The Australian government has lowered visa assessment levels for students from 38 countries, including India, under which they would now be required to provide less documentary evidence. It may include proficiency in English, financial capacity and academic qualifications.
The visa assessment levels have been lowered for these countries across one or more sub-classes from April 2, according to official statement.
In 2009-10, there were 2,70,499 student visas granted across seven sub-classes, with 3,82,710 student visa holders in the country as of 30 June 2010. Of them, 80,450 were from India, 80, 010 from China and 21,720 from South Korea. The assessment levels are periodically reviewed and adjusted to reflect changing immigration risk outcomes.
Following a review by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) in 2010, the government decided to implement changes to reduce some student visa assessment levels.
