01Introduction
Apply Study Visa ("we", "us", "our") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal data you share with us when you use our website, platform, AI assistant (Maya) and counselling services. This policy describes our practices and your choices. By using our services you consent to the handling of your information as described here. We process personal data in line with applicable Indian law, including the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act).
02Information we collect
We collect information you give us and information collected automatically:
- Personal details you provide — name, email, phone/WhatsApp number, city, age, gender, and your education, marks, English-test scores, study gap, work experience and country/course preferences.
- Application documents you upload — transcripts, passport details, SOPs, financial documents and similar, which you share so we can prepare your applications.
- Payment data — when you pay, transactions are processed by secure third-party gateways (e.g. Razorpay). We do not store your full card number or CVV on our servers.
- Technical / usage data collected automatically — IP address, browser type, device, operating system, pages viewed and referring links.
- Communications & chat logs — enquiries, WhatsApp messages and feedback you send us, and your conversations with our AI assistant (Maya), which we record and store so we can review and improve the accuracy of her answers and the quality of our service.
03How we use your information
We use your data to:
- assess your eligibility and match you to suitable programs;
- prepare and submit applications and visa files, and liaise with institutions and authorities on your behalf;
- contact you about your enquiry, application status and relevant updates;
- process payments and provide customer support;
- improve our platform, the accuracy of Maya AI, and our services;
- send you helpful information or offers where you have opted in — you can unsubscribe anytime;
- prevent fraud and misuse, and comply with legal obligations.
04Why we are allowed to use it (consent)
We process your personal data on the basis of your consent (which you give when you submit a form, tick a consent box, or engage our services) and, where relevant, to perform the services you request, to meet legal obligations, or for our legitimate interest in running and improving our services. You can withdraw consent at any time (see "Your rights" below); withdrawal does not affect processing already carried out.
07How we protect your data
We apply reasonable administrative, technical and physical safeguards — access controls, encryption in transit (HTTPS), protected document storage and least-privilege access — to keep your data secure. Uploaded documents are stored in protected folders and shared only with the institutions you approve. However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security; you share information at your own risk and should keep your own copies and credentials safe.
08How long we keep your data
We retain your personal data only for as long as needed to provide your services, maintain your application records, comply with legal, tax and audit obligations, and resolve disputes. When data is no longer required, we delete or anonymise it. You may ask us to delete your data sooner (see "Your rights"), subject to any records we must retain by law.
09Your rights
Subject to applicable law (including the DPDP Act, 2023), you have the right to:
- Access the personal data we hold about you and a summary of how it is processed;
- Correct or update inaccurate or incomplete data;
- Withdraw consent and erase your data, where there is no overriding legal reason to retain it;
- Opt out of marketing communications at any time;
- Nominate another individual to exercise your rights in case of death or incapacity;
- Grievance redressal — raise a complaint about how your data is handled.
To exercise any right, email hello@applystudyvisa.com. We will respond within a reasonable period.
10Children's data
Our services are intended for adults (18+) and applicants assisted by a parent/guardian. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 18 without verifiable parental/guardian consent. If you believe a child has provided us data without such consent, contact us and we will delete it.
11International processing
To apply to overseas colleges and visa authorities, your data may be shared with recipients in other countries (e.g. Canada, the UK). We share only what is necessary for your application and take reasonable steps to ensure your data is handled responsibly.
12Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy as our services or the law evolve. The "Last updated" date above shows the current version; significant changes may be highlighted on the platform. Please review it periodically.
13Contact & grievance officer
For privacy questions, consent withdrawal, or to raise a grievance about your personal data, contact our Grievance Officer:
- Email: hello@applystudyvisa.com
- Phone / WhatsApp: +91 783-783-4800
- Address: Apply Study Visa, Malerkotla, Punjab, India
