Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:52pm on 13 Jan 2026,Tuesday India Global
Australia has moved India to the highest-risk category for student visas. The change places India under Assessment Level 3. This means stricter checks and more documents. Students must now show stronger proof of finances, English skills, and genuine study plans. The new rules came into effect on January 8, 2026. Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan have also been moved to this category. Pakistan already remains in the highest-risk tier. Australian officials say the decision aims to address visa fraud and protect system integrity. Recent reports of fake degree rackets in India may have influenced the move. It is still unclear if the change is temporary or long-term.
