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Highlights: US Restores Legal Status for several international students   

• The US government is restoring the legal status of several international students in the country.
• The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records of international students across the US were reinstated.
• Reports suggest that over 50% of the terminated SEVIS records of international students were reactivated.
• International students were informed of the restoration of their SEVIS records by their Designated School Officers (DSOs).

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US Reverses SEVIS Terminations  

According to the latest immigration news updates, the US government has restored the SEVIS records of international students. A SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is a database that the DHS uses to manage and track the data of international students (F-1 visa, M-1 visa) and J-1 visa holders in the US. Following the sudden SEVIS terminations, the US government has reinstated the SEVIS records for several international students.

 

Most international students, including Indians, were reported about the restoration by their Designated School Officers (DSOs). Some immigration attorneys in the US also claim that the Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) is devising a framework for the SEVIS terminations that is yet to be finalized, announced, and implemented; until then, the SEVIS records of students will continue to be restored.

 

 

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Highlights: U.S. reaches additional H-2B Cap for Second Half of FY 2025

• H-2B visas are issued to foreign workers in temporary non-agricultural jobs.
• USCIS has reached the cap for additional H-2B visas for the fiscal year 2025.
• The U.S. had set a target of 19,000 H-2B visas.
• The visas will help address workforce shortages in non-agricultural sectors.
• The supplemental visas will be issued in multiple allocations.
   

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USCIS reaches cap for additional H-2B visas for FY 2025

The USCIS, or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, has reached the cap for an additional 19,000 H-2B visas for the second half of FY 2025. This visa is issued to international workers.
 

The visa was issued to foreign workers who would start their work between April 1 and May 14, 2025. The final date for submitting petitions requesting additional H-2B visas under the FY 2025 for returning worker allocation was April 18, 2025.
 

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Temporary Increase in H-2B Visas for FY 2025

On December 2, 2024, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Labor jointly published a temporary rule increasing the cap on H-2B visas by up to 64,716 additional visas for FY 2025. These visas are available only to U.S.-based businesses that require foreign workers to address the workforce shortages in the field.
 

To support U.S. businesses requiring workers to start work on different dates, the supplemental visas will be issued in multiple allocations, such as two for the second half of FY 2025.
 

Also read…

New U.S. Rule - All Immigrants Must Carry ID: H-1B, F-1, B1/B2, Green Card Included
 

Who can apply for the additional H-2B visa?

Out of the 64,716 supplemental visas, returning workers will be issued 44,716 visas. These workers received an H-2B visa or were authorized the H-2B status in the last three fiscal years. The other 20,000 visas are for Guatemala, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Ecuador, Colombia, and Costa Rica nationals. To qualify for the additional H-2B visas, the applications must be filed in the U.S. by September 15, 2025.
 

This increase is for a limited time and does not affect the H-2B program in the upcoming fiscal years.
 

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Highlights: Candidates in the Express Entry pool witness a major drop in CRS scores

• The removal of additional points for arranged employment, announced on March 25, 2025, led to major changes in the CRS scores.
• Candidates in the Express Entry pool saw a drop in CRS scores by 50-200 points.
• The most drastic change in scores was seen within the CRS range of 501-600, with a decrease of 5,740 profiles.
• There was an increase of 25,972 Express Entry candidate profiles recorded from December 2024 to April 2025.
   

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Major Changes to the Express Entry candidate pool post removal of bonus points

The removal of the bonus Express Entry points for arranged employment on March 25, 2025, significantly changed the composition of the CRS score composition. Candidates in the Express Entry pool saw their CRS scores decrease by 50 or 200 points, affecting their chances of receiving an ITA for Canada PR.
 

Some of the major changes to the CRS score range are as follows:

CRS score range	Decrease in profiles
501-600	5,740
491-500	1618
481-490	984

 

The CRS score ranges mentioned in the above table have cumulatively witnessed a reduction of 8,342 profiles from March 16 to April 14, 2025. After additional points were removed, the profiles were reallocated to lower CRS score ranges within the Express Entry candidate pool.
 

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Changes to the CRS score ranges and Express Entry profiles

Despite the Express Entry changes, the overall candidate profiles rose by 7,373. The table below has a complete breakdown of the CRS score ranges and the changes in the Express Entry profiles within that range:

CRS score range	Change in Express Entry profiles
601-1200	+123
501-600	-5,740
451-500	+1,487
491-500	-1,618
481-490	-984
471-480	+182
461-470	+2,157
451-460	+1,750
401-450	+5,814
441-450	+1,817
431-440	+1,722
421-430	+1,465
411-420	+1,101
401-410	-291
351-400	+1,677
301-350	+1,496
0-300	+2,516
Total	+7,373

 

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Current Composition of CRS Scores in the Express Entry Pool

The table below has details of the existing composition of the Express Entry candidate pool, dated April 14, 2025:

CRS score range	Number of candidates
601-1200	816
501-600	19,782
451-500	71,542
491-500	12,093
481-490	12,359
471-480	16,215
461-470	16,189
451-460	14,686
401-450	67,301
441-450	14,131
431-440	14,740
421-430	13,084
411-420	13,020
401-410	12,326
351-400	53,479
301-350	22,799
0-300	8,563
Total	2,44,282

 

The Express Entry pool witnessed an increase of candidate profiles by 25,792 between 2024 and 2025. The exclusion of Express Entry points for arranged employment indicates that the CRS score ranges below have the same number of profiles as of December 2024.
 

