The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the continuation of the Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration & Tracking (IVFRT) Scheme for another five years, extending it from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2031, with a budget outlay of ₹1,800 crore, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced.
Addressing a press briefing after the Cabinet meeting, Vaishnaw said the scheme aims to strengthen India’s immigration framework while making travel processes smoother for legitimate visitors.
“The IVFRT platform seeks to interlink and optimise functions related to immigration, visa issuance, and the registration of foreigners in India. The core objective of IVFRT is to modernise and upgrade immigration and visa services within a secure and integrated service delivery framework,” he said.
He emphasised that the initiative is designed to strike a balance between facilitation and security. “The scheme aims to facilitate legitimate travellers while strengthening national security,” the minister added.
The IVFRT project was first approved in May 2010 by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs with an initial outlay of ₹1,011 crore.
It has since undergone several extensions and revisions, including a reduced outlay of ₹638.90 crore in 2015 and subsequent continuations up to 2021 without additional financial implications. In January 2022, the Cabinet approved its continuation till March 2026 with a budget allocation of ₹1,365 crore.
Officials said the upcoming phase marks a significant transformation rather than a routine extension. The scheme will incorporate advanced technologies, upgraded infrastructure, and improved service delivery systems to meet the growing demands of global travel and evolving security challenges.
The move also follows the enactment of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, which necessitates stronger and more modern systems for immigration control and foreigner management, including tackling illegal migration.
According to the government, the revamped IVFRT will focus on three key areas: adoption of emerging technologies, transformation of core infrastructure, and enhancement of technology-driven services.
Planned upgrades include mobile-based services, self-service kiosks, and unified digital platforms aimed at delivering a seamless and secure experience for travellers.
The scheme will also expand infrastructure across immigration checkpoints, Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRROs), and data centres to create a resilient nationwide network. Currently, the IVFRT system covers 117 immigration posts, 15 FRROs, and 854 Foreigners Registration Officers and associated offices across the country.
Officials highlighted the system’s performance so far, noting that it has enabled a fully contactless visa process with online scheduling and payment facilities. Over the past five years, more than 91% of e-visa applications have been processed within 72 hours, while passenger clearance time at immigration counters has been reduced to about 2.5 to 3 minutes from the earlier 5 to 6 minutes.
Additionally, the Fast Track Immigration–Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP), operational at 13 major airports, has further reduced clearance time to around 30 seconds through automated e-gates for eligible Indian nationals and OCI cardholders.
Government officials said the continued investment in IVFRT is expected to boost tourism, business, and medical travel while strengthening border management systems. “This is not just a technical upgrade, but a strategic transformation aligned with India’s vision of a world-class immigration system,” an official said.
The government expects the scheme to generate broader economic benefits by improving ease of doing business, enhancing traveller convenience, and supporting sectors such as aviation and hospitality, ultimately contributing to economic growth and job creation.