Australia flags India as risky for student visas

NEPAL, BANGLADESH, BHUTAN ALSO MOVED TO 'HIGHEST-RISK' CATEGORY

- BY LEKSHMY PAVITHRAN

Australia has tightened checks for student visa applicants from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan, moving these countries into the “highest-risk” category.

According to media reports, the change came into effect on 8 January 2026 under Australia’s Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF).

'Highly unusual'

The four South-Asian nations were shifted from Evidence Level 2 to Evidence Level 3 in what former Immigration Department deputy secretary Dr Abul Rizvi called a “highly unusual” out-of-cycle change. Together, these countries accounted for nearly one-third of all international student enrolments in 2025.

A Home Affairs spokesperson said: “This change will assist with the effective management of emerging integrity issues, while continuing to facilitate genuine students seeking a quality education in Australia.”