• 501-600
• 490-500
• 481-490
   

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Your chances of securing a US study visa in 2025 face unprecedented challenges as the landscape of international education undergoes a dramatic shift. The number of Indian students choosing the United States dropped by 13%, falling from 234,500 in 2023 to 204,000 in 2024. In fact, the overall count of Indian students studying abroad decreased from 893,000 to 759,000 during this period, marking a significant 15% decline in degree-seeking students.

However, while traditional Study Abroad destinations like the US, Canada, and the UK experience declining numbers, emerging study destinations tell a different story. Germany witnessed a remarkable 68% increase in Indian student enrollment from 2022 to 2024, while New Zealand reported an extraordinary 354% growth. These shifts reflect changing visa policies, financial requirements, and growing concerns about the depreciation of the Indian rupee against the US dollar, directly affecting your study abroad costs and choices.

Indian Students Shift Focus from US to Emerging Destinations

The global education landscape is witnessing a significant reshuffling as Indian students increasingly abandon traditional study destinations in favor of emerging education hubs. This fundamental shift comes amid growing visa uncertainties, rising costs, and changing immigration policies affecting study abroad decisions.

 

Germany, France, and New Zealand see record Indian enrolment growth

European countries and New Zealand have emerged as the biggest beneficiaries of Indian students' changing preferences. Germany experienced a remarkable 68% increase in Indian student numbers from 2022 to 2024, growing from 20,700 to 34,700. Additionally, Indians have become the largest international student cohort in Germany, with nearly 50,000 students. The country's appeal stems from high-quality education combined with substantially lower tuition fees compared to traditional destinations.

France has similarly positioned itself as a rising star, setting an ambitious target to host 30,000 Indian students by 2030. The country has already seen a steady increase, with numbers rising from 6,406 in 2022 to 8,536 in 2024—representing a 33% growth over this period. French universities offer nearly 2,000 English-language programs alongside a new French-language foundation program specifically designed for Indian applicants.

Perhaps most striking is New Zealand's meteoric rise in popularity, recording an extraordinary 354% increase in Indian student numbers from 2022 to 2024 (from 1,600 to 7,300). The country has earned enthusiastic endorsements, with nearly nine out of ten international students rating it as a positive study destination. New Zealand's education sector aims to increase its economic contribution to approximately INR 371.27 billion by 2027.

Other emerging destinations gaining traction include:

• Ireland (49% growth from 2022/23 to 2023/24)
• Russia (59% growth from 2022 to 2024)
• The Netherlands, Singapore, and Malaysia

US enrolment drops by 13% as visa and cost concerns rise

Conversely, the United States—long considered the premier destination for Indian students—is experiencing a significant decline. US enrollment dropped by 13% from 2023 to 2024, falling from 234,500 to 204,000. Moreover, active Indian student counts took a sharp dive from 348,446 in July 2024 to 255,447 in August 2024, marking a 28% year-on-year decrease by March 2025.

Several factors are driving this decline. First, visa uncertainties have intensified since Trump returned to office. The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) reported that Indian students make up nearly 50% of visa cancelation cases. A survey examining 327 responses found half of all visa revocation notices were issued to Indians.

Furthermore, financial pressures have become insurmountable for many families. The average tuition fee at top US colleges approaches USD 50,000 annually, with total annual costs (including living expenses of USD 15,000-20,000) easily exceeding USD 65,000. These figures become especially problematic when considering the rupee's depreciation against the dollar, which effectively creates "hidden inflation" for Indian families.

Education loan providers have noticed this shift, with some firms reporting that "enquiries and applications for US loans have halved compared to last year". Lenders are consequently tightening their evaluation processes, prioritizing applicants with strong academic profiles and admissions to top-tier universities.

The potential termination of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program—which allows international students to work in the US for up to three years after graduation—threatens to further accelerate this decline. As one engineering graduate from Chennai explained when declining a US university offer in favor of Germany: "With tougher work visas, it doesn't just make sense to study there as jobs are not guaranteed".

 

Visa Policies and Political Climate Reshape Study Abroad Choices

Shifting visa landscapes and political changes are dramatically altering the calculus for Indian students contemplating overseas education. Recent policy developments have created a complex web of challenges for those navigating international study options.

