Australian Department of Home Affairs Updates Provider and Country Evidence Levels under SSVF

The Australian Department of Home Affairs has announced an update to the evidence levels for education providers and countries as part of the Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF). These levels, reviewed biannually (typically in March and September), determine the amount of documentation required for student visa (subclass 500) applications based on immigration risk and compliance history. Lower levels (1) mean streamlined requirements with minimal evidence, while higher levels (3) require more comprehensive proof of finances, English proficiency, and genuine student status.

This update, effective immediately for new applications, reflects trends in visa grant rates, fraud detection, and student compliance from the period October 2023 to September 2024. It aims to reward low-risk countries and providers while tightening scrutiny on higher-risk ones to maintain program integrity.

Key Country Evidence Level Changes:

• Level 1 (Low Risk – Streamlined Evidence): Bangladesh, Sri Lanka
• Level 2 (Moderate Risk – Balanced Evidence): India, Bhutan, Viet Nam, China, Nepal
• Level 3 (High Risk – Full Evidence Required): Fiji, Philippines, Pakistan

These classifications combine with individual education provider levels to set overall evidentiary needs. For example, applicants from a Level 1 country attending a Level 1 provider face the least scrutiny.

Source Link

The official announcement and detailed levels are available on the Department of Home Affairs website: Evidence Levels for Education Providers and Countries (Updated September 2025). For provider-specific details, refer to the Student Visa Decision-Ready Checklist.