Australia Moves India to Highest-Risk Category for Student Visas Under SSVF, Tightens Scrutiny

Australia has moved India into the highest-risk (Evidence Level 3) category for student visa processing under its Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF), alongside Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan, triggering stricter checks for applicants from these countries.

An Australian Department of Home Affairs spokesperson confirmed that Evidence Levels for several South Asian countries were altered on January 8, 2026, citing the need to manage “emerging integrity issues” while continuing to facilitate genuine students.

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What Evidence Level 3 means for Indian students?

Under SSVF, Evidence Levels influence how much documentation applicants may need to provide. With the shift to Evidence Level 3, Indian applicants can expect more intensive verification—including stronger financial and academic evidence checks—compared with lower-risk categories.

(The Home Affairs SSVF guidance explains the framework and evidence expectations at a high level, though individual requirements depend on the applicant and provider.)

Processing impact

Media reports say the re-rating could lead to slower Australia student visa decisions and increased document requests for Indian student applicants, as applications are screened more closely.

Why Australia changed India’s risk rating?

Home Affairs has not publicly listed country-specific reasons in detail, but has linked the out-of-cycle change to “emerging integrity risks/issues” in the student visa program.

What Indian applicants should do now?

Students planning Australia for 2026 should treat documentation as non-negotiable: ensure bank statements and funding sources are clean and traceable, academics are verifiable, and English-language evidence is ready if requested. Applying earlier than usual may help offset potential delays. (SSVF also advises providers to issue CoEs well ahead of course start dates.)

Why this matters: India is one of Australia’s largest international student source markets, so the shift to Evidence Level 3 could materially affect application timelines and approvals for 2026 intakes.