The Australian government has revised its student visa documentation framework for Indian applicants, increasing the evidence requirement from Level 2 (EL2) to Level 3 (EL3). The change came into effect on January 8, 2026, and effectively restores the stricter verification norms that were followed before September 2025.
The update was shared in the Rajya Sabha following a query to the Ministry of External Affairs regarding Indiaâs classification under Australiaâs visa risk framework.
Government confirms revised norms
Responding to the query, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh confirmed the development in a written reply.
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âFrom January 8, 2026, Australian authorities have revised the evidence requirement for Indian applicants from EL2 to EL3, effectively restoring the previous arrangementsâ, Singh wrote.
Such a classification would make India a higher-risk country for issuing student visas and would require applicants to show better proof of themselves in order to qualify for a visa.
What EL3 means for applicants
In the category EL3, the applicants are normally required to have a greater number of proofs with respect to their finances, education, and intention to come for studies
While the move increases procedural requirements, it does not change the eligibility of Indian students to apply for Australian student visas.
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India-Australia education ties remain steady
Despite the stricter norms, the government emphasised that educational cooperation between India and Australia remains stable. The presence of Australian university campuses in India and ongoing academic collaborations continue to reflect a strong partnership.
âThe government remains committed to supporting Indian students in accessing higher education and research opportunities in Australiaâ, Singh further said.
