Google Drive vs document collection for Ontario RCICs

Answers are general operational information only — not legal, tax, regulatory, clinical, privacy, immigration, or professional advice. Requirements vary by matter, client, and regulator.

Frequently asked questions

Can Ontario RCICs use Google Drive for client immigration documents?

Many do. Drive is a general store. It does not provide program checklists, missing-item dashboards, or IRCC-oriented QC. Default hosting is also typically outside Canada, which complicates PIPEDA and CICC confidentiality conversations.

Is Hivi-X a replacement for Google Drive?

It replaces Drive as the intake and completeness layer. You can still export a PDF package into whatever archive your retention policy uses.

Do clients need a Google account to upload to Hivi-X?

No. Secure guest link uses email OTP. They can also use a free my-id.ca account. They should not need a Google login to send you a police certificate.

Does Drive satisfy CICC file management?

A folder of PDFs is not automatically a complete client file. CICC still expects agreements, correspondence, billing, and supporting documents with a retention policy. Drive does not log consultation notes or checklist completeness for you.

What about sharing links that never expire?

Open Drive links are a common oversharing pattern. Hivi-X guest access is OTP-gated and scoped to that business and client grant.

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