Our future services programme

About the project

The programme is moving visa applications and processing onto a shared digital platform, supported by redesigned end-to-end processes, automation and more consistent risk management. It is intended to replace fragmented and ageing systems with a more adaptable immigration service that can introduce policy changes faster, give customers clearer self-service options and allow staff to focus more time on complex work.

Current focus

On 7 September 2026 Cabinet agreed that MBIE reassess the Programme and update the Business Case before Phase Two proceeds in full to:

• reconsider the strategic case for change, given ongoing legacy system risks and costs;
• review the financial case and the Programme’s ongoing value for money and update benefit assumptions;
• review operating models, delivery frameworks, sequencing and dependencies;
• strengthen the business transformation approach; and
• review key technology choices, implementation processes and dependencies, and propose an updated delivery plan with future stage gates and decision points for Cabinet.

The Minister of Immigration will report back to Cabinet in April 2027 with an updated Business Case, including a financial case and options for delivering the modernised immigration system.

The reassessment will be informed by the Public Service Commission, Assurance Review which begins in September.

Latest update

On 7 September 2026 Cabinet agreed that MBIE reassess the Programme and update the Business Case before Phase 2 proceeds in full.

Red status

The Programme has been reporting a red RAG status since May 2025, indicating governance intervention is required, which was triggered by the amount of overhead savings to be realised compared to the Detailed Business Case assumptions. Further concerns regarding overall benefit assumptions and delivery timeframes have contributed to this red status.

Path to Green

The Minister requested the Public Service Commission undertake an Assurance Review of the programme. The Terms of Reference were published in August, and the review is set to begin in September.

Expected benefits

• More efficient and consistent visa processing.
• More resilient technology and immigration services.
• Stronger management of immigration risk.
• A better experience for customers and staff.

These benefits are extracted from the Benefits Realisation Plan.

Latest Change Request

• Change Request type: Schedule change
• Why: Extension of the go-live date for Visitor Visa Groups product migration
• Schedule: Moving from 19 July 2026 to 23 August 2026
• Date approved: 5 July 2026