Effective July 1, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has revised its SMS communication procedures, marking a significant shift aimed at strengthening the integrity of its outreach. The agency announced it will no longer send text messages from the phone number 468-311, also known as GOV-311. In its place, USCIS has introduced a new official messaging number: 872-466, which spells out “USAIMM” on alphanumeric keypads.
The change is designed to make official USCIS communications more recognizable and to reduce the potential for fraud. By utilizing a clearly branded number, the agency aims to minimize public confusion and combat the rising threat of phishing and SMS-based scams targeting immigration applicants.
In recent years, USCIS and other federal agencies have grappled with increasing reports of fraudulent text messages impersonating government bodies. These scams often attempt to trick recipients into revealing personal information, making it difficult for legitimate messages to stand out. USCIS’s adoption of the “USAIMM” code aims to provide a clear signal that a message is authentic and issued by the agency.
Officials urge all applicants and stakeholders to save the new number—872-466—in their phone contacts. This small step, the agency notes, could help users instantly recognize legitimate alerts about their immigration status, scheduled biometrics appointments, or requests for evidence.
Importantly, USCIS reiterated that while it does use SMS notifications to keep applicants informed, it does not request sensitive personal data, passwords, or payments through text. Any such solicitation should be treated as suspicious and reported immediately via the official USCIS website or customer service hotline.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by USCIS to modernize its communications infrastructure. Over the past several years, the agency has rolled out multiple digital tools to streamline processes and improve transparency for applicants, including the online case status tracker, mobile alerts, and an expanding range of e-filing options.
The change is also a response to applicant feedback. Many users previously found messages from the generic GOV-311 number unclear or were uncertain about the legitimacy of such communications. The alphanumeric branding of “USAIMM” is expected to improve user trust and engagement, especially as applicants navigate the often complex and time-sensitive immigration process.
In conjunction with this update, USCIS has launched an awareness campaign across its platforms to inform users about the change. Social media posts, website banners, and notices on official documents are being used to communicate the transition and advise the public on how to identify legitimate messages.
Applicants are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious communication to USCIS’s fraud detection unit. The agency has provided tools and guidelines on its website to help users recognize and handle potential scams, including step-by-step instructions for reporting fraudulent texts and emails.
This shift in protocol comes amid an evolving digital landscape where the lines between authentic and fake communications are increasingly blurred. By enhancing its digital presence and reinforcing secure communication standards, USCIS aims to offer applicants a safer, more transparent experience.
For the latest updates and official communication guidelines, applicants can visit the USCIS website or consult with immigration legal representatives.
