The Union Cabinet has approved continuation of the Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration and Tracking (IVFRT) Scheme for five more years, from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2031, with an outlay of Rs.1,800 crore. The scheme is designed to modernise India’s immigration and visa ecosystem through secure, integrated and technology-driven service delivery. It also aims to facilitate legitimate travel while strengthening national security and foreigner management.
Background of the Scheme
The IVFRT project was first approved in 2010 with an outlay of Rs.1,011 crore and an initial timeline up to September 2014. It was later revised to Rs.638.90 crore in 2015 and extended up to 31 March 2021. A further extension from 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2026 was approved in 2022 with an outlay of Rs.1,365 crore. The latest approval continues the scheme beyond the current period.
Key Objectives and Upgradation
The next phase will focus on three broad areas:
- Emerging technology innovations, including mobile-based services and self-service kiosks.
- Transformation of core infrastructure at Immigration Posts, FRROs and data centres.
- Technology and service optimisation through unified digital platforms and upgraded application architecture.
The scheme will also support the implementation needs arising from the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 and its rules. It is intended to address illegal migration, improve control systems and prepare for future immigration challenges.
Coverage and Performance
The IVFRT system currently covers 117 Immigration Posts, 15 Foreigners Regional Registration Officers, and 854 Foreigners Registration Officers or district police authorities across India. It has enabled a fully contactless and faceless visa process with online appointment and payment facilities. Around 91.24% of e-Visa applications were cleared within 72 hours over the past five years. Average passenger clearance time at immigration posts has fallen to 2.5-3 minutes, compared with 5-6 minutes earlier.
Economic and Security Impact
The Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme uses automated e-gates at 13 major airports and reduces clearance time to about 30 seconds. The programme is currently available free of cost to Indian nationals and OCI cardholders. The scheme is expected to support tourism, medical travel, business mobility, aviation, hospitality, trade and commerce. It also contributes to ease of doing business, employment generation and stronger border and immigration security.
Last Modified: April 29, 2026