The change means tougher documentation requirements, longer processing times and closer examination for students applying for Australian visas.
What changed and why
The Australian government has upgraded India and three neighbouring South Asian countries to Evidence Level 3 under its Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF), an internal risk-assessment system used by the Department of Home Affairs to determine the level of evidence required from student visa applicants.
Evidence levels range from Level 1 (lowest risk) to Level 3 (highest risk) and are based on historical visa data such as refusal rates, document fraud, visa cancellations and instances of overstaying.
According to Australia’s Department of Home Affairs, the reassessment was driven by “emerging integrity issues”, including concerns around fraudulent financial documentation, non-genuine students and misuse of student visas.
The government has said evidence levels are periodically reviewed and adjusted to protect the integrity of Australia’s migration and education systems.
While the department has not released country-specific data, Australian media reports said the move was out of cycle, suggesting heightened concern rather than a routine review.
What does Evidence Level 3 means
Being placed in Evidence Level 3 does not bar students from applying, but it does mean applications will face the highest level of scrutiny under the SSVF.
In practical terms, this affects three key areas.
- Stricter documentation requirements
Students from Evidence Level 3 countries are now required to submit extensive supporting documents upfront, including detailed proof of funds such as bank statements showing consistent balances and evidence of the source of money; academic records, degrees and transcripts, often requiring certification; English-language proficiency evidence, even where exemptions previously applied; and a strong Genuine Student statement explaining study plans, career outcomes and intent to return.
Under Australian rules, visa officers also have greater discretion to verify documents directly with banks, universities or other issuing authorities.
- Longer processing times
Because applications are more likely to be manually assessed, processing timelines are expected to increase.
Industry estimates suggest student visa decisions that earlier took around three to four weeks may now stretch to six to eight weeks or longer, depending on the complexity of the case and verification requirements.
- Higher risk of follow-up queries
Applicants from Evidence Level 3 countries should expect a higher likelihood of requests for additional information, follow-up questions on finances or academic gaps, and delays caused by background and document checks.
Education agents say poorly prepared or inconsistent applications are more likely to be delayed or refused under the new classification.
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What Australia says and what it doesn’t
Australian authorities have emphasised that the move is not a ban on students from India, Nepal, Bangladesh or Bhutan.
There are no country-specific quotas announced for student visas, and genuine students who meet requirements can still obtain visas.
The change is framed as a risk-management and integrity measure, not a restriction on international education itself.
Australia remains one of the top destinations for Indian students, with education forming a major export sector for the country.
What students should do now
Experts advise students planning to apply for Australian visas to apply earlier than usual to account for longer processing times; ensure financial documents are transparent, consistent and verifiable; prepare a clear, credible statement of study purpose; and check the Document Checklist Tool on the Department of Home Affairs website, which automatically reflects the applicant’s evidence level.
Education counsellors also recommend avoiding shortcuts or incomplete filings, as scrutiny has increased significantly under Evidence Level 3.
