The Australian government has revised the documentation standards for Indian students applying for visas, moving the evidence requirement from Level 2 (EL2) to Level 3 (EL3). This change, effective January 8, 2026, reinstates the verification norms that were in place before September 2025. The details were shared in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
The question was asked to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) regarding India's reclassification by Australia as a 'highest-risk' country for student visas, which entails stricter scrutiny and additional documentation. In a written reply, Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, confirmed the change: "From January 8, 2026, Australian authorities have revised the evidence requirement for Indian applicants from EL2 to EL3, effectively restoring the previous arrangements."
Singh noted that while the requirements have tightened, India and Australia continue to share a constructive educational partnership, including the presence of Australian university campuses in India.
"The government remains committed to supporting Indian students in accessing higher education and research opportunities in Australia," he added, highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts to facilitate student mobility.
