Vietnam has been officially upgraded to Assessment Level 2 (AL2) by the Australian Department of Home Affairs, marking a major turning point in the journey to study in Australia. However, along with that are challenges that require careful preparation of documents and GS strategies if you want to take full advantage of the new policy.
I. What is Assessment Level 2 (AL2) Australia? Department of Home Affairs risk classification system
Assessment Level (AL) is a system used by the Australian Department of Home Affairs to assess the risk level of international student visa applications. Each country and educational institution is ranked on a scale from Level 1 to Level 3, corresponding to low - medium - high risk.
Assessment Level 2 (AL2) represents a medium risk level, usually applied to countries or schools with a stable visa approval rate but not yet completely safe. This system helps the Australian government better control the flow of international students, ensuring that applicants are truly studying, and not taking advantage of visas to reside illegally.
1. Distinguish between the risk levels classified by Australia
The Assessment Level system divides student visa applications into three main levels:
1.1 Assessment Level 1 - Low Risk
This group of students comes from countries or schools with a high reputation, good visa compliance rate. Applications are usually processed quickly, not requiring to submit too much financial or academic evidence.
1.2 Assessment Level 2 - Medium Risk
This group includes countries or educational institutions with a fairly good visa approval rate, but there are still some minor violations. AL2 students need to demonstrate additional financial resources, academic ability and a clear study plan, but the process is still much simpler than AL3.
For example, Vietnamese students studying at a school with a good reputation or an average-ranked program will often be in the AL2 group.
1.3 Assessment Level 3 - Rủi ro cao
The highest level, applicable to countries or schools with high rates of visa violations or refusals. This type of application requires detailed financial proof, English proficiency, study path and convincing study purpose.
Distinguishing clearly between the three levels helps students prepare applications suitable for their country and school, avoiding omissions or incorrect assessments.
2. AL2 Determination Mechanism: School-National Matching (SVP)
Australia’s assessment system is based not only on nationality, but also on the reputation and compliance of the institution the student is applying to. This mechanism is called the Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF) - formerly Streamlined Visa Processing (SVP).
By country of origin (Country Risk Rating)
The Home Office looks at factors such as visa refusal rates, compliance with study conditions, and the number of students dropping out or changing courses illegally. Countries that are stable but not yet completely safe are given an AL2 rating.
By training institution (Education Provider Risk Rating)
Schools with a good track record and few students who violate visa conditions will have a low risk rating. Conversely, schools with a high rate of violations will have students' records classified as medium risk or higher.
When these two factors are combined, if your country is in the medium group and your chosen school is at moderate risk, you will be placed in Assessment Level 2 (AL2).
Consequences of belonging to group AL2
- More detailed financial proof is required (savings book, income, sponsor).
- Additional English language evidence such as IELTS, PTE or TOEFL may be required.
- The profile must clearly present the study plan and post-graduation roadmap to demonstrate the real purpose of studying abroad.
Although the process is more rigorous than AL1, students in group AL2 still have a high visa approval rate if prepared carefully and honestly.
II. Differences in the number and type of financial documents required
1. Assessment Level 1 – Low Risk
- Level of financial proof required
Level 1 students are not required to submit detailed financial documents. Typically, they only need to declare in their visa application that they have sufficient funds to cover their tuition and living expenses while studying in Australia. The Australian Department of Home Affairs considers this group to be “low risk”, so they are confident in the honesty and financial capacity of the students.
- Types of documents required
If additional information is required, students only need to provide a savings book or a letter of guarantee from their parents or school. No proof of income, tax or assets is required.
- Acceptable funding sources
Funding can come from parents, sponsors or the student themselves. There are no specific requirements for proof of income as in Level 2 and 3.
Because there is no need for financial verification, visa processing times at Level 1 are usually very fast, only about 1 - 3 weeks. Countries such as Japan, Korea, Singapore or students studying at Group of Eight (Go8) schools are often in this group.
2. Assessment Level 2 - Medium Risk (Vietnam currently)
- Level of financial proof required
At Level 2, Vietnamese students still need to prove their finances, but the steps are much simpler than at Level 3. Instead of submitting full documents of assets, income and taxes, students only need to prove their total financial capacity to cover tuition and living expenses for the first 12 months.
- Types of documents required
Students only need to submit one of the main documents such as a savings book in the name of the student or the sponsor. A letter of financial guarantee from parents or guardians, with bank confirmation. Documents confirming scholarships, financial support or sponsorship from businesses (if any).
Compared to Level 3, Level 2 students do not need to submit the sponsor's business license, payroll or tax return, unless additionally requested.
- Acceptable funding sources
The Australian Government allows Level 2 students to use a more flexible range of funding sources, including savings, scholarships, grants, or support from third-party organisations. The most important thing is that the funds are affordable and available when needed.
- The relationship between finance and GS (Genuine Temporary Entrant)
Level 2 profiles are assessed in parallel between finance and GS. If the GS statement clearly shows the study plan, reasons for choosing the major, and plans to return to Vietnam, students can have their financial proof requirements reduced. This makes the profile more flexible and increases the chance of getting a visa.
