Overview
- Effective January 8, 2026, an out‑of‑cycle reassessment placed the four countries at Evidence Level 3 under Australia’s Simplified Student Visa Framework, the Home Affairs Department confirmed.
- Evidence Level 3 triggers tougher upfront documentation, more manual verification of finances and academic records, and likely longer processing times for applicants.
- Sri Lanka has been raised to Assessment Level 2, while Pakistan remains at Level 3, according to sector reports and departmental notices issued through PRISMS.
- The government stresses this is not a ban or a country quota change, with approvals still available to applicants who meet the tightened requirements.
- Industry leaders, including IEAA CEO Phil Honeywood, warn that frequent, late changes are unsettling providers as the 2026 intake begins, with detailed implementation guidance still pending; the four reclassified countries account for roughly one‑third of 2025 enrolments, including about 140,000 students from India.