The Australian Department of Home Affairs has recently updated the evidence levels applied to student visa applications, according to information circulated via the Provider Registration and International Student Management System (PRISMS).
Although not officially published, these evidence levels play a key role under the Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF), guiding the level of documentation required for applications.
Current Country Evidence Levels
Based on updates shared within official education and immigration networks, countries are currently classified as:
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Level 1: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka
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Level 2: India, Bhutan, Vietnam, China, Nepal
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Level 3: Fiji, Philippines, Pakistan
How Evidence Levels Work
Evidence levels apply to both education providers and countries of citizenship, ranging from Level 1 (low risk) to Level 3 (high risk). The combination of the two determines the documentation students must submit.
Provider Evidence Levels
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Level 1 (Low risk): Minimal additional documentation required.
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Level 2 (Moderate risk): Additional evidence may be needed depending on student’s country.
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Level 3 (High risk): Strictest requirements and higher scrutiny.
Smaller or newer institutions often default to Level 2 or 3 due to limited visa outcome data.
Country Evidence Levels
Risk levels are assigned based on past visa outcomes, including:
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Visa cancellations and refusals
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Overstaying of visas
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Protection visa applications after study
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Fraudulent documentation (heavily weighted in risk assessments)
Interaction Between Levels
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Level 1 Country + Level 1 Provider: Streamlined process, minimal documentation.
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Mixed Levels (e.g., Level 1 Provider + Level 3 Country): May require extra documents such as English proficiency or proof of funds.
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Level 3 Country + Level 3 Provider: Strictest checks, higher likelihood of delays or refusals.
Why It Matters
This risk-based approach is designed to protect the integrity of Australia’s international education system. While students from higher-risk countries face stricter requirements, genuine applicants from lower-risk countries benefit from smoother, faster processing.
Source: BIIC
