Evidence Levels for Indian Student Visa Applicants: How to Check Yours and What Home Affairs Asks For
Many agents tell Indian students they are "Evidence Level 3". Home Affairs does not publish a list of countries; the only official answer for your combination of country and university comes from the Document Checklist Tool on the Home Affairs site, updated twice a year on 31 March and 30 September.
By Leonid Kurza · co-founder of Edumapple · checked
2updates a year
40%weight of fraud refusals in the rating
₹20 lakhliving funds a year
₹1.3 lakhtravel funds
Prepare as if evidence is required
The safest plan is to prepare the full set anyway: funds of ₹20 lakh (A$29,710) for living, a year of tuition and A$2,000 for travel, or parents' income of A$87,856 shown by tax assessments (bank statements and employer letters are not accepted for the income route). An education loan counts; disbursement evidence is the best proof.
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Courses your marks and degree qualify for
Tuition and the visa living funds, counted in rupees
At-home tests are not accepted for the visa. The minimum for a degree course is IELTS Academic 6.0 or an equivalent, taken within two years of lodging. Your university may ask for more.
Questions from Indian students: Evidence levels for India
What is my evidence level as an Indian student?
It depends on both India's country level and your university's provider level. Enter both in the Document Checklist Tool to see what you must attach.
How are levels set?
From weighted indicators: visa cancellations 25%, refusals for fraud 40%, other refusals 10%, holders becoming unlawful 15%, protection applications 10%. Countries below the threshold default to level 3, unless they meet income criteria for level 1.
What does a higher level mean?
You attach evidence of funds and English with the application instead of only if asked.
Can the Department ask for more anyway?
Yes. Even when the tool says evidence is not needed at lodgement, the Department may request it later.
Which documents should every Indian applicant have ready?
Funds for 12 months (tuition, A$29,710 living, A$2,000 travel) or parents' income of A$87,856 from tax assessments, English results from an approved test taken in person, academic records and the Genuine Student evidence.
