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How cookies are used on the legalisation service

For information on what cookies are and how they are used on GOV.UK pages, go to GOV.UK opens in new window

Measuring website usage (Matomo)

We use Matomo Analytics software to collect non-personally-identifying information of the sort that web browsers and servers typically make available, such as the browser type, language preference, referring site, and the date and time of each visitor request. We do this to better understand how applicants for legalisation use the website. From time to time, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office may release non-personally-identifying information in the aggregate, eg, by publishing a report on trends in the usage of its website.

Matomo Analytics sets the following cookies:
NamePurposeExpires
_pk_refTracking of web site usageTwo years
_pk_cvarTracking of web site usageTwo years
_pk_idTracking of web site usageTwo years
_pk_sesTracking of web site usageTwo years

You can opt out from Matomo Analytics cookies opens in new window. If you are using an unsupported browser, such as Internet Explorer 6 on Windows Vista, we do not track your web site usage and the opt out page above will not be displayed.

Your progress when applying for legalisation

When you apply for legalisation we set a cookie. An online application can’t be completed without it, so this cookie is necessary in order to perform our official functions as a government department. The cookie remembers your progress through the forms and will also remember the data you've entered. Once you submit your application the cookie will be cleared. The cookie will also be deleted if there is a 30 minute period of inactivity.

If you create a user account for the legalisation service, we'll also use this cookie to temporarily store information relating to your user account. This is designed to enhance your experience of using the service, such as allowing you to see your history of recently submitted applications. The cookie doesn't store personal data and is deleted once it expires or when you logout of your account.

NamePurposeExpires
express.sidTracking application form data and user account detailsWhen logging out of the service, or after a 30 minute period of inactivity
_crsfStops you from signing in or creating an account if it looks like it may have been targeted by attackersWhen you close your web browser

Introductory cookie message

When you first use the service we show a ‘cookie message’. We then store a cookie on your computer so it knows not to show this message again.

NamePurposeExpires
seen_cookie_messageLets us know you’ve already seen our cookie message28 days

Other suppliers

We use other suppliers to provide this service, who have their own cookie policy: