Indian Students Moved to ‘Highest-Risk’ Category as Australia Tightens Visa Rules

May 12 2026

Indian Students Moved to ‘Highest-Risk’ Category as Australia Tightens Visa Rules

Indian students applying to study in Australia have been placed in the ‘highest-risk’ category after a revision in the country’s visa assessment framework. The change shifts India from Evidence Level 2 (EL2) to Evidence Level 3 (EL3) under Australia’s Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF).

The Visa System Behind the Decision

Australia’s student visa framework uses an evidence-level system to assess the risk profile of applicants based on their country of origin.

Evidence Level 2 (EL2): Lower level of scrutiny with standard documentation requirements
Evidence Level 3 (EL3): Higher-risk category requiring increased documentation and more detailed assessment

With India now classified under EL3, applications will be subject to greater scrutiny and stricter documentation requirements compared to the earlier classification.

What the Change Means

Under the SSVF, countries are categorized by risk level, which determines how closely visa applications are examined. Moving to EL3 places Indian students in the most stringent assessment bracket.

Applicants will now need to submit more comprehensive documentation, including financial proof, academic records and supporting evidence to establish genuine study intent.

Government Confirms Change in Rajya Sabha

The development was confirmed in the Rajya Sabha, where Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh provided a written reply addressing concerns over the reclassification.

He stated that:

The revision came into effect on January 8, 2026
India was moved from EL2 to EL3
The change restores the system that existed before September 2025

The clarification followed questions regarding India being placed in the “highest-risk” category for student visa applications.

Increased Scrutiny and Processing Impact

The reclassification is expected to result in:

Tighter scrutiny of applications
Longer processing timelines
Potential impact on approval rates

Authorities will place greater emphasis on:

Financial capacity
Academic background and course alignment
Genuine intent to study

Reasons Behind the Shift

Australian authorities cited “emerging integrity risks” as a key reason for the change, including:

Non-genuine student applications
Fraudulent documentation
Misuse of student visa pathways

India has been grouped with Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan under this higher-risk classification.

Impact on Indian Students and Education Trends

India continues to rank among the top origin countries for students in Australia, making the move significant.

The change could:

Affect student mobility between the two countries
Influence enrollment trends
Increase uncertainty for prospective applicants

At the same time, genuine and well-prepared students are still expected to secure visas, though with stronger documentation requirements.

Diplomatic and Sector Response

The development has triggered discussions between India and Australia, reflecting the importance of bilateral educational ties.

Both governments continue to engage on the issue, alongside ongoing collaboration, including Australian universities establishing campuses in India.

Conclusion

Australia’s decision to move India to Evidence Level 3 marks a shift toward tighter assessment standards for student visa applications. As confirmed in the Rajya Sabha by Kirti Vardhan Singh, the change reinstates earlier rules, increasing scrutiny while maintaining access under more demanding conditions.

Author : Rani Thomas

I’m Rani Thomas, founder and CEO of Berakah Elite Education. With over 30 years in the United States and decades of experience in finance and operations at Lawson Travels, I launched Berakah to guide students in India through the process of studying abroad, combining structured support with a personal commitment to service.