Cabinet approves extension of IVFRT scheme till 2031. Why does it impact you?

The IVFRT platform aims to integrate and streamline key functions related to immigration, visa issuance, and the registration of foreigners in India. Its core objective is to modernize and upgrade immigration and visa services through a secure, efficient, and integrated service delivery framework. According to the government, the initiative is designed to facilitate legitimate travel while strengthening national security.

Originally approved in 2010 by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs with a budget of ₹1,011 crore, the project has undergone multiple extensions and revisions. In 2015, the budget was revised to ₹638.90 crore, with the implementation timeline extended to March 31, 2017, and subsequently to March 31, 2021, without additional financial implications. An expenditure of ₹613.28 crore was incurred under this phase. In 2022, the Cabinet approved a further extension until March 31, 2026, with an enhanced outlay of ₹1,365 crore.

The latest extension focuses on expanding and strengthening the existing IVFRT framework by incorporating state-of-the-art technological solutions and reimagining its operational structure. This modernization is essential to address evolving global travel demands and emerging national security challenges, especially in light of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, and its associated rules.

The next phase of the scheme will concentrate on three key areas: adoption of emerging technologies, transformation of core infrastructure, and optimization of technology and service delivery. Planned upgrades include mobile-based services, self-service kiosks for seamless passenger movement, and enhanced digital platforms to improve efficiency and user experience without compromising security.

Infrastructure upgrades will be implemented across Immigration Posts, Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRROs), and data centres to ensure a resilient and scalable nationwide system. The initiative will also introduce unified digital platforms and strengthen network and deployment frameworks.

The continuation of the IVFRT scheme is expected to yield significant economic benefits by improving ease of doing business, enhancing travel convenience, and ensuring robust security. It is also likely to boost tourism, medical travel, and business activities, contributing to economic growth and employment generation.

Currently, the scheme covers 117 Immigration Posts, 15 FRROs, and 854 Foreigners Registration Officers, including Superintendents of Police and Deputy Commissioners of Police across the country.

The IVFRT system has already delivered notable improvements in service delivery and operational efficiency. It has enabled a fully contactless and faceless visa process with online appointments and payment facilities. Over the past five years, 91.24% of e-Visa applications have been processed within 72 hours.

Additionally, average passenger clearance time at immigration checkpoints has been reduced to 2.5–3 minutes from the earlier 5–6 minutes.

The Fast Track Immigration–Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP), operational at 13 major airports through automated e-gates, has further reduced clearance time to just 30 seconds. Currently, the programme is available free of cost to Indian nationals and OCI cardholders.

Overall, the IVFRT system has generated substantial positive externalities, benefiting sectors such as tourism, aviation, hospitality, trade, and commerce, while reinforcing India’s position as a secure and efficient destination for global travel and business.