Privacy Policy

Last Updated: 08-DEC-2025

1. Introduction

Think Higher Consultants (“THC”, “we”, “our”, “us”) is committed to safeguarding the privacy and confidentiality of all personal information entrusted to us. As registered migration agents operating under the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA), we comply with:

Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)
Australian Privacy Principles (APPs)
Migration Agents Code of Conduct

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, disclose and protect your personal information throughout the course of providing migration, visa, education, and related advisory services.

2. What Personal Information We Collect

Depending on the service you engage us for, we may collect:

Identity Information

Full name, date of birth, gender
Address, email, phone numbers
Passport details, national ID, citizenship status

Visa & Immigration Information

Visa status and history
Previous visa applications and refusals
Immigration records and travel history
MARA-authorised documents, Form 956 details

Education & Employment Information

Qualifications, transcripts, skills assessments
Employment history, reference letters, tax and payslip records
Résumé, portfolio, certifications

Financial Information

Evidence of funds, bank statements
Salary records, tax summaries, business ownership documents

Sensitive Information (Collected Only When Required)

Health records (e.g., medical exams for visa)
Character documents, police clearances
Family history and relationship evidence

Sensitive information is collected only with your consent, unless authorised by law.

3. How We Collect Your Information

We may collect information:

Directly from You

In-person consultations
Email, WhatsApp, online forms, phone calls
Uploaded documents (e.g., passport, CV, payslips)

From Third Parties (with your consent)

Employers, sponsors, agents, accountants
Educational institutions, health professionals
Government authorities (e.g. Department of Home Affairs)

Public Sources

Where relevant, lawful, and necessary for your matter.

4. Why We Collect Your Information (Purpose of Use)

We use your personal information for purposes including:

Migration & Visa Services

Eligibility assessment
Lodgement of visa applications
Skills assessment preparation
Sponsorship, nomination and employer compliance
Communication with the Department of Home Affairs and other authorities

Education Admission Services

University/college applications
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and enrolment management
Support for change of provider requests (as per regulations)

Client Management & Legal Compliance

Internal administrative processing
Anti-fraud, due diligence and record-keeping
MARA Code of Conduct requirements

We will never use your information for unrelated secondary purposes without your consent unless required by law.

5. Disclosure of Personal Information

We may share your information with:

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA)
Skills assessment bodies (e.g., VETASSESS, ACS, ANMAC, Engineers Australia)
Universities, colleges and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs)
Employers and sponsors (with your approval)
Couriers, translators, medical exam providers
Accountants, lawyers or other professionals assisting your application

Overseas Disclosure

Due to the nature of migration work, your information may be shared overseas (for example, to overseas universities, employers or sponsors). We take reasonable steps to ensure your information is handled according to Australian Privacy Principles (APP) standards.

6. Data Storage & Security Measures

Encrypted email and secure cloud storage where appropriate
Password-protected systems and restricted staff access
Secure destruction or de-identification of documents once no longer required
Compliance with MARA’s data-retention obligations

When your matter is finalised, data retention follows legal requirements (generally seven years unless otherwise required).

7. Access, Update or Correct Your Information

You may request access to the personal information we hold about you, and request correction of any inaccurate or incomplete information. You may also request deletion of your information, subject to legal and professional record-keeping obligations.

We will respond to such requests within a reasonable period and may require you to verify your identity.

8. Consent & Withdrawing Consent

By engaging our services, you consent to the collection and handling of your personal information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

You may withdraw your consent at any time; however, this may impact our ability to act on your behalf or to lodge and manage applications for you.

9. Confidentiality Obligations as Migration Agents

Maintain strict confidentiality of client information
Store client records securely
Only disclose information with your written consent, except where required or authorised by law
Avoid conflicts of interest and act in accordance with the Migration Agents Code of Conduct

We treat your personal information with the highest level of professional confidentiality.

10. Website, Cookies & Digital Tracking

When you visit our website, we may collect certain information such as your IP address, browser type, pages visited and time spent on the site. This helps us improve user experience and website performance.

We may use cookies or similar technologies. You may disable cookies in your browser settings if you prefer, though this may affect website functionality.

11. Social Media & Marketing

We may use your contact details to send you updates about immigration news, our services, events, or other marketing communications.

You may opt-out of marketing communications at any time by following the unsubscribe instructions or by contacting us directly.

We do not sell or rent your personal data to any third parties.

12. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to external sites, such as educational institutions, government departments or partner organisations. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external websites, and you should review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

13. Complaints Handling

If you have concerns about how your personal information has been handled, you may contact us using the details below.

Privacy Officer:

Name: Hafsa Azeem – Accounts & Privacy Officer

Organisation: Think Higher Consultants

Email: accounts5@thinkhigher.com.au

Phone: ‪+61450698385

Office Address: [Insert Office Address]

We will investigate your complaint and respond within a reasonable period, usually within 30 days.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).

14. Policy Updates

We may amend this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect legal updates, regulatory changes, MARA requirements, operational needs or technological improvements.

Any updated version will be published on our website. Your continued use of our services after such changes will be taken as acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

15. Contact Details

For all privacy-related queries, access or correction requests, or complaints, please contact:

Privacy Officer: Hafsa Azeem – Accounts & Privacy Officer