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Australia has moved India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan to Evidence Level 3, the highest risk category under its Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF), introducing increased scrutiny for future student visa applicants from these countries.
The change came into effect on 8 January 2026 and was described by observers as an unusual mid-cycle adjustment to Australia’s student visa risk assessment framework.
What Has Changed?
Under Australia’s Simplified Student Visa Framework, countries are assigned an Evidence Level based on various risk indicators associated with visa compliance and migration outcomes.
India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan have now been moved from Evidence Level 2 to Evidence Level 3, the highest category within the framework.
The Australian Government said the change was introduced to assist with managing what it described as “emerging integrity issues” while continuing to support genuine international students seeking to study in Australia.
According to a spokesperson from Australia’s Department of Home Affairs:
“This change will assist with the effective management of emerging integrity issues, while continuing to facilitate genuine students seeking a quality education in Australia.”
Why Does Evidence Level Matter?
Evidence Levels influence the amount of supporting information and scrutiny that may be applied to student visa applications.
The Department of Home Affairs considers several factors when determining a country’s Evidence Level, including:
- Visa refusal rates
- Visa cancellation rates
- Visa overstays
- Unlawful non-citizens
- Protection visa applications
- Student visa compliance outcomes
Higher-risk classifications may result in additional scrutiny during the visa assessment process.
Impact on Indian Students
India remains one of Australia’s largest international student markets.
According to education sector data, there were approximately 140,871 Indian students studying in Australia, with more than 31,000 new Indian student enrolments recorded during 2025.
The change does not affect Indian students who are already studying in Australia under valid visas.
However, prospective students applying for Australian student visas may experience:
- Increased scrutiny of applications
- Greater emphasis on demonstrating genuine study intentions
- Additional requests for supporting documentation
- Closer examination of financial capacity and study plans
Applicants should ensure all information submitted is accurate, complete and supported by appropriate documentation.
A Significant Policy Shift
Former Deputy Secretary of Australia’s Immigration Department, Dr Abul Rizvi, described the move as a highly unusual and out-of-cycle change to the framework.
The decision reflects Australia’s broader efforts to strengthen the integrity of its international education sector while balancing the economic and social benefits that international students bring to the country.
The change follows a series of student visa reforms introduced by the Australian Government over the past two years aimed at reducing misuse of student visas while prioritising genuine students.
What Should Future Applicants Do?
Prospective students from India and other affected countries should not assume that obtaining a student visa has become impossible.
Australia continues to welcome large numbers of international students each year.
However, applicants should be prepared to provide clear evidence regarding:
- Their chosen course and education provider
- Their financial capacity
- Their academic background
- Their reasons for studying in Australia
- Their future career objectives
Strong documentation and genuine study intentions remain the most important factors in a successful student visa application.
Looking Ahead
Australia’s international education sector remains one of the country’s largest export industries, and Indian students continue to play an important role within that system.
While the move to Evidence Level 3 may increase scrutiny for future applicants, genuine students who meet visa requirements and provide strong supporting evidence should continue to have pathways available to study in Australia.
As with all migration and visa-related developments, prospective students should monitor official Department of Home Affairs announcements and seek professional advice where appropriate.