With the streamlined process, Level 2 visa processing time is usually around 2 - 4 weeks. Applications that are honest, clear and submitted online via ImmiAccount can be processed faster.
- Positive impact when Vietnam moves to Level 2
Moving from Level 3 to Level 2 helps Vietnamese students reduce 40-50% of paperwork, save on translation and notarization costs, and increase the visa approval rate to 80-90% if the application is carefully prepared.
3. Assessment Level 3 - Rủi ro cao
- Level of financial proof required
This is the most stringent level. Students must submit detailed financial documentation to demonstrate that they can cover all tuition and living expenses for at least the first 12 months of study.
- Types of documents required
Level 3 application requires several mandatory documents, including: Savings book opened at least 3 months in advance. Business license, financial statement or tax statement of the sponsor. Salary slip, labor contract, bank statement. Documents proving assets such as real estate, cars, business shares. All documents must be notarized and translated and clearly show the source of funds.
- Acceptable funding sources
The source of funds must be proven to be legitimate. The Australian Department of Home Affairs often checks the flow of money in savings accounts, requiring proof of legitimate sources (from salary, business, investment). Unusual transactions or deposits close to the date of application may raise suspicions about the visa.
- Verification and interview
Level 3 applications may be subject to verification calls or in-person interviews if discrepancies are found. Verification typically focuses on the validity of income and the relationship between the sponsor and the student.
Due to the need for careful assessment, the Level 3 visa processing time lasts 6 - 10 weeks. Suspicious cases may be asked for additional documents or have their visas refused.
III. Comparison of old Level 3 vs. current Level 2 profile requirements
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Criteria
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Assessment Level 3 (Previously)
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Assessment Level 2 (Current)
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Country risk level
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Cao – Vietnam is in the group with high visa refusal rate
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Average – rated improved in compliance and transparency of records
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Financial proof
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Required to submit: savings book, bank statement, business license, salary statement, personal income tax
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Just prove your ability to pay – savings book or financial guarantee letter is enough
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Sponsor's income source
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Must be detailed and legal (physical verification may be required)
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Can be replaced by income confirmation letter, employment contract or simple documents
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Proof of personal assets
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Detailed requirements (house, land, car, business shares...)
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Not required – just make sure you have adequate finances to support your studies
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GS (Grade of Education)
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Less appreciated, finance is the main factor
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Evaluated in parallel with financials, can replace complex financial proof
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Average review time
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6–8 weeks or longer
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2–4 weeks, priority processing
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Average visa approval rate
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55–65%
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80–90% if profile is transparent, good GS
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Document costs (translation, notarization)
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High, need to translate and legalize many documents
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Significant reduction due to less paperwork required
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IV. Opportunities and challenges for Vietnamese international students
When Vietnam was upgraded to Assessment Level 2 (AL2) by the Australian Department of Home Affairs, the door to studying in Australia became wider than ever. However, along with opportunities come new challenges that require students to be well prepared and have a clear strategy.
1. Golden opportunity to seize
- Reduce the burden of financial proof
The transition from Level 3 to Level 2 significantly reduces the number of financial documents required for Vietnamese student visa applications. Students only need to prove a valid savings book or letter of guarantee instead of submitting all business licenses, payrolls, and tax returns. This saves time, translation costs, and speeds up visa processing.
- Increased visa approval rate and faster processing times
Thanks to the medium-risk review process, Vietnam's visa approval rate has increased to 80-90%, especially for applications with good GS and transparent financial records. The review time has also been shortened to about 2-4 weeks, helping students be more proactive in enrolling on time.
- Easy access to quality schools and scholarships
Many Australian universities and colleges are expanding their opportunities to accept students from AL2 countries. Scholarship programs and financial support packages are regularly updated, helping Vietnamese students have more choices at more reasonable costs.
- Enhancing the reputation of Vietnamese students in the eyes of Australian schools
Vietnam’s promotion to AL2 reflects improvements in visa compliance and the quality of Vietnamese students. As a result, Australian schools have assessed Vietnamese students as having better academic potential and integration ability than before, expanding opportunities for scholarships, internships and post-graduation employment.
- Take advantage of the flexibility of SSVF and GS policies
With SSVF (Simplified Student Visa Framework) and GS, students can demonstrate realistic study goals and clear career plans, instead of relying solely on finances. This is a big advantage if you have a clear academic record or career direction.
2. Challenges you need to avoid
- Subjective with financial records and GS
Although the financial requirements have been relaxed, the Australian Department of Home Affairs may still request random checks or interviews if they are found to be suspicious. False or misleading information may result in visa refusal or multi-year bans. Students should prepare a savings account with a reasonable deposit period and clear, logical GS content.
- Prepare GS roughly or copy available sample
The GS letter is an important part of the Tier 2 visa application. Many students make the mistake of using a generic template that lacks personal information. A poorly written GS that does not reflect the true purpose of study or a clear career path will result in a high-risk application.
