Dhaka, Jan. 15 -- Australia has moved Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Bhutan into the highest risk category for student visas, tightening scrutiny of applicants under its Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF).

Under the new classification - Evidence Level 3 - student visa applications from these countries will face stricter checks, including enhanced verification of financial records, academic credentials and English-language proficiency. Processing times are also expected to increase. The change took effect on January 8, 2026, according to Australian media reports.

Australian authorities said the decision was taken outside the regular review cycle to address what they described as growing concerns over visa integrity. Officials stress...