 

Trump-era immigration policies raise uncertainty for Indian students

The return of Trump administration policies has triggered immediate concerns for Indian students. Several prestigious institutions including Cornell, Columbia, and Yale have unofficially advised international students against leaving the country due to fears about re-entry difficulties. The atmosphere of uncertainty has led to behavioral changes, with many students canceling summer travel plans. The US Department of State has clarified that visas are now considered privileges rather than rights, leading to a zero-tolerance policy toward even minor violations.

 

OPT and post-study visa changes impact STEM aspirants

A newly proposed bill threatens to eliminate the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which currently allows international graduates to work in the US for up to three years after completing their degrees. This potential change would particularly impact STEM students, who benefit from extended work authorization:

• Regular OPT offers 12 months of work authorization for all graduates
• STEM OPT provides an additional 24-month extension (total 36 months)
• Nearly one-third of 300,000 Indian students in the US were eligible for OPT in 2023-24

If passed, this legislation would force many students to either immediately secure an H-1B visa or leave the country. The bill arrives amid concerns from critics who describe OPT as "unauthorized by Congress" and "plagued by diploma mills".

 

Canada and Australia tighten financial and language requirements

Despite this, alternative destinations are also implementing stricter requirements. Canada has discontinued its Student Direct Stream fast-track visa processing system and now requires language proficiency tests for post-study work visas. Nevertheless, work hour limits have increased from 20 to 24 hours weekly.

Likewise, Australia has introduced tougher financial requirements, with students now needing to show proof of AINR 2,506,943.19. The country has also implemented stricter language proficiency standards and plans to cap international student enrollments at 270,000 for 2025.

 

Loan Approvals and Currency Fluctuations Add Financial Pressure

Currency fluctuations have emerged as a major obstacle for Indian students considering US education. The financial equation for funding international education has fundamentally changed, creating additional barriers beyond visa concerns.

 

Rupee depreciation inflates US study costs for Indian families

The Indian rupee's depreciation against the US dollar has created a hidden inflation layer for education costs. Over the past year, the rupee has weakened from ₹82 to ₹87 per dollar, significantly increasing the financial burden on families. This depreciation has affected every aspect of studying abroad:

• A tuition fee of $20,000 that previously cost ₹16.4 lakh now requires ₹17.4 lakh
• Between 2018 and 2025, study abroad costs surged by nearly 24% due to rupee depreciation alone
• A student who initially budgeted ₹32.8 lakh at ₹82 per USD now needs ₹34.8 lakh

This financial pressure extends beyond tuition to accommodation, food, and transportation. For undergraduate programs with total costs exceeding ₹1.5 crore in the US, even minor currency fluctuations create major financial implications. According to experts, this depreciation essentially functions as "hidden inflation" for Indian students.

 

NBFCs and banks tighten loan approvals for US-bound students

In response to these financial uncertainties, lending institutions have modified their approach toward US-bound students. Currently, 70-80% of Indian students fund their education through loans, with average amounts typically ranging from ₹42-84 lakh.

Financial institutions have increased loan sanction limits, with some now offering up to ₹3 crore. Simultaneously, they've implemented stricter evaluation criteria, prioritizing applicants with strong academic profiles and admissions to top-tier universities. This cautious approach stems from growing concerns about repayment ability, given the uncertain political climate and potential hiring slowdowns.

Previously, many students relied on post-graduation employment to repay loans in dollars. As work opportunities become less certain, lenders report that "enquiries and applications for US loans have halved compared to last year", indicating a significant shift in student confidence regarding financial returns on US education.

 

Universities and Consultants Adapt to New Student Preferences

Recent trends certainly point toward a significant transformation in global education choices for Indian students. Your study abroad decisions now face complex challenges, from visa uncertainties to currency fluctuations. The US market share dropped 13% between 2023-2024, while alternative destinations like Germany and New Zealand recorded remarkable growth rates of 68% and 354% respectively.

The financial equation has changed drastically. Your education costs now battle against rupee depreciation, which added nearly 24% to overall expenses since 2018. Meanwhile, lending institutions have responded with stricter loan approval criteria, especially for US-bound students.

Political shifts have reshaped the landscape too. Trump-era policies created additional hurdles, particularly through potential changes to the OPT program. As a result, many students like you now evaluate opportunities in countries offering more stable visa policies and affordable education options.

Above all, your study abroad journey requires careful consideration of multiple factors - from visa stability and financial requirements to post-study work opportunities. Therefore, success lies in thorough research and planning, focusing on destinations that align with both your academic goals and practical constraints.

 

FAQs
 

Q1. How has the trend of Indian students studying abroad changed recently? 

There's been a significant shift in study abroad preferences for Indian students. While traditional destinations like the US have seen a decline, countries like Germany, France, and New Zealand have experienced substantial growth in Indian student enrollments.

Q2. What factors are influencing Indian students' choices for study abroad destinations? 

