Australia’s Student Visa (Subclass 500) now uses a Country Assessment (Evidence) Level system to gauge risk and decide how much proof you must submit.
– Level 1 (Low Risk)– minimal documents, faster processing.
– Level 2 (Medium Risk) – moderate documentation required.
– Level 3 (High Risk) – full financial, academic and Genuine‑Student evidence needed; processing takes longer and poorly prepared cases face higher refusal risk.
On 8 January 2026 the government upgraded several South‑Asian nations:
– India and Nepal moved from Level 2 → Level 3.
– Bangladesh jumped from Level 1 → Level 3.
– Bhutan went from Level 2 → Level 3.
– Sri Lanka moved from Level 1 → Level 2
What this means for applicants
– Level 3 students must provide verifiable financial proof, strong English results, and a clear study‑to‑career pathway.
– Expect longer processing times and stricter scrutiny; generic or thinly documented applications are far more likely to be rejected.
Why the change?
The updates address rising concerns over fake financial documents, misrepresented academic records, and higher non‑compliance trends identified via PRISMS data..
Tips for a strong 2026 application
1. Get professional, registered migration advice early.
2. Avoid shortcuts and ensure every piece of evidence is genuine and well‑organized.
3. Prepare a solid Genuine‑Student statement that links your course to future career goals.
