Cookies Policy - Immigration Visa Expert

1. What cookies and similar technologies are

Cookies are small files stored on a device or browser. Similar technologies include local storage, pixels, tags, scripts and certain device identifiers. Some are set by our website (first-party), while others may be set by an external service (third-party). They can last only for a browsing session or persist for a specified period.

2. Categories of technologies

Category	Purpose and consent position
Essential	Required for genuinely necessary website operation, security, login, checkout, fraud prevention or recording cookie choices. Consent may not be needed where a statutory exemption genuinely applies.
Functional / preference	Supports optional features, site appearance and preferences. Consent may apply, subject to any specific statutory appearance exception and its conditions.
Statistics / analytics	Assesses site usage and performance. Consent is normally required unless the limited statutory statistical-purpose exception is satisfied and a simple, free objection mechanism is provided.
Marketing / advertising	May track campaigns, create audiences, measure adverts or personalise promotions. Prior valid consent is required.
Third-party content	Video, maps, appointment systems, social media, chat or external features can use additional technologies. Consent depends on the actual technology and any applicable exemption.

This classification does not mean that every example is installed on our site. The current cookie register, which must be generated from the live website, should identify every technology actually deployed.

3. Consent and lawful exemptions

We follow the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 and applicable UK data protection law. Where consent is required, we will explain purposes and give an active, informed choice before setting or accessing non-essential technologies. Visitors must be able to refuse as well as accept, select optional categories where appropriate, and withdraw consent as easily as they gave it. Necessary services are not conditional on accepting marketing cookies.

Certain narrow exemptions, including specific first-party statistical and website-appearance purposes introduced by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, may apply without consent only where every condition is satisfied,

including transparency and a simple free objection mechanism where required. Those exemptions do not extend to remarketing or cross-site behavioural advertising.

4. Cookie settings and complete cookie list

A prominent Cookie Settings link should allow you to inspect and update your preferences whenever you visit. The accompanying live cookie register should show for each cookie or similar technology: its name, provider, purpose, category, duration and whether it is first-or third-party. Changes to plugins, external services or website configuration should trigger an inventory review.

You can also restrict or delete cookies in your browser. Doing so may affect requested features such as account logins or paid-course access. Preferences may need to be set separately for each browser or device.

5. Third-party technologies

Where we use external payment, booking, anti-spam, video, analytics, hosting, chat or training services, those providers may set or access their own technologies. We will identify those that are relevant in the live cookie register and link to their notices when appropriate. A third party’s own notice is not a substitute for any consent that we must obtain.

6. Personal data, overseas transfers and retention

Online identifiers and IP addresses may constitute personal data even when a user is not named. Such data is processed in line with our Privacy Policy. International processing, where relevant, must have an appropriate legal basis and transfer safeguard. Retention periods for individual cookies are stated in the website’s live cookie register.

7. Policy changes and contact

We may update this policy when the law, website features or suppliers change. New non-exempt uses will not be enabled before any required consent is obtained. For questions or to report a problem with cookie preferences, contact info@immigrationvisaexpert.com. Controller: 1st Step Consulting Ltd trading as Immigration Visa Expert, company number 14708821, registered office 71–75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ, United Kingdom. You may raise data protection concerns using the complaints route in our Privacy Policy or contact https://ico.org.uk/.