Several factors are influencing choices, including visa policies, political climate, financial considerations, and post-study work opportunities. Currency fluctuations, particularly the depreciation of the Indian rupee against the US dollar, have also played a significant role in decision-making.

Q3. How are visa policies affecting Indian students' study abroad plans? 

Visa policies have become a major concern, especially for US-bound students. Stricter policies and uncertainties have led many students to reconsider their options, with some prestigious institutions even advising international students against leaving the country due to re-entry concerns.

Q4. What financial challenges are Indian students facing when planning to study abroad? 

Indian students are facing increased financial pressure due to currency depreciation, which has inflated study costs. Additionally, lending institutions have tightened loan approval criteria, especially for US-bound students, making it more challenging to secure education loans.

Q5. How are universities and education consultants responding to these changes? 

Universities and consultants are adapting to new student preferences by expanding hybrid programs and alternative pathways. They are also guiding students towards countries with more stable visa policies and affordable education options, helping them navigate the complex landscape of international education.

One in four student visa applications from India are considered fraudulent or non-genuine, according to recent Australia student visa news from the Department of Home Affairs. As a result, several Australian universities have taken unprecedented action by blocking student enrollments from six Indian states - Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Jammu and Kashmir.

This significant development comes at a time when visa rejection rates for Indian students have already reached 24.3%, the highest since 2012. Due to growing concerns about visa fraud and educational system abuse, your application will now face stricter screening processes if you're from these states.

Additionally, the financial requirements for student visas have increased substantially, with international students now needing to show evidence of savings of at least A$29,710 ($19,576) - a figure that has risen twice in just seven months.
 

Australian universities restrict students from six Indian states

Multiple Australian universities have implemented restrictions against students from six specific Indian states in a move that has sent shockwaves through India's student community. This represents a significant shift in enrollment policies for one of the world's most popular international study destinations.

 

Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, UP, Rajasthan, J&K affected

The ban specifically targets students from six states: Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Jammu and Kashmir. For prospective students from these regions, your application will now face one of two fates—either complete rejection or subjected to substantially heightened verification processes. This targeted approach marks an unprecedented development in australia student visa news, creating immediate barriers for thousands of hopeful students.
 

The restrictions have created widespread confusion among legitimate applicants from these regions. Many students had already invested significant time and resources into preparing for Australian higher education. Furthermore, education consultants report that hundreds of students now find themselves in limbo, having already paid application fees or initiated the visa process before these restrictions were announced.

It's important to note that these actions were taken independently by individual universities rather than imposed by the Australian federal government. The Australian High Commission has explicitly clarified that the government itself does not ban applicants from any specific region from applying to study in Australia. Nonetheless, the practical impact remains severe for affected students.

Federation University and Western Sydney University appear to be at the forefront of implementing these restrictions, though other institutions have followed with varying degrees of stringency. Some institutions have imposed temporary admissions freezes from these regions, while others have implemented more rigorous screening protocols rather than outright bans.
 

Universities cite visa fraud and dropout concerns

Behind these restrictive measures lies mounting evidence of systematic issues with applications from these specific states. The Department of Home Affairs reported that approximately one in four applications from India were flagged as "fraudulent" or "non-genuine". This troubling statistic prompted universities to take protective measures to safeguard their academic integrity and reputation.

The concerns extend beyond fraudulent applications to actual enrollment patterns. Universities have reported alarming dropout rates among students from these regions, suggesting that many were using student visas primarily as an immigration pathway rather than for genuine educational purposes. This pattern particularly concerned university administrators who must maintain certain completion rates and academic standards.

Universities have pointed to several concerning trends that informed their decisions:

• Fraudulent documentation, including falsified financial statements and academic credentials
• High visa rejection rates that had already risen from 10% to approximately 35% in recent years
• Patterns showing students transferring to different institutions or programs shortly after arrival
• Significant numbers of students prioritizing off-campus work over academic responsibilities

The rise in international student enrollments across Australia has been dramatic, increasing by 370% since 2000, compared to just an 84% increase in domestic student numbers. This shift has transformed the financial model of Australian universities, with international students now comprising 29% of all university students as of 2020, up from just 14% in 2000.

Particularly noteworthy is the contrast in completion rates between domestic and international students. While a quarter of all domestic students who commenced a bachelor's degree in 2017 had dropped out by 2022, only 19% of international students failed to complete their studies. This disparity has raised questions about whether universities are adjusting academic standards to accommodate international students who represent a crucial revenue stream.

The Institute of Public Affairs has expressed concern that "Australia's universities have been allowed to transform into little more than degree factories for international students". This claim reflects growing tension between educational quality and financial imperatives within the sector.

Despite these restrictions, India remains one of Australia's most important sources of international students, and educational ties between the two countries have historically been strong. Many education experts worry that without diplomatic intervention or policy adjustments, these restrictions could damage bilateral educational relationships in the upcoming admission cycles.

