Effective 8 January 2026, Australia has reclassified India to Evidence Level 3 (Highest Risk). Applicants now face:
- Mandatory Evidence: Hard proof of funds and English proficiency is now required for most applications.
- Slower Timelines: Processing has increased from ~3 weeks to 8 weeks due to manual verification.
- Stricter Scrutiny: Increased focus on “Genuine Student” intent and manual bank statement verification.
What the Evidence Level 3 (AL3) Change Means for You
The Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF) ranks countries from 1 (lowest risk) to 3 (highest risk). India’s move to Level 3 significantly raises the bar for documentary evidence.
1. Mandatory Financial Evidence
Under Level 3, you can no longer rely on simple declarations. You must provide:
- Proof of Funds: At least $29,710 AUD for annual living costs (plus tuition and travel).
- Manual Verification: Case officers are now manually verifying bank statements and loan documents with Indian financial institutions to combat fraud.
2. Enhanced English Proficiency
While some Level 1 applicants can waive tests, Level 3 applicants must almost always provide a valid English test result (e.g., IELTS 6.0 minimum for most degrees).
3. The “Genuine Student” (GS) Requirement
The old GTE statement has been replaced by the GS Requirement. You must now answer specific, targeted questions regarding:
- Your economic circumstances in India.
- Why you chose your specific Australian provider over local options.
- How the course directly benefits your future career path.
Why Was This Change Introduced?
The Australian Department of Home Affairs cited “emerging integrity risks” following a spike in unverifiable academic transcripts and fraudulent financial documents in late 2025. This out-of-cycle reclassification (alongside Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan) aims to protect the integrity of the international education sector.
| Feature | Previous (Level 2) | New 2026 (Level 3) |
| Processing Time | 3–4 Weeks | Up to 8 Weeks |
| Financial Proof | Discretionary | Mandatory & Verified |
| Document Scrutiny | Standard | High (Manual Checks) |
| Interview Risk | Low | Increased Likelihood |
Action Plan for 2026 Applicants
- Apply Early: Aim to lodge your visa at least 3–4 months before your intake (especially for July 2026).
- Audit Your Finances: Ensure all funds are in “traceable” accounts and have been held for the required duration.
- Personalize Your GS Statement: Avoid AI-generated or templated answers; visa officers are currently flagging generic responses as “non-genuine.”
How NB Migration Law Can Help
With India now in the highest-risk category, the margin for error is zero. NB Migration Law provides the strategic oversight needed to navigate this high-scrutiny environment.
- Document Pre-Screening: We conduct “integrity audits” on your financial and academic records before lodgement.
- Strategic GS Guidance: We help you articulate your study intent to meet the rigorous 2026 standards.
- Response Representation: If the Department issues a “Section 56” request for more information, we manage the legal response to minimize refusal risks.
Contact NB Migration Law today to ensure your student visa application is prepared correctly, supported by strong evidence and aligned with Australia’s current immigration requirements. Early advice can help reduce delays, avoid refusals and give you greater confidence in your pathway to studying in Australia.