In an update flagged late on 7 April, Australia’s Department of Home Affairs reclassified India from Evidence Level 2 to Evidence Level 3—the highest-risk tier in its Simplified Student Visa Framework. The shift means Indian applicants must now submit more exhaustive financial and academic documentation and face additional background checks. The change follows a 36 % surge in Indian applications in 2025 and rising visa-fraud indicators. Under EL3, processing times typically lengthen by two to three weeks and refusal rates historically tick up by five percentage points. Education agents are warning students with July-semester offers to lodge paperwork immediately and budget for extended timelines. For universities, the downgrade increases compliance monitoring costs; providers that breach enrolment-integrity thresholds risk sanctions or caps under Australia’s new "genuine student" rules. Corporate sponsors funding higher-degree training must likewise prepare for slower mobilisation. Diplomatically, New Delhi has asked Canberra for data justifying the decision, citing the positive track record of Indian graduates in regional skill-shortage areas. Talks are expected during the next India–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership review in May.
Source: Dailyhunt / Trak.in