For students from the affected states still hoping to study in Australia, the pathway has become significantly more complex. You may need to provide additional documentation, demonstrate stronger financial stability, or consider alternative study destinations within Australia where restrictions are less severe. Education consultants recommend allowing extra time for application processing and being prepared for more thorough background checks and verification processes.

Though some reports suggest certain universities lifted these temporary restrictions in late 2023, the overall trend points toward heightened scrutiny of applications from these regions for the foreseeable future. The situation remains fluid, with policies varying between institutions and potentially changing as diplomatic discussions progress.
 

Why did universities take this action independently?

Contrary to widespread misconceptions, the Australian federal government has not imposed any official ban on students from Indian states. Instead, individual universities have independently implemented restrictions based on their own data analysis and risk assessments.
 

No federal ban from Australian government

The Australian High Commission has explicitly clarified that "the Australian Government does not ban applicants from any specific region from applying to study in Australia". Moreover, the government has stated it lacks the authority to instruct universities to restrict admissions based on geographical regions. Hence, each educational institution makes its own decisions regarding recruitment and admissions policies.

When the issue was raised in India's Rajya Sabha (upper house of parliament) in August 2023, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed they had contacted the affected Australian universities. These institutions explained they had merely reviewed their Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) assessment processes to address specific concerns rather than implementing a blanket ban.

Initially, media reports created confusion by suggesting a government-level policy. However, further investigation revealed that these were independent institutional decisions made primarily by universities in Victoria and New South Wales. Consequently, the restrictions vary significantly in scope and implementation across different educational institutions.

For prospective students, this distinction is crucial—your eligibility depends on which specific university you're applying to, not a uniform national policy. Some universities maintain open applications from all Indian states while implementing more thorough screening processes.
 

Universities respond to Department of Home Affairs data

Australian universities' actions stem directly from alarming data provided by the Department of Home Affairs. Subsequently, this government department reported that rejection rates for Indian applicants across all Australian universities have reached unprecedented levels—soaring to their highest point in a decade.
 

The statistics are compelling:

• Approximately 24.3% of applications from India are now being deemed "fraudulent" or "non-genuine" by the Department of Home Affairs—the highest rejection rate since 2012
• Overall university rejection rates increased from 12.5% in 2019 to 20.1% in recent years
• The surge in rejections has coincided with a sharp increase in the volume of applications from India

Alison Garrod, an assistant secretary from the temporary visas branch of the Australian Department of Home Affairs, pointed to "an increase in non-genuine applicants and fraud in student visa applications" since early 2022. She noted this trend was particularly pronounced in countries where COVID-19 had severe socioeconomic impacts.

The Department of Home Affairs regularly publishes visa statistics through bi-annual reports detailing Student visas and Temporary Graduate visas lodged, granted, and processing times. These reports have become essential tools for universities to identify patterns and make evidence-based policy decisions.

In fact, these data-driven insights prompted Federation University to write to education agents instructing them to stop recruiting students from Punjab, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh. "The university has observed a significant increase in the proportion of visa applications being refused from some Indian regions by the Department of Home Affairs," their communication stated.

Given these facts, universities found themselves in a position where they needed to respond proactively to protect their reputations and maintain educational standards. Their decisions were not coordinated through any government directive but emerged as individual responses to the same concerning data.
 

High attrition rates and non-genuine applications

Beyond visa rejection statistics, universities cited concerning patterns in student behavior after enrollment. Primarily, many institutions reported unusually high dropout rates among students from certain Indian states.

Western Sydney University, in a letter to agents dated May 8, 2023, stated: "a large number of Indian students who commenced study in 2022 intakes have not remained enrolled, resulting in a significantly high attrition rate". The university specifically identified Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat as regions "presenting the highest attrition risk".

This pattern suggested that many students were using education merely as a pretext to enter Australia with other intentions. According to universities and the Australian government, "some people from some Indian regions are using education as a ploy to seek immigration or work in Australia".

Federation University similarly implemented a two-month pause on recruitment from specific regions, noting they would take "additional measures to address the issue of non-genuine students enrolling with the university from these regions, including changes to application screening, stricter admissions conditions and increases to commencement fees".

Clearly, these universities were concerned about more than just rejected visa applications—they were responding to patterns showing that even among successfully enrolled students, many were not completing their courses as expected.

Piyush Kumar, regional director for South Asia at IDP Education, confirmed that "a few Australian Universities had temporarily stopped accepting applications from certain Indian states due to high visa refusals and 'risky profiles' seen recently from these locations". While acknowledging this approach targeted non-genuine applicants, he noted it simultaneously created challenges for legitimate students from these regions.

The issue of unregulated education agents has also emerged as a significant factor in this situation. The surge in rejections prompted fresh calls for regulation of education agents who arrange visas for foreign students. These agents, often working on commission-based models, have been criticized for potentially prioritizing quantity of applications over quality and legitimacy.

