Text Alerts from USCIS Are Changing July 1—What You Need to Know

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is set to implement a new designated number for text message notifications on 1 July 2025, as part of an effort to enhance the clarity and legitimacy of its digital outreach. 

The agency is retiring its previous contact number, 468-311, known as GOV-311, for SMS alerts and will instead use 872466, corresponding to the alphanumeric code "USAIMM". This transition is intended to modernise and streamline the agency's communication strategy, particularly as digital alerts play an increasingly important role in the immigration process, ranging from case receipt acknowledgements to appointment reminders. The new number is more easily identifiable as official communication, which agency officials believe will reinforce public confidence and reduce the risk of scams.

The new system primarily affects applicants who elect to receive electronic notifications via Form G-1145, an optional form that enables individuals to opt into text and email messages upon the receipt of their applications or petitions, such as the I-485 for permanent residency. These alerts typically provide the case receipt number and instructions on how to track progress through the agency's online portals.

This overhaul coincides with other operational changes at USCIS. Earlier this month, the agency announced that it will enforce a renewed medical examination requirement for green card applicants, replacing the previous policy that permitted indefinite use of older medical forms. This measure follows the introduction of revised application forms earlier in the year, which prompted confusion and a legal challenge from immigration advocates. The USCIS responded by implementing a short-term transition window to ease the adjustment.

These changes come amid heightened vigilance regarding fraud in the immigration process. Authorities are reiterating warnings to applicants that USCIS will never request sensitive information such as passwords or payment details via text. Any such messages should be treated with suspicion and reported through the agency's official website.

As such, USCIS recommends that applicants store the new number in their contacts and disregard future texts from the now-retired GOV-311.