ARK Law Limited

Privacy Policy

Last updated: June 2025

1. Who we are

Data Controller: ARK Law Limited

Registration: Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) F201200581

Contact: info@arklawuk.com | 0203 633 6005

2. What personal data we collect

When you contact us or use our services:

• Contact information: Name, email address, phone number, postal address
• Immigration details: Nationality, visa status, passport information, family circumstances
• Professional information: Employment details, education, income, sponsor information
• Identity documents: Passport copies, birth certificates, marriage certificates
• Financial information: Bank statements, payslips, tax documents (when required for applications)
• Communication records: Emails, phone call notes, appointment records

When you visit our website:

• Technical data: IP address, browser type, device information
• Usage data: Pages visited, time spent, referral sources (with your consent)
• Cookies: See our Cookie Policy for details

3. How we use your personal data

Legal services (Legal basis: Contract & Legitimate interests):

• Providing immigration advice and representation
• Preparing and submitting visa applications
• Communicating with you about your case
• Maintaining accurate case records

Regulatory compliance (Legal basis: Legal obligation):

• Meeting IAA regulatory requirements
• Anti-money laundering checks
• Maintaining professional indemnity records

Business operations (Legal basis: Legitimate interests):

• Responding to inquiries and providing quotes
• Improving our services
• Website analytics (with your consent)
• Marketing communications (with your consent)

4. When we share your data

We may share your personal data with:

UK Government agencies:

• Home Office/UKVI: For visa and immigration applications
• HM Revenue & Customs: When required for tax-related immigration matters
• Other government departments: As necessary for your immigration case

Professional service providers:

• Barristers and legal counsel: For complex cases requiring specialist representation
• Translation services: For document translation when required
• IT support providers: For secure data processing and storage

Regulatory bodies:

• Immigration Advice Authority: For regulatory compliance
• Professional indemnity insurers: In case of claims

We never sell your personal data to third parties.

5. International data transfers

Your personal data is primarily processed within the UK. When we need to transfer data internationally (e.g., for visa applications to other countries), we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.

6. How long we keep your data

• Active client files: Duration of representation plus 7 years
• Successful applications: 7 years after case completion
• Unsuccessful applications: 7 years after final decision
• Marketing contacts: Until you unsubscribe or 3 years of inactivity
• Website analytics: Maximum 26 months (Google Analytics)
• Financial records: 6 years (HMRC requirement)

7. Your rights under UK GDPR

You have the right to:

• Access: Request copies of your personal data
• Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
• Erasure: Request deletion (subject to legal obligations)
• Restrict processing: Limit how we use your data
• Data portability: Receive your data in a portable format
• Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
• Withdraw consent: For marketing communications and analytics

8. Data security

We protect your personal data through:

• Encryption: All data transmitted and stored securely
• Access controls: Restricted access to authorized personnel only
• Regular backups: Secure, encrypted backup systems
• Staff training: Regular data protection training for all team members
• Security monitoring: Continuous monitoring for security threats

9. Third-party services

We use the following third-party services:

• Google Analytics: Website usage analytics (with your consent)
• Email providers: For secure client communications
• Cloud storage: For secure document storage and backup
• Case management software: For efficient case handling

All third-party processors are carefully selected and contractually bound to protect your data.

10. Marketing communications

We may send you:

• Immigration law updates and guidance
• Service announcements
• Legal newsletters (with your consent)

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in any email or contacting us directly.

11. Children's privacy

We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 16 without appropriate parental consent. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such data, please contact us immediately.

12. Changes to this policy

We may update this privacy policy periodically. Significant changes will be communicated via our website and, where appropriate, by email to existing clients.

13. Complaints

If you have concerns about how we handle your personal data, please contact us first. If you remain unsatisfied, you can lodge a complaint with:

Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
Website: ico.org.uk
Address: Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF

Helpline: 0303 123 1113

15. Professional obligations

As regulated immigration advisers, we are bound by professional confidentiality rules. This privacy policy works alongside our professional obligations to protect your information.