After these restrictions were implemented in early-to-mid 2023, some universities reportedly lifted them later that year. Nonetheless, the underlying concerns about visa integrity and genuine student intentions remain active issues in australia student visa news today.

For genuine students from the affected states, the situation remains challenging. Universities ask agents to "carefully screen students, acknowledging that there are increased risk factors in the market at present". This means your application will likely face heightened scrutiny if you're from one of the affected states, regardless of your genuine educational intentions.
 

How visa fraud and agent misconduct triggered the crackdown

At the center of Australia's student visa controversy lies a troubling ecosystem of unethical recruitment practices. Recent investigations reveal that unregulated education agents have been systematically exploiting both students and universities, compelling educational institutions to implement unprecedented restrictions. This systemic issue has fundamentally altered australia student visa news landscape throughout 2023-2024.
 

Role of unregulated education agents

The education agent industry in Australia operates with minimal oversight, creating fertile ground for misconduct. Currently, anyone can establish themselves as an education agent without demonstrating technical proficiency, English language skills, or completing professional development requirements. As Federal Labor MP Julian Hill bluntly stated, "Anyone can be an agent. I can be an agent, you can be, or my dog can be an agent selling Australian education".

This lack of regulation has created an environment where unscrupulous agents operate with virtual impunity. The Migration Alliance reported "daily instances of students who had fallen victim to education agents," emphasizing that these students have "no place to go, no mechanism of complaint, no follow-through, no regulation". Primarily, this regulatory vacuum means there are no consequences for misconduct, allowing bad actors to flourish unchecked.

Beyond this, the International Education Association of Australia's Phil Honeywood testified before a parliamentary inquiry that the government's attempt to reform the sector in 2012 through a voluntary register failed to achieve its goals. Given that australia banned indian states from student recruitment largely due to agent misconduct, the lack of regulatory oversight appears increasingly problematic.

The Law Council of Australia documented several concerning practices by education agents, including:

• Falsely promising permanent migration pathways through certain courses
• Advising applicants to apply for student visas solely to "buy time" to find work sponsors
• Coaching applicants on fabricating stronger Genuine Temporary Entrant claims
• Deliberately withholding information about more suitable visa options
• Advising couples to apply separately as students to double commission income

Commission-driven recruitment practices

The financial incentives driving agent behavior deserve close examination. Throughout the public university sector, agents typically earn approximately 15% commission from institutions for student placements. Conversely, private sector commissions often reach 30%, and during the pandemic, some commissions skyrocketed to an astonishing 50% as border closures disrupted normal recruitment channels.

These lucrative compensation structures create powerful incentives to prioritize quantity over quality of student applications. Notably, Honeywood revealed that sometimes money was being "handed in an envelope under the table" to agents who directed young people into courses. This commission-driven model fundamentally conflicts with ensuring students make appropriate educational choices.

The exploitative nature of this system became evident in numerous documented cases. One student named Ihsan paid INR 1,687,609 in upfront fees to study at what he described as a "scam college" in Tasmania where "no education standards whatsoever" existed. After paying the agent, he could not contact them for support regarding the course. Throughout his Australian education journey, Ihsan encountered multiple instances of agent misconduct, including being funneled to different institutions solely to generate additional commissions.

Oftentimes, education agents work within family networks that maximize profit through coordinated exploitation. Honeywood described how "you have the offshore agent who has got the cousin with a separate office in Melbourne, maybe with a different company name". Typically, the offshore agent collects commission from the student's family, then the onshore relative "poaches" the student from their original university placement for additional commission from another provider.
 

Cases of students misusing visas for work migration

The removal of the 20-hour weekly work limit for student visa holders in January 2022 inadvertently created a significant loophole. Without restrictions on working hours, those seeking low-skill Australian work visas began applying to cheaper educational institutions, using studies merely as an entry pathway.

Social media platforms, especially TikTok, now feature agents openly promoting courses with "pathways to permanent residency" in fields like nursing and carpentry. These agents routinely sell false promises of long-term visas to prospective students. Concerning to australian universities, many agents actively promote services helping tourists switch to student visas after arrival.

The Department of Home Affairs identified one network of linked agents that enrolled at least 128 "non-genuine students" who subsequently entered the sex industry. Furthermore, The Australia-China Migration Services noted that consumers were "particularly vulnerable to the actions of either unregulated or off-shore education agents and education consultants".

Recent reports indicate that many students who secure enrollment through these questionable channels frequently abandon their studies. At one Melbourne institute, Ihsan observed more than 100 people attending the first session, yet many stopped coming to class altogether while apparently still receiving degrees. This pattern explains the "significantly high attrition rate" cited by universities as justification for their state-specific restrictions.

Gabriela Weiss from the Intake Assessment and Referral crisis management service for international students explains that many students are simply "sold a dream" by agents in their home countries. These agents routinely provide "misinformation" about living costs and working conditions in Australia. For individuals from the banned indian states, such misinformation has proven especially problematic.

