Australia shifts Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Bhutan to highest-risk category for student visa
Australia has reclassified these countries to Evidence Level 3, the highest risk category, under its Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF), tightening checks on student visa applicants amid what authorities described as “emerging integrity risks”
Bangladesh and India have been moved to the highest-risk tier under Australia's student visa assessment system, triggering stricter screening for applicants from both countries.
Australia has reclassified Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Bhutan to Evidence Level 3, the highest risk category, under its Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF), tightening checks on student visa applicants amid what authorities described as "emerging integrity risks". The change came into effect on 8 January 2026, according to a report by The Times of India.
The reclassification was made outside the regular review cycle, Australian media reported, signalling heightened concern within the administration over visa compliance and documentation standards from the affected countries.
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"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 administration said.
"The Australian government wants all students to have a positive study experience during their stay in Australia and receive a high-quality education. It is important that Australia's international education system and Student Visa Program has the right settings to provide international students with confidence they are investing in the best possible education."
What it means for Bangladeshi and Indian students
Under the new classification, student visa applications from Bangladesh and India will face significantly more rigorous scrutiny. Applicants may be required to submit additional documentation, while financial records, including bank statements, will be manually verified. Visa officers may also seek further proof of English language proficiency and directly contact educational institutions and referees.
Processing times are expected to lengthen, with applications likely to take between three and eight weeks instead of the shorter timelines previously seen under Evidence Level 2.
Why the risk rating was raised
While Australian authorities did not specify individual reasons for moving Bangladesh and India into the highest-risk category, the decision follows international reports of fraudulent academic credentials and financial documentation, particularly involving South Asian applicants.
India alone accounts for around 140,000 of Australia's roughly 650,000 international students, while Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Bhutan together represented nearly one-third of total enrolments in 2025, according to sector estimates.
Education sector experts say shifting global student flows have also played a role. With tighter immigration and student visa policies in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada, Australia has increasingly become the primary destination for international students.
"It recently became obvious that student applicants who couldn't get into those other three countries are increasingly applying to come to Australia, and in many cases we've seen an increase in fraudulent financial and academic documents," said Phil Honeywood, chief executive of the International Education Association of Australia.
"By placing a number of these countries into the highest risk rating level then it automatically enhances any filtering of the student visa applicants to ensure bona fide study motivation."
Despite the tougher stance, Australian authorities reiterated that the measures are aimed at protecting the integrity of the student visa programme rather than discouraging genuine students from Bangladesh, India and other affected countries.
