Student visa evidence levels

What do the levels change?

The Document Checklist tool asks for your country of passport and your education provider. It then tells you whether you must attach evidence of your English skills and your financial capacity. If the checklist says you must attach evidence, you have to do it when you lodge. If you do not, the application can be refused without a request for more information.

Even when the checklist does not ask for evidence, the Department can still ask for it while processing the application. The financial amounts and English scores are the same at every level. See the funds guide and the English guide.

How the level affects English test timing

• Regular evidence level: the English test must have been taken within the 2 years before you lodged.
• Streamlined evidence level: the test must have been taken within the 2 years before a decision is made, if the Department has asked for evidence.

When is the checklist updated?

The Document Checklist tool is routinely updated twice a year, on 31 March and 30 September, and can be updated at any other time. Run it again just before you submit so you use the current list.

Family members who apply later

Subsequent entrants (family who apply after your visa is granted) must always attach evidence of financial capacity. The checklist does not apply to them. Since 2 October 2026 most students cannot add family later at all. See the changes.