The Independent Tertiary Education Council of Australia has recently called for a national "Register of International Student Agents" model, whereby providers would only be permitted to enroll students through registered agents who have undergone comprehensive training on ethics, visa regulations, and student rights. Until such reforms are implemented, however, the australia student visa news today continues to be dominated by universities' restrictive measures targeting regions with high rates of documented misconduct.
 

What are the new visa rules and financial requirements?

The Australian government has implemented multiple significant changes to student visa regulations in response to concerns about visa integrity. These policy adjustments aim to ensure international students possess genuine study intentions while addressing the country's housing shortages and migration challenges.
 

Visa savings threshold raised to A$29,710

The financial requirements for obtaining an Australian student visa have undergone substantial increases over recent months. Starting May 10, 2024, international students must demonstrate savings of at least A$29,710 (approximately ₹16,29,964) to qualify for a student visa. This represents a considerable jump from the previous threshold of A$24,505 that was in effect before this date.

Remarkably, this marks the second financial threshold increase within just seven months. Prior to October 2023, the requirement stood at approximately A$21,041 (₹11,54,361), making the current threshold nearly 41% higher in less than a year.

The Department of Home Affairs explained this adjustment saying, "The financial capacity requirement has been updated to align with a proportion (75 percent) of the national minimum wage". This change directly connects student financial requirements to Australia's domestic economic standards.

For families, these increases extend beyond the primary applicant:

• Spouse or partner: A$10,394 (previously A$8,574)
• Dependent child: A$4,449 (previously A$3,670)
• Annual school costs: A$13,502 (previously A$9,661)

These heightened financial barriers primarily aim to address rental housing shortages that emerged following the removal of COVID-19 restrictions in 2022. Currently, applications lodged before May 10, 2024, will be assessed under previous financial requirements.
 

Stricter GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) checks

From March 23, 2024, Australia replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement with a new Genuine Student (GS) requirement for all student visa applications. This policy shift represents a fundamental change in how Australia evaluates student visa applications.

The GS requirement focuses specifically on assessing whether students genuinely intend to study in Australia rather than evaluating if they plan to return home afterward. Under this framework, officials consider multiple factors including personal circumstances, immigration history, visa compliance, and course progression.

Interestingly, this change acknowledges that post-study pathways to permanent residence are legitimate options for eligible graduates. Nevertheless, the Department of Home Affairs clarified that the new system helps identify "non-genuine students who are seeking to enter Australia for purposes other than to study".

For applicants from politically unstable regions or those with military service commitments in their home country, additional documentation may be required. Furthermore, the department emphasized that "generic statements unsupported by evidence are not given significant weight in the GS assessment," making proper documentation increasingly essential.
 

Reintroduction of work-hour limits for students

Following pandemic-related relaxations, work restrictions for international students have returned – albeit with adjustments. Effective July 1, 2023, Australia reintroduced a cap on student work hours at 48 hours per fortnight during study terms. This replaces both the completely unlimited hours allowed between January 2022 and June 2023 and the pre-pandemic limit of 40 hours per fortnight.
 

The Australian government implemented this change to ensure "student visa holders can focus on their learning in Australia, but also take up paid employment and gain valuable work experience while they study". Essentially, this policy attempts to strike a balance between allowing students to support themselves financially while maintaining focus on their primary purpose: education.

One notable exception applies to students already working in the aged care sector as of May 9, 2023, who may continue working unlimited hours in that sector until December 31, 2023[60]. Beginning January 1, 2024, these students also became subject to the standard 48-hour limit.

Despite these restrictions, students must maintain course enrollment, satisfactory attendance, and adequate academic progress. The Department of Home Affairs warns that canceling enrollment or failing to meet course requirements may constitute a visa breach, regardless of work hour compliance.

As part of Australia's broader strategy to manage migration, these visa changes have contributed to what Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil described as "the biggest drop in migration numbers in Australia's history, outside of war or pandemic". Currently, the government aims to reduce migration intake by half over the next two years.
 

How is this affecting India-Australia education ties?

The diplomatic fallout from Australia's targeted restrictions on students from six Indian states has reached government levels, putting strain on what has historically been a robust educational partnership between the two nations.

India remains a top source of international students

Despite recent visa controversies, India continues to be among Australia's most significant sources of international students. The educational relationship between the two countries has remained fundamentally strong, even as individual universities implement restrictive measures. Naturally, these ties are now being tested by the current situation.

The strength of this relationship was underscored when Australia and India signed a new qualification recognition agreement aimed at streamlining student mobility between the two countries. Yet more tangible evidence of ongoing partnership emerged when Deakin University announced plans to launch a branch campus in India.

Statistics support the continuing importance of Indian students to Australia's education sector. As recently as January 2023, the student visa grant rate for Indian applicants was 81% for the higher education sector. This figure illustrates that, henceforth, the majority of Indian applicants outside the affected states still receive visa approvals.
 

