New Delhi: Australia has placed India in the “highest-risk” category for student visa applicants, tightening scrutiny under its visa regime and subjecting Indian students to more stringent checks. The revised classification, which also includes Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan, came into force on January 8.Under the Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF), the four South Asian countries have been moved from Evidence Level 2 to Evidence Level 3, the most restrictive category. The Australian media described the decision as an out-of-cycle reassessment, while authorities said it was prompted by “emerging integrity risks.”Explaining the rationale, the administration said the change was aimed at strengthening oversight without deterring genuine applicants. “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 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,” it added, emphasising the broader objective.For Indian students, the reclassification means a more intensive visa assessment process. Applications will now be subject to closer examination, with authorities likely to seek additional documentation and conduct detailed background checks.Moreover, financial records such as bank statements may be manually verified and proof of English language proficiency could be demanded, and visa officers may directly contact educational institutions and referees. Due to these measures, processing times are expected to extend from the earlier three weeks to as long as eight weeks.While the Australian government has not specified the precise reasons for India’s placement in the highest-risk category, the move follows reports of fake degree rackets in India that attracted international attention. India constitutes nearly 140,000 of Australia’s approximately 650,000 international students, and together the four reclassified countries account for close to one-third of enrolments in 2025.