COUNTRY LEVEL ASSESSMENT HAVE CHANGED - 2026

On 8 January 2026, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) updated Country Evidence Level assessments for South Asian countries, including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. While headlines about “level changes” can appear concerning, these updates primarily affect document verification processes, not visa eligibility. Students with genuine intentions and well-prepared documents have nothing to fear and there is nothing to worry about this.

What the Update Means

The new framework demonstrates stricter scrutiny of student visa applications from these countries. The focus areas include:

• Academic Documents – authenticity, completeness, and verifiability
• Genuine Student (GS) Assessments – demonstrating credible academic and career progression
• Financial Evidence – transparency, sustainability, and traceability of funds

Applications with missing, unverifiable, or inconsistent documents may experience delays or refusals. This does not mean students with proper and genuine  documents are at risk or going to face any kind of problems; in fact, well-prepared applicants generally experience smooth processing.

Academic Documents

Students must ensure their academic records are fully authentic and verifiable as well as genuine. Documents like

• Transcripts and certificates should be issued by recognized institutions.
• Apostille or notarization alone is insufficient; verification may involve direct checks with universities or authorized third-party services.
• Any inconsistencies, gaps, or unexplained transfers between courses can trigger additional scrutiny.

A strong, verifiable academic record is the foundation of a successful application.

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Genuine Student (GS) Assessment

The Genuine Student (GS) assessment evaluates whether a student is genuinely pursuing their studies. Students need to demonstrate:

• Logical academic progression – previous studies leading naturally to the proposed course
• Alignment with career goals – chosen course should make sense based on prior education or work experience
• Clear study rationale – why this course, at this institution, and in Australia
• Intent to return home – credible ties to the home country or clear post-study plans

A well-crafted GS statement helps minimize doubts and reduce the risk of delays.

Financial Evidence

Students must provide genuine, traceable, and sustainable proof of funds. Key considerations include:

• Avoid recently opened accounts or sudden large deposits
• Avoid circular or repeated fund transfers that may appear artificial
• Avoid short-term loans or borrowed money presented as savings

Providing clear, credible financial evidence significantly strengthens the application, particularly for Level 3 countries.

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 Country Evidence Levels – DHA (Jan 2026)

DHA now classifies countries into three evidence levels:

a

Level             Risk                          Countries                           Requirement

1                  Low                       Maldives                        Minimal documentation, faster processing

2                 Moderate              Sri Lanka                        Some extra documents required

3                 Higher Scrutiny   India, Bangladesh           Full financial and English evidence is usually required
                                                Nepal, Bhutan
                                                Pakistan, Afghanistan

Important: Being classified as Level 3 does not mean visa refusal. Students with complete, verifiable, and genuine documents continue to have strong success rates.

Students Who Need Extra Attention

Certain students may face additional scrutiny and should prepare carefully:

• Students with complex financial backgrounds
• Students with gaps in study or course changes without clear explanation
• Applicants with previous visa refusals
• Offshore applicants

Early preparation and well-organized documentation are key to smooth processing for these groups.
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At this moment, students must  focus on 

A. Academic Documents

• Must be authentic, complete, verifiable
• Verification may involve universities or third-party services
• Apostille/notarisation alone  is not enough

B. Genuine Student (GS) Assessment

Students must show:

• Logical academic progression
• Alignment: previous studies → proposed course → career goals
• Clear rationale for studying & future plans
• Intent to return home after study

C. Financial Evidence

• Funds must be genuine, traceable, sustainable
• Avoid recent accounts, circular fund movements, short-term loans

Level changes only affect document scrutiny,  but not eligibility

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Students must stay calm and do not panic. Already lodged applications are safe, no need to reapply. Students should keep an eye on the DHA tools 

1. Check DHA tools – Always verify required docs with the Document Checklist Tool
2. Already lodged applications are safe – No need to reapply
3.  Complete, truthful GS statements & evidence = Strong chances

Role of Vista Migration & Education Services

We are playing a vital role in ensuring applications are complete, credible, and compliant:

• Conducting pre-submission checks of academic, financial, and supporting documents
• Ensuring GS statements are accurate, individualized, and aligned with career goals
• Identifying and address document inconsistencies before lodgement

Proactive guidance from us can prevent delays, refusals, or additional scrutiny.

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            NO NEED TO WORRY 

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VISTA MIGRATION AND EDUCATION SERVICES IS HERE:

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Why Choose Vista Migration & Education Services?

We help with:

1. Course changes

2. New admissions

3.Pathways into high-demand occupations

4.Visa strategy & guidance

5.Clear direction for your future in Australia

Message us now!

Your future in Australia starts with the right choice — and we’re here to guide you.

Book a consultation with our Registered Migration Agent

(MARN-1804551)

https://www.vistamigration.com.au/book-a-session

Our guidance will enhance your visa chances.

Submit your inquiry by using the link below.

https://www.vistamigration.com.au/contact

Vista Migration & Education Services.

W: https://www.vistamigration.com.au/

Our Location:

Sydney Office:

(61) 1300 847 822

(61) 0480 193 431  (Mobile/WhatsApp)

Address:  16/168-176 Haldon Street, Lakemba, NSW - 2195

Contact Dhaka Office +88 01323725513-14 (8 am to 4 pm)

Dhaka office Address: 43, 6 S Bishil Rd, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh

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