Education sector leaders believe stronger screening will help ensure that those arriving in Australia are genuinely committed to their studies
Australia has tightened scrutiny of student visa applications from India after moving the country into its highest risk category under the Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF). The change came into effect on January 8, 2026, with India shifting from Evidence Level 2 to Evidence Level 3. Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan have also been placed in the same category.
Officials stressed that Australia wants overseas students to enjoy a positive academic experience and access quality education. At the same time, the student visa system must maintain confidence in the country’s education sector, which is a major contributor to the economy.
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According to Australian media reports, the reassessment was carried out outside the usual review cycle
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Authorities said the move was driven by concerns related to visa integrity and compliance, even as they reaffirmed their commitment to supporting genuine international students
For Indian students, the new classification means stricter checks during the visa process. Applications are likely to face closer scrutiny, with immigration officials seeking additional documents and conducting more detailed verification. This may include manual checks of bank statements, requests for extra proof of English language skills, and direct contact with educational institutions or referees. As a result, visa processing times could increase from around three weeks to as long as eight weeks.
Although Australian authorities have not pointed to a single reason for the change, the decision follows reports of forged academic and financial documents originating from India, which have raised concerns internationally.
India remains one of Australia’s largest student source countries, with nearly 140,000 Indian students among an estimated 650,000 international enrolments. Experts note that as visa rules tighten in the US, the UK and Canada, more students are turning to Australia as a relatively accessible option.
