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Safety · June 2026 topic collection

Protecting your information when researching immigration online

Be selective about where you share passports, correspondence and personal histories.

By Planned ImmigrationPublished: 2 min read

Editorial topic date: June 25, 2026. This retrospective collection date is not an earlier publication date or a historical policy update.

General information only, not immigration or legal advice. Reading an article does not create a client relationship. Requirements and policies can change; check the official sources before acting. Eligibility and outcomes depend on individual circumstances and decisions by the relevant authorities. No visa, permit, nomination, admission or permanent residence outcome is guaranteed.

Limit public disclosure

A public group may help you find questions to research, but it is not a secure place for your passport, financial records or refusal letter. Removing a name may not remove all identifying information. Consider who can access, copy or redistribute anything you upload.

Verify requests independently

Before sending records or paying a fee, confirm the recipient’s identity through a trusted route. Fraudulent messages may copy familiar branding or claim urgency. Check consultant details in the appropriate register and official instructions on government resources rather than through a link supplied in a suspicious message.

Keep control of your records

Use suitable account security and understand any arrangement for representative access. Keep copies of documents, service terms and submissions relevant to you. Do not hand over credentials because someone promises a shortcut or guaranteed result. If you suspect misuse, use official reporting resources and seek appropriate assistance.

Preparation checklist

  • Avoid sharing case documents publicly.
  • Verify recipients before sending records.
  • Protect accounts and retain copies.

Official resources & further reading

Check the current instructions. These links provide general context; the requirements relevant to your case may differ.

Questions about your own situation?

An article cannot assess your case. Book a private paid consultation with Sukhpreet Kaur Dhaliwal, RCIC-IRB, to discuss your individual circumstances.

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