VFS Global Issue
Question Period Note
Date: Jan. 28, 2021
Department: IRCC
Proposed Response:
- We take the privacy of Canadians and our clients very seriously.
- Information is always handled according to Canada’s privacy laws. No application or biometric collection data is stored at the Visa Application Centre – all databases containing personal information must be located in Canada.
- IT safeguards are also in place to ensure that personal information is collected, stored and transmitted securely using encryption.
- Visa Application Centres only provide administrative support services to IRCC applicants, and all visa processing and decision making is done by IRCC officers.
- Our officials closely monitor that Canada’s stringent privacy standards are being met, and regularly carry out thorough onsite inspections and audit processes to ensure they are in compliance.
- We always ensure that the privacy of Canadians and our clients remains protected.
If pressed on China law:
- We take the protection of privacy of Canadians and our clients very seriously.
- Information is always handled according to Canada’s privacy laws. No application or biometric collection data is stored at the Visa Application Centre – all databases containing personal information must be located in Canada.
- IT safeguards are also in place to ensure that personal information is collected, stored and transmitted securely using encryption.
- Our officials closely monitor that these processes are followed, that Canada’s stringent privacy standards are being met, and carry out thorough inspections and audits to ensure they are in compliance.
- We always ensure that the privacy of Canadians and our clients remains protected.
If pressed on the breach:
- We take the protection of privacy of Canadians and our clients very seriously.
- We’re aware of reports from 2015 of an error that led to a data breach, though it’s important to note that this was for another VFS client government on a separate system not being used by the Government or Canada
- Canada has its own system that VFS operates, and we have rigorous safeguards in place to protect the information of applicants.
- We always ensure the privacy of Canadians and our clients remains protected.
Background
Visa Application Centres
Visa application centres are private companies that have formal contracts with the Government of Canada. They:
- securely send applications and passports of Foreign Nationals and Permanent Residents (for Permanent Resident Travel Documents) to the visa office.
- are official locations to give biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) outside Canada
- are located around the world
- speak local languages
Clients may go to a visa application centre that isn’t in their country of residence, and can either call, email, or visit the centre in person.
All visa application centres also:
- accept applications for study permits, work permits, temporary resident visas, and travel documents for permanent residents
- help applicants complete their application
- securely return passport and decision documents
- provide access to a computer to apply online
Some centres:
- provide application photograph and photocopy services
- give updates via text message
- accept payment of application fee
- use courier service to return applications
IRCC migration offices are located in Canadian embassies, high commissions and consulates. They process applications for:
- permanent immigration
- visitor visas (temporary resident visas)
- study permits
- work permits
- refugee resettlement
- travel documents for permanent residents abroad
They also conduct interviews when needed.
Migration offices also engage in migration diplomacy: building and managing relationships in the international sphere to advance and protect Canada’s migration-related objectives and to advocate for Canada’s position on issues of strategic importance.
Contact:
Pemi Gill, Director General, IN
Approved by: Daniel Mills, Assistant Deputy Minister, OPS
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