Indian officials raise concerns over discrimination

Indian authorities have forcefully responded to the restrictions, with diplomatic channels activated to address what many view as discriminatory practices. The Association of Australian Education Representatives in India (AAERI) sent a formal letter to Australia's education minister expressing serious concerns.

In this communication, AAERI condemned the universities' actions as "grossly unfair and discriminatory". The organization markedly objected to:

• Labeling certain regions as "Red Zones"
• Advising agents not to enroll students from affected regions
• Making decisions that "disadvantage genuine students simply because they are from certain regions"
• Implementing policies that "borderline on discrimination"

Presently, AAERI has asked for a review of the Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement in visa applications to "ensure easy and simpler implementation process". This would streamline applications and potentially reduce the need for region-specific restrictions.

Surprisingly, the investigation also uncovered that one Australian university reportedly does not accept applications from Indian students who are married. This revelation has heightened concerns about potentially discriminatory practices beyond geographic restrictions.
 

Potential diplomatic and policy-level interventions

Diplomatic interventions appear increasingly necessary as the restrictions continue to impact educational exchange. Indian government officials have raised the issue with their Australian counterparts, seeking resolution through formal channels.

The Department of Home Affairs has already denied advising universities to suspend recruitment from specific regions, according to statements made to AAERI. This creates space for policy recalibration without government interference.

Ongoing negotiations between Indian officials, the Australian government, and university representatives are likely to continue. Accordingly, education experts suggest that unless the issue receives diplomatic attention, the restrictions could strain bilateral education ties between India and Australia.

A balanced approach—strengthening controls while safeguarding opportunities for genuine students—appears urgently needed. As one industry analyst noted, the weight of current policies is "falling on real students" with legitimate academic ambitions.

The situation remains fluid, with observers suggesting that extended disruption to student flows would have economic and diplomatic consequences for both nations. Concurrently, Australia's latest cap on international student numbers (270,000 for 2025) may further complicate matters for prospective Indian students.
 

Which universities are enforcing the restrictions and how?
 

Several Australian institutions have independently enacted restrictions targeting applicants from six Indian states, with each university implementing different degrees of severity in their approach.

 

Federation University, Western Sydney University lead

Federation University has emerged as one of the primary institutions enforcing these limitations, explicitly instructing education agents to stop recruiting students from Punjab, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Upon observing "a significant increase in the proportion of visa applications being refused" from these regions, the university took decisive action.

Likewise, Western Sydney University instructed agents to cease recruitment from Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat, highlighting that students from these areas who began courses in 2022 exhibited "a significantly high attrition rate". Their communication emphasized that these regions presented "the highest attrition risk".

 

Temporary bans, stricter screening, higher fees

 

Unlike permanent restrictions, Western Sydney University instituted a two-month pause on recruitment from affected regions. Currently, the institution has implemented "additional measures to address the issue of non-genuine students," including revised application screening protocols, more stringent admissions requirements, and increased commencement fees.

As concerns mounted, universities raised international tuition costs—some by over 7% for 2025. At the University of Melbourne, engineering program tuition now reaches ₹30.36 lakh annually, whereas clinical medicine costs have soared to ₹60.66 lakh.

 

Other universities revise entry processes

 

Beyond the leading institutions, Victoria University, Edith Cowan University, Torrens University, and Southern Cross University have all implemented varying degrees of restrictions. Notably, Edith Cowan University in Perth and Victoria University have instructed agents to stop recruiting from specific states due to high dropout rates observed in previous years.

In contrast, the University of Wollongong has publicly declared it will continue processing applications from all Indian states without restrictions. Similarly, Wollongong and Flinders universities have modified their entry procedures for students from "high-risk" countries without specifically targeting Indian states.

For prospective students from affected regions, applications now face either complete rejection or substantially intensified verification procedures. Throughout this developing situation, universities continue coordinating with Australia's Department of Home Affairs to enhance visa screening protocols.
 

Summary

Australian universities' unprecedented restrictions on students from six Indian states mark a significant shift in international education dynamics. Though these measures stem from legitimate concerns about visa fraud and non-genuine applications, their implementation has created substantial challenges for genuine students from affected regions.

Recent changes paint a complex picture of Australia's evolving approach to international education. Stricter financial requirements, heightened verification processes, and renewed work-hour limits demonstrate a clear push toward quality over quantity in student intake. These policy shifts affect your application process directly if you're from one of the restricted states.

Despite these challenges, educational ties between India and Australia remain fundamentally strong. Universities continue processing applications from other Indian states, while some institutions have opted for enhanced screening rather than outright bans. Your success in securing admission now depends largely on providing comprehensive documentation and meeting stricter financial requirements.

Looking ahead, these restrictions will likely reshape the landscape of Indian student mobility to Australia. As universities refine their approach and diplomatic discussions progress, admission policies may evolve further. Therefore, staying informed about australia student visa news becomes essential for your educational planning.