Beginning July 1, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will implement a significant change in how it communicates via text messages with applicants. The federal agency, which oversees lawful immigration to the United States, has announced it will discontinue its current text alert number and begin using a new one.
Until now, USCIS has sent text messages to applicants from the number 468-311, which many came to recognize as GOV-311. This number will be retired, and all future messages will instead come from the new number 872466. The numeric sequence represents USAIMM, an abbreviation for “U.S.A. Immigration.” The agency’s move aims to improve clarity and foster trust among those receiving these messages.
This transition is particularly important for applicants who rely on USCIS text updates, such as notifications about the status of their immigration cases or reminders for scheduled appointments. The agency is encouraging everyone who receives these updates to save the new number in their contacts. Doing so, they say, will help avoid misidentifying official USCIS messages as spam or fraudulent texts.
The use of text alerts by USCIS is targeted primarily at applicants who opt for electronic communication. This preference is indicated by filing Form G-1145, which allows individuals to receive notifications via text and email. The text messages typically include a receipt number and guidance on how to check the status of a case on the USCIS website.
In a statement, USCIS clarified that the reason behind the number switch is to make it easier for applicants to recognize messages from the agency. It also seeks to improve the public’s confidence in the legitimacy of the communications they receive. The agency explained: “Effective July 1, 2025, USCIS will no longer send text (SMS) messages from the phone number 468-311 (GOV-311). Our new number will be 872466 (USAIMM).”
Form G-1145, officially known as the E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance, plays a supportive role in the immigration application process. While it does not directly confer any immigration benefit or legal status, many applicants attach it to other USCIS forms—such as Form I-485, used for applying for lawful permanent residency—to ensure they receive prompt acknowledgment when their documents are accepted. The form provides a receipt number and directs applicants to the tools they need to track case progress online, adding convenience and assurance in a process that can otherwise feel uncertain.
USCIS’s decision to update its text message system aligns with its broader push toward improving communication and technological efficiency. The new number is intended to reflect the agency’s identity more clearly and reduce the risk of applicants missing important updates due to unfamiliar sender information.
This change to the text alert system follows another update from USCIS earlier in June, which affected all new applications for permanent residency. The agency now requires applicants to submit an updated medical examination form with each new green card application. This marks a shift from the previous policy, where applicants could reuse medical forms indefinitely. The updated requirement is part of a series of recent adjustments in USCIS procedures.
Back in March, a more abrupt change in multiple immigration application forms caused widespread confusion among applicants and immigration lawyers. The sudden implementation of new forms, without sufficient notice, led to concerns and legal action. Immigration attorneys filed a lawsuit in response, urging the agency to provide a smoother transition. USCIS responded by modifying its policy and offering at least a two-week grace period for the new forms to become mandatory, giving applicants more time to adjust to the updated requirements.
In addition to procedural updates, USCIS continues to urge applicants to be vigilant about scams. The agency emphasized that it never requests payment or passwords via text message. If an applicant receives a suspicious text claiming to be from USCIS, the advice is clear: do not respond, and instead report the message through the official USCIS website. This warning serves as a reminder that scammers often attempt to exploit applicants during periods of administrative change.
Scammers have been known to mimic official government communications, making it essential for recipients to verify the source of any message. Saving the new 872466 number in a contact list will help reduce the risk of falling victim to such frauds. Additionally, individuals should remain wary of unsolicited messages requesting sensitive information or financial transactions.
With the July 1 transition date approaching, USCIS has provided straightforward guidance: individuals who receive text updates should immediately add the new number to their phone contacts and stop responding to or expecting valid messages from the former 468-311 number. “USCIS recommends that users add the new number to their contacts and disregard any texts from the old number beginning July 1,” the agency stated.
This measure is part of the agency’s continuing efforts to modernize and streamline its services while maintaining security and transparency for applicants. As the immigration process involves numerous steps, forms, and deadlines, clear communication from USCIS plays a vital role in ensuring that applicants remain informed and compliant.
To sum up, the main takeaway for all USCIS applicants is to update their contact list with the new number 872466, stay alert for official notifications, and continue using Form G-1145 to receive electronic updates. These small but crucial actions can help applicants avoid unnecessary delays or complications in their immigration journey.
By making this simple yet impactful adjustment in its messaging system, USCIS hopes to ensure that its communications are immediately recognizable and trusted. The agency’s recent actions, including the rollout of a new number and improvements to policy transparency, reflect its broader aim of providing better service in a landscape where timely and clear communication is more essential than ever.
In conclusion, while the change may seem minor, it represents a continuing evolution in USCIS’s approach to applicant engagement. By focusing on clarity, responsiveness, and fraud prevention, the agency aims to foster a more secure and streamlined process for those navigating the complexities of the U.S. immigration system. Applicants should take note, act accordingly, and remain cautious to ensure that their interactions with USCIS remain safe and effective.