- Choosing the wrong school or major
Choosing a course of study that is not related to your academic background or work experience can easily lead the Home Office to believe that your study goals are unrealistic. This directly affects your visa approval results. Students should choose a school and course that is suitable for their abilities, career orientation and financial capacity.
- Lack of understanding of visa policies and updates
Australian regulations can change periodically from financial year to financial year. If students are not up to date with tuition fees, financial requirements, part-time work policies or English language requirements, their application may be incomplete or inaccurate. It is best to follow the official information on the Department of Home Affairs website (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au).
- Over-reliance on consulting centers
Some students hand over their entire application to the consulting firm without checking the information. Lack of understanding of personal documents makes students vulnerable to interviews or financial verification. Be proactive in learning, read the instructions carefully, and review the application with the consulting firm before submitting.
V. Strategy to optimize GS (Genuine Temporary Entrant) profile for Level 2
From 2024 to 2025, the Australian Department of Home Affairs officially replaced the GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) criterion with the new GS (Genuine Student) framework. This change aims to provide a more comprehensive assessment of an international student’s genuine study intentions and academic capability.
With Vietnam now classified under Assessment Level 2 (AL2), understanding and optimizing visa applications according to the GS requirements is a crucial step to increase visa approval rates and minimize the risk of refusal.
1. What is GS (Genuine Student) and How Is It Different from the Former GTE?
The Genuine Student (GS) criterion was introduced to replace the previous GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) requirement. Unlike GTE, which mainly assessed whether a student intended to return home after their studies, the GS framework focuses on evaluating the applicant as a genuine learner with real academic motivation and study purpose.
Compared to GTE, the GS criterion emphasizes four key factors:
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Academic Capability: Evaluates actual academic performance, English proficiency, and the relevance between the chosen course and the student’s educational background.
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Financial Capacity: Assesses whether the student can afford tuition and living expenses without relying excessively on part-time work.
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Authenticity of Academic Documents: Ensures that academic records, offer letters, and personal statements are genuine, consistent, and logically presented.
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Clear Career Goals: Demonstrates how the chosen course in Australia contributes to long-term professional development, either in Australia or back in Vietnam.
While GTE acted as a “filter” to prevent students from using study visas as a pathway to migration, GS focuses on assessing the student’s academic potential, motivation, and readiness to study.
This shift is considered a positive development — especially for Vietnam, which has recently been upgraded to Assessment Level 2 (AL2).
2. Content to emphasize in GS explanation letter
- Reason for Choosing Australia as a Study Destination: Explain why you chose Australia instead of other countries. Highlight Australia’s key advantages such as high-quality education, legal work opportunities, a safe living environment, and practical, career-oriented programs. Avoid generic statements - connect your reasons directly to your field of study or career goals.
- Reason for Choosing a Specific Institution and Course: Describe why you selected this particular university and program, showing that you have done thorough research. Specify what makes the course valuable - its curriculum, teaching methods, or international recognition. Ensure the program aligns with your academic background and career direction.
- Connection Between Academic Background, Experience, and Future Plans: Clarify how your past education and experience link to your current study plans and long-term goals. If there are study gaps, explain them reasonably. Demonstrate that studying in Australia is a logical and natural step in your academic and professional growth journey.
- Post-Graduation Plans: Outline your career goals after graduation, showing clear intent to return to Vietnam or work for international companies with branches in Vietnam. Mention your desired position, target industry, or entrepreneurial aspirations to reinforce that your study purpose is genuine and career-oriented.
- Financial Capability and Study Support: Briefly present your financial background, whether supported by your family, a scholarship, or personal income. Include estimated study and living costs and demonstrate your ability to cover them. Clear and transparent financial evidence strengthens the credibility of your visa application and reduces assessment risks.
2. Common mistakes when preparing Level 2 financial documents
- Using a newly opened savings book or unclear source of funds: Although Level 2 is not a strict requirement, the Home Office may still be suspicious if the savings account is opened just before the application date. It is best to prepare the account at least 1-2 months in advance, with a stable balance and a reasonable deposit history.
- Failure to clearly demonstrate the relationship between the sponsor and the student: In case the sponsor is not a parent or legal guardian, a notarized certificate of relationship or a letter of commitment to financial support is required. The lack of this document can easily lead to a request for additional documents.
- Lack of logic in spending plan: A common mistake is for students to list tuition and living expenses that are unreasonable, or significantly lower than the average. The Department of Home Affairs maintains a standard database of costs for each Australian city; therefore, underestimating will discredit your application.
- Dependent on translation or advice lacking updates: Some translations of savings books or bank documents do not follow international standards, causing delays in processing. Students should choose a reputable translation agency and update the latest forms from the ImmiAccount website.
Conclusion
Vietnam is classified in the Assessment Level 2 group, demonstrating the Australian Government's confidence in Vietnamese students - a group with increasingly good academic ability, adaptability and visa compliance. To turn this opportunity into a real advantage, each student needs to proactively update regulations, invest in GS profiles and prepare transparent finances.
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