Independent tool, not a government service
UK Mate is an independent organisation and preparation app. It is not the Home Office, GOV.UK, a legal adviser or an immigration representative. It cannot determine your status, submit an application or make an official decision.
When the app opens an official GOV.UK page for an eVisa, share code, right-to-work, right-to-rent or status check, you interact directly with GOV.UK. UK Mate does not receive or store your GOV.UK password or one-time code from that official sign-in.
Profile and account information
If you create or use a profile, UK Mate may process the name, email address and account identifier needed to provide access and associate your information with the correct profile. This is used for app functionality, not to sell personal information.
If you create family or dependant profiles, make sure you have the authority to add their information. Treat their records with the same care as your own.
Visa, travel and document information
UK Mate can organise visa dates, immigration history, checklists, sponsor or course notes, travel history, share-code reminders and documents you choose to add. This information is used to show your timeline, preparation tools, document vault and reminders.
Because this information can be sensitive, do not store a government password, one-time code, recovery code or other secret in the app. Consider whether every document or detail needs to be kept in the vault before adding it.
Your device, iCloud and notifications
Your information is kept on your device and, if you enable iCloud sync, can be stored in the private iCloud account connected to your Apple ID so that it can be restored or used on your compatible Apple devices. Apple operates iCloud under its own privacy terms.
Notifications are optional and can remind you about dates you have entered. You can change notification permissions in the app or iOS Settings. Removing the app does not necessarily remove data already held in iCloud or a device backup.
Exports, sharing and subscriptions
If you export a PDF, document or journey summary, or use a share sheet, the copy you send is handled by the recipient and service you choose. Check it carefully before sharing because it may contain sensitive immigration or travel information.
Premium subscriptions use Apple’s In-App Purchase system. Apple handles payment-card and billing information; UK Mate does not receive your full payment-card number.
Retention and deletion
Information remains on your device and, if enabled, in iCloud until you delete it using the available controls, reset the app or manage the relevant Apple storage. Backups can have their own retention period.
For information MateTech controls, email support with “UK Mate privacy” in the subject to ask about access, correction or deletion. Use GOV.UK or a qualified adviser for official immigration decisions.
How to read this policy
This policy covers personal information handled by MateTech for UK Mate and direct support requests about it. It explains the app’s own processing alongside the information handled by services you choose, such as Apple, iCloud, the App Store or a sign-in provider. Those services have their own privacy notices and controls.
Why we use information
We use information to provide the feature you ask for, maintain the app, respond to support, prevent misuse and keep the service reliable. Depending on the feature, the legal basis may be providing the app to you, your consent for an optional permission or setting, or our legitimate interests in security and service improvement. We do not use sensitive app content for unrelated marketing.
Your choices and UK privacy rights
You can manage optional permissions in the app and iOS Settings, and can withdraw consent for an optional feature by turning it off. Depending on the circumstances, you may have rights to ask for access, correction, deletion, restriction, objection or a portable copy of personal information MateTech controls. You can make a request through the contact details below. You can also complain to the UK Information Commissioner’s Office at ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint.
Contact and policy changes
Email support@matetech.uk for privacy questions. We may verify identity before acting on a request. Where UK data-protection law applies, we normally respond within one month. If you are unhappy with how we handle your request, you can complain to the ICO at ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint. We update this page before material changes to the app's data practices.