Published: 26 March 2026PMIndia.gov.inGovernance
Cabinet Extends IVFRT Scheme for Five Years with ₹1,800 Crore to Modernise Immigration Services
The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration & Tracking (IVFRT) Scheme for five years from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2031, with a budget outlay of ₹1,800 crore. The scheme, implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs, aims to modernise India's immigration and visa ecosystem.
The IVFRT is a mission-mode project designed to create a secure, integrated, and service-oriented framework for managing the complete lifecycle of foreign travelers - from visa application to entry into India, activities within the country, and final exit.
During the previous phase, the system achieved a 100% contactless and faceless visa process, with online appointment scheduling and payment facilities. Notably, 91.24% of e-Visa applications were cleared within 72 hours during the past five years.
The new phase will adopt emerging technologies including mobile-based services and self-service kiosks for seamless passenger movement, while strengthening national security mechanisms to curb illegal migration.
0Mains angle
Q: Analyse the Cabinet's five-year extension of the IVFRT Scheme (2026-2031) with ₹1,800 crore for modernising India's immigration and visa services.
Answer (50 words):
The Union Cabinet extended the Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration and Tracking (IVFRT) Scheme from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2031 with ₹1,800 crore. Building on 91.24% e-Visa clearance within 72 hours and a 100% contactless process, the new phase adds mobile services and self-service kiosks, strengthening security against illegal migration.
6-axis classification
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Linked questionMedium
What is the budget outlay approved for the continuation of the IVFRT scheme from 2026 to 2031?
Explanation · Correct answer CThe Cabinet approved ₹1,800 crore for the IVFRT scheme from April 2026 to March 2031. During the previous phase, 91.24% of e-Visa applications were cleared within 72 hours.
Frequently asked questions
What is the IVFRT Scheme and how long has it been extended in 2026?
The **IVFRT (Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration & Tracking) Scheme** is a mission-mode project by the **Ministry of Home Affairs** to modernise India's immigration and visa ecosystem. The Union Cabinet extended it for **five years** from **April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2031** with a budget outlay of **₹1,800 crore**.
What is the budget outlay approved for the IVFRT Scheme continuation from 2026 to 2031?
The Union Cabinet approved a budget outlay of **₹1,800 crore** for the IVFRT Scheme for the **five-year period** from **April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2031**. The scheme is implemented by the **Ministry of Home Affairs** to create a secure, integrated framework for managing foreign travelers.
What percentage of e-Visa applications were cleared within 72 hours under the IVFRT Scheme?
During the previous phase of the IVFRT Scheme, **91.24% of e-Visa applications** were cleared within **72 hours**, with a **100% contactless and faceless** visa process achieved through online appointment scheduling and payment facilities.
What new technologies will be adopted in the IVFRT Scheme's new phase from 2026?
The new phase (2026-2031) of the IVFRT Scheme will adopt **mobile-based services** and **self-service kiosks** for seamless passenger movement. It will also strengthen **national security mechanisms** to curb illegal migration while maintaining a service-oriented framework for foreign travelers.
What is the full lifecycle that the IVFRT Scheme manages for foreign travelers visiting India?
The IVFRT Scheme manages the **complete lifecycle** of foreign travelers: starting from **visa application**, then **entry into India**, activities within the country, and finally **exit**. It brings all stakeholders — immigration authorities, visa offices, and security agencies — onto one integrated digital platform.
