Australia moves India to highest student visa risk category: What it means for Indian students
AUSTRALIA has moved India, along with Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan, to its highest student visa risk category. This change means stricter checks, more documents and longer waiting times for applicants from these countries.
The decision is part of Australia’s effort to address what it calls “emerging integrity risks” in its international education system.
Why the Change Happened
Australia uses a system called the Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF) to manage student visa applications. Countries are ranked from Evidence Level 1 (lowest risk) to Evidence Level 3 (highest risk).
The level is based on historical data, including visa refusal rates, cases of document fraud, visa cancellations, and how many students overstay their visas.
The Australian Department of Home Affairs stated the shift to Evidence Level 3 was driven by growing concerns about fraudulent financial documents, non-genuine students, and the misuse of student visas. While specific country data was not released, reports suggest this was not a routine review but a move prompted by heightened concerns.
What "Evidence Level 3" Means for Indian Students
It is important to note that this is not a ban. Students from India can still apply for Australian visas, but the process will face the highest level of scrutiny.
The main changes come in three areas. First, documentation requirements are now much stricter. Applicants must provide extensive proof upfront. This includes detailed financial evidence, such as bank statements that show consistent savings and the source of those funds.
Academic records, such as certified degrees and transcripts, are mandatory, along with English-language proficiency test results—even in cases where exemptions might have applied before. A strong "Genuine Student" statement explaining study plans and intent to return home is also essential. Visa officers now have greater discretion to verify these documents directly with banks or universities.
Second, processing times are expected to be significantly longer. Because applications are more likely to be manually assessed, decisions that once took around three to four weeks could now stretch to six to eight weeks or more.
Third, applicants should expect a higher chance of follow-up. There is a greater likelihood of requests for additional information, detailed questions about finances or study gaps, and delays due to background checks. Education agents warn that poorly prepared or inconsistent applications are now far more likely to be delayed or refused.
Official Stance and Impact
Australian authorities have emphasised that this is a risk-management and integrity measure, not a restriction on genuine students. No country-specific visa quotas have been announced. Australia remains one of the top destinations for Indian students, and international education is a major export sector for the country.
Experts advise students planning to apply to take specific steps. They should apply much earlier than usual to account for the extended processing timelines. Ensuring all financial and academic documents are transparent, consistent, and easily verifiable is critical. Preparing a clear and credible study statement is also key.
Prospective students should use the official Document Checklist Tool on the Department of Home Affairs website, which automatically updates requirements based on the applicant’s nationality. Finally, education counsellors strongly recommend avoiding shortcuts or incomplete filings, as scrutiny has increased significantly under this new classification.
