your personal information, please contact us in the first instance. We will investigate your complaint and respond within a reasonable period.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to make a request regarding your personal information, please contact us:

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