Australia puts India in ‘highest-risk’ category under SSVF; tightens student visa system

Hyderabad: Australia has tightened scrutiny of student visa applications from India after moving the country into the ‘highest-risk’ category under its Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF).

The reclassification, which came into effect on January 8, 2026, has placed India alongside Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan in Evidence Level 3 from Evidence Level 2.

The change was made outside the regular review cycle. Australian authorities said the decision was prompted by “emerging integrity risks” within the international education system.

“This change will assist with the effective management of emerging integrity issues, while continuing to facilitate genuine students seeking a quality education in Australia,” the Australian administration said in a statement. It added that the government aims to ensure students “have a positive study experience and receive a high-quality education” while maintaining confidence in the student visa programme.

What the Re-Rating Means for Indian Students

Indian students applying for Australian student visas will now face more rigorous screening. Applications are expected to involve enhanced document checks, manual verification of financial records, and deeper background assessments.

According to education consultants, bank statements may be manually verified, additional English language proficiency evidence may be sought, and visa officers may directly contact educational institutions and referees for confirmation.

Processing times are also likely to increase, from an average of three weeks to anywhere between six and eight weeks.

“Students should be prepared for a more detailed and time-consuming process,” said Rahul Mehta, an international education consultant speaking to NewsMeter. “The emphasis will be on establishing genuine student intent, financial transparency, and academic credibility.”

Reasons Behind the ‘Highest-Risk’ Classification

While Australian authorities did not cite a specific incident triggering India’s reclassification, the move follows reports of fake degree rackets and documentation fraud in India that received international attention in recent months.

India is currently the largest source of international students in Australia, accounting for nearly 140,000 of the country’s estimated 650,000 international students. Together, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan represented close to one-third of Australia’s international student enrolments in 2025.

“The scale of student inflows from South Asia makes integrity checks a priority for Australian regulators,” said Dr. Ananya Rao, a higher education policy researcher. “When issues surface in high-volume markets, governments tend to respond with stricter compliance measures rather than targeted interventions.”

Impact on Students and Institutions

Experts believe the decision may not significantly reduce Indian enrolments but could alter application timelines and preparation strategies. Students may need to apply earlier and ensure their documentation is thorough and verifiable.

“Australia remains a preferred destination because of post-study work options and course quality,” said education advisor Kunal Shah. “However, students can no longer rely on last-minute applications. Transparency and proper guidance will be critical under Evidence Level 3.”

Australian universities, meanwhile, may face slower intake cycles and increased coordination with visa authorities, particularly during peak admission seasons.

What Applicants Should Do

Education experts advise prospective Indian students to work with authorised counsellors, maintain clear financial records, and ensure that academic documents are issued by recognised institutions. Strong English language scores and a well-documented statement of purpose will also be important under the tightened framework.

Despite the stricter checks, Australian authorities reiterated that the intent is not to discourage genuine students, but to safeguard the integrity of the international education system while continuing to attract credible applicants.