Cookie Notice
Introduction
At VFS Global we utilize cookies to enhance user experience and analyse website traffic provide personalized content. Before using cookies, we will solicit your consent to the placement of cookies in accordance with this notice. We use technologies such as web beacons, tracking pixels, tags, and JavaScript, alone or in conjunction with cookies, to gather information about the use of our websites and how people interact with our emails. Additionally, we may share information about your site usage with our trusted social media, advertising, and analytics partners. These partners may combine this information with other data you have provided to them or that they have collected from your use of their services. This notice provides you with information about cookies and how to control them for this website.
What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files that websites store on your device to make your browsing experience more efficient. The law allows us to store strictly necessary cookies on your device without requiring your consent. However, for other types of cookies, we need your permission.
Certain cookies are set by us and are referred to as:
- First-party Cookies: First-party cookies are cookies set by the VFS Global website. These cookies are essential for the website to function properly and help to provide a seamless customer experience.
Cookies which are not set by us are referred to as:
- Third-party Cookies: Third-party cookies are set by domains other than the VFS Global website. These cookies are typically placed by external services that we integrate into our website, such as advertising networks or social media platforms.
Types of Cookies Used?
Our website employs various types of cookies, including:
Strictly Necessary Cookies: These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information.
Performance Cookies: These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and is therefore anonymous in this aggregated format. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site and will not be able to monitor its performance.
Functional Cookies: These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies, then some or all these services may not function properly.
Targeting Cookies: These cookies may be sent through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They do not directly store personal information but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.
This Website may use analytics services provided by Google. This Website analytics refers to a set of tools used to collect and analyse anonymous usage information, enabling us to better understand how this Website is used. This, in turn, enables us to improve this Website and the services offered through it. You do not have to allow us to use these Cookies, however whilst our use of them does not pose any risk to your privacy or your safe use of this Website, it does enable us to continually improve this Website, making it a better and more useful experience for you.
Cookie Duration:
Cookies are typically categorized as “session” cookies or “persistent” cookies. Session cookies help you navigate through the website efficiently, keeping track of your progression from page to page so that you are not asked for information you have already provided during the current visit. Session cookies are stored in temporary memory and erased when the web browser is closed. Persistent cookies on the other hand, store user preferences for current and successive visits. They are written on your device’s storage and are still valid when you restart your browser. We use persistent cookies, for example, to pre-populate forms for your convenience, or determine your country location.
How to Manage Consent Preferences
You can manage or withdraw your consent to the use of cookies at any time by adjusting your preferences in the Cookie banner on our website. This can be done through our Cookie banner when initially visiting our website using the ‘Cookie Settings’ icon below.
You will receive the option to “Allow All Cookies” or “Allow Only Necessary.” The VFS Global Cookie Preference Centre Tool can be utilised to customise your cookie preferences. This can be done by selecting the Cookies you wish to opt in for and clicking “Confirm My Choices.” We respect your privacy rights, allowing you to opt out of certain types of cookies.
Our default settings are already designed to preserve your privacy. Click on the various category headings to learn more and adjust the default settings. Please note that blocking certain cookies may affect your experience of the site and the services we provide. By clicking “Accept All Cookies,” you agree to storing cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyse site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Your choice is saved in our Cookie consent management tool. Essential cookies cannot be disabled, nor can the tool be used to block cookies on third-party websites linked from our website.
Please refer the below to see more about managing cookies on browsers at a later stage:
If you are using Microsoft Edge: Please click here
If you are using Google Chrome: Please click here
If you are using Safari: Please click here
If you are using any another browser, check its support site for instructions.
Storage and Retention of Our Cookies
Cookies used on this website are stored on your device for varying durations, depending on their purpose and type. The lifespan of persistent cookies may vary, but they are typically stored for up to several days, months, or a year.
We strive to ensure that the retention periods for cookies align with their intended purposes and are not kept for longer than necessary. For further information regarding the duration and storage of our Cookies please refer to our Cookie Banner.
Managing Your Browser
Many of the cookies used on our website can also be enabled or disabled through your browser. To disable cookies through most browsers, "Right Click" on the Lock icon in the address bar of your Browser, from there you will see the "Cookies" option, you can "Allow" or Block" Cookies clicking and following the prompts. Please note that disabling a cookie or category of cookies does not delete the cookie from your browser unless manually completed through your browser function.
Please note that our website does not directly place cookies from third-party services such as Google on your device. However, if you are logged into your accounts with third-party providers (such as Google, social media platforms, or other services) on other browsers or devices simultaneously, these third parties may place cookies on your device. These cookies are managed by the respective third-party services and are not under our control. We encourage you to review the privacy and cookie policies of these third-party providers for more information on how they use cookies and manage your data.
Social Networking and Embedded Content
On some of our website’s pages, we may feature embedded share buttons or widgets that allow you to visit a number of our social media websites. These social networking sites may set cookies that can identify you as an individual. For more information about privacy and data protection, please see our Privacy Statement.
Sometimes, we embed images, videos, or other content from third-party websites. As a result, when you visit the page featuring this content, you may be presented with cookies from these websites. We do not control these cookies and cannot prevent these sites or domains from collecting information on your use of this content. Please check the relevant party’s website for more information.
How To Contact Us
If you have any questions about our cookie notice, or regarding your privacy please contact us at dpo@vfsglobal.com
Updates to the Notice
This Cookie Notice may be subject to periodic updates or revisions. Any changes made to this Notice will be posted on this page.