Advanced Group & Associates
Effective Date: September 21, 2023 Last Updated: September 23, 2024
Introduction
Advanced Group & Associates (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, use our services, or engage with us for immigration consultation services.
By using our services or providing us with your personal information, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described in this Privacy Policy.
Information We Collect
Personal Information
We may collect the following types of personal information:
Contact Information:
- Full name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Mailing address
- Country of residence
Immigration-Related Information:
- Citizenship and nationality
- Immigration history
- Educational background
- Employment history
- Family information
- Financial information
- Criminal background (if applicable)
- Medical information (if relevant to immigration)
Technical Information:
- IP address
- Browser type and version
- Device information
- Website usage data
- Cookies and tracking technologies
Payment Information:
- Credit card details (processed securely through third-party payment processors)
- Billing address
- Transaction history
How We Collect Information
We collect information through:
- Direct Submission: When you complete forms, assessments, or provide information during consultations
- Website Interactions: Through cookies, analytics, and tracking technologies
- Email Communications: When you contact us or subscribe to our updates
- Phone Consultations: During verbal communications and consultations
- Document Submissions: When you provide supporting documents for your case
How We Use Your Information
We use your personal information for the following purposes:
Primary Services:
- Providing immigration consultation services
- Assessing your eligibility for various immigration programs
- Preparing and reviewing immigration applications
- Communicating with immigration authorities on your behalf
- Providing legal advice and representation
Business Operations:
- Processing payments and managing billing
- Improving our services and website functionality
- Responding to inquiries and providing customer support
- Sending service-related communications
- Complying with legal and regulatory requirements
Marketing (with consent):
- Sending newsletters and updates about immigration changes
- Providing information about relevant services
- Marketing communications (you may opt-out at any time)
Information Sharing and Disclosure
We may share your information in the following circumstances:
With Your Consent:
- When you explicitly authorize us to share information with third parties
Service Providers:
- Trusted third-party service providers who assist in our operations
- Payment processors (Stripe, PayPal, etc.)
- Cloud storage and IT service providers
- Professional service providers (accountants, legal counsel)
Government Authorities:
- Immigration authorities (IRCC, USCIS, etc.) as part of your application process
- Law enforcement when required by law
- Regulatory bodies for compliance purposes
Legal Requirements:
- To comply with applicable laws, regulations, or court orders
- To protect our rights, property, or safety
- To prevent fraud or illegal activities
Business Transfers:
- In connection with mergers, acquisitions, or sale of business assets
Data Security
We implement robust security measures to protect your personal information:
Technical Safeguards:
- SSL encryption for data transmission
- Secure servers and databases
- Regular security audits and updates
- Access controls and authentication systems
Administrative Safeguards:
- Employee training on privacy and security
- Confidentiality agreements with staff and contractors
- Regular policy reviews and updates
- Incident response procedures
Physical Safeguards:
- Secure office premises
- Locked filing cabinets for physical documents
- Controlled access to sensitive areas
- Secure disposal of confidential documents
Data Retention
We retain your personal information for the following periods:
- Active Client Files: For the duration of our professional relationship plus 7 years
- Consultation Records: 7 years from the date of last contact
- Financial Records: 7 years as required by law
- Marketing Data: Until you opt-out or withdraw consent
- Website Data: As long as necessary for operational purposes
After the retention period, we securely destroy or anonymize your information unless longer retention is required by law.
Your Rights and Choices
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the following rights:
Access Rights:
- Request access to your personal information
- Obtain copies of your data
- Receive information about how your data is processed
Correction Rights:
- Request correction of inaccurate information
- Update your contact details
- Modify your preferences
Deletion Rights:
- Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal obligations)
- Withdraw consent for processing
Communication Preferences:
- Opt-out of marketing communications
- Update your communication preferences
- Unsubscribe from newsletters
Portability Rights:
- Request your data in a portable format
- Transfer your data to another service provider
To exercise your rights, contact us using the information provided below.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to:
- Remember your preferences and settings
- Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
- Provide personalized content and advertisements
- Improve website functionality and user experience
You can control cookies through your browser settings, but disabling cookies may affect website functionality.
Third-Party Links and Services
Our website may contain links to third-party websites or integrate with external services. This Privacy Policy does not apply to third-party sites or services. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.
International Data Transfers
As we operate in both Canada and the United States, your information may be transferred and processed in either country. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers and comply with applicable privacy laws in both jurisdictions.
Children’s Privacy
Our services are not directed to individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child, we will promptly delete such information.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. We will notify you of material changes by:
- Posting the updated policy on our website
- Sending email notifications to registered users
- Providing notice during your next interaction with our services
Your continued use of our services after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.
Compliance with Privacy Laws
We comply with applicable privacy laws, including:
- Canada: Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)
- United States: State privacy laws including California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
- International: General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) where applicable
Contact Information
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:
Advanced Group & Associates
Canada Office: 4020 St-Ambroise Suite 495 Montreal, Quebec H4C 2C7 Canada
USA Office: 1968 S. Coast Hwy Laguna Beach, CA 92651 United States
Email: info@advancedgroupassociates.com Phone: 888-410-9485 Website: www.advancedgroupandassociates.com
This Privacy Policy demonstrates our commitment to protecting your privacy and maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality in our immigration consultation services.