USCIS to Change Official Text Message Number Starting July 1

In a move aimed at enhancing the security and clarity of its communications, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced it will start sending SMS notifications from a new phone number beginning July 1, 2025. Visa applicants and green card hopefuls who have grown accustomed to receiving status updates, appointment reminders, and other alerts via text from the familiar 468‑311 (GOV‑311) line may be surprised to see messages from a different sender.

The new sender ID will be 872466 (USAIMM). USCIS officials emphasize this change was designed to help applicants more easily distinguish genuine agency notifications from spoofed or fraudulent texts, a growing concern amid the rise of SMS-based scams. The agency has urged subscribers to save the new number in their contacts to ensure important notices aren’t missed. These updates may include case status alerts, biometric appointment requests, or interview scheduling.

The switch comes as part of broader efforts by USCIS to modernize its communication framework and safeguard applicant trust. With the change taking effect in just days, callers have also been advised to confirm that their contact information with USCIS remains up to date to receive messages seamlessly under the new system.

While the number change does not affect any eligibility or application processes, USCIS explicitly warns: overlooking updates due to disbelief or misidentification of the new sender could lead to missed deadlines, delayed green cards, or disrupted travel permits. To stay ahead, USCIS recommends reviewing your online account regularly and ensuring email and phone contacts are current.

This update follows recent USCIS guidance on form version deadlines, part of an ongoing push toward digitization and accuracy in case processing. As immigration processes become increasingly automated, this seemingly small change could have a big impact on applicants’ ability to navigate the system efficiently.