Assessment Level Increment of Nepal

Nepali students now have the expectation of less documentary requirements, faster-processing time, and more approvals under Level 2 than the previous ones. The upgrading process makes the process of obtaining a visa easier, and Australia is now an even more accessible destination to study overseas to Nepalese students.

What Is the Assessment Level System?

In July 2016, the Australian Department of Home Affairs introduced the Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF) to categorize student visa applicants under three risk-based categories.

• Level 1 Assessment (Low Risk): Applicants from such countries are only subject to minimal documentary checks, and even at that, only basic proof of qualifications and funds.
• Level 2 Assessment (Moderate Risk): The applicants would be asked to provide routine documents such as proof of funds, academic transcripts, and evidence of language skills, but with a less involved process than Level 3.
• Level 3 Assessment (High Risk): High refusal and non-compliance countries. Applicants are asked to provide detailed financials, detailed academic credentials, and test results formally, and this will take longer to process.

Nepal previously held a Level 3 ranking, a high-risk level with more stringent documentation due to its history of non-compliance with visas. The levels are reviewed and revised every two months (March and September) based on data such as grant levels of visas, fraud levels, and compliance outcomes by the DHA.

Nepal's Advancement to Level 2 of Evaluation

In early-April 2025, the DHA announced Nepal will be moved to Assessment Level 2 from Level 3 effective March 31, 2025. A change also noted by Australia’s top immigration advisory firm, Visa Alliance, this reflects Nepal’s continuous improvement in:

• Visa Compliance Rates: Reduced instances of non-compliance with visa conditions by Nepalese students.
• Fraud reduction: Stronger recruitment procedures and better documentation integrity.
• Authentic Student Entrant (GTE) Approvals: Stronger proof of study purpose and plans to return home by applicants.

The recategorization puts Nepal alongside comparable like-rated medium-risk countries and indicates faith in Nepal's foreign education system.

Advantages to Nepali Students

• Less Financial Records: No longer will lengthy bank statements and default financial guarantees be needed by students, lessening the hassle of applying.

• Simplified GTE Assessment: The Genuine Student Requirement tests are less complex, with fewer sophisticated proof of return intentions.

• Rapid Processing Times: With fewer documents to verify, applications are handled at a faster rate, allowing students to arrange course start and travel dates with more precision.

• Increased Approval Rates: Statistically improved in grant outcomes in Nepal increased general chances of success in overall visas.

• Enhanced Confidence: Students and families feel safer knowing the process is more streamlined and believing their applications will be attended to in good time.

Verifying Your Assessment Level & Requirements

All applicants will need to use the Department’s Document Checklist Tool before lodging their application in ImmiAccount to have the evidence requirements specific to a country and education provider checked.

1. Choose Country of Passport: Nepal.
2. Enter Education Provider or CRICOS Code: To see evidence level at provider level.
3. Choose Special Program (if any): e.g., secondary exchange.
4. Review Required Documents: The site will provide documents related to health insurance, student proof that is valid, and any additional proof (for example, financial capability, language test).

Australia also now asks all onshore applicants to supply a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) when applying from January 1, 2025. Evidence of English language—approved test within the last two years, or CoE—is still a requirement for most applicants. Financial capacity requirements were restored on May 10, 2024, so make sure to meet the new minimums set by the DHA.

Working with an Education Consultancy

Reputable agencies such as 360 Education have been sending Nepali students to overseas for over two decades and are members of ECAN (Educational Consultancies Association of Nepal) to this date. When choosing an agent, ensure that they:

• Are enrolled with ECAN.
• Offer up-to-date DHA guidance on evidence levels.
• Assist with visa interviews, CoE processing, and scholarship applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Nepal’s new assessment level?
   Level 2 (Moderate Risk), effective March 31, 2025.
2. Do current applications benefit from this change?
   Only applications lodged on or after March 31, 2025 will follow Level 2 requirements.
3. Do current applications benefit from this change?
   Only applications lodged on or after March 31, 2025 will follow Level 2 requirements.
4. How often does DHA review levels?
   Every six months—in March and September—based on visa data and compliance.
5. Where can I check my specific documentary requirements?
   Use the DHA Document Checklist Tool in ImmiAccount to generate a tailored list.
6. Should I still prepare financial and English evidence?
   Yes—while Level 2 reduces default requirements, certain situations (e.g., provider Level 3) may still trigger these documents.