The big change for US visa applicants from July 1: The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a crucial update that all current and future applicants must pay attention to.
From July 1, 2025, the USCIS will stop using its old SMS notification number (468-311 or GOV-311).The new number for sending official messages and warnings is 872466 (USAIMM).
With this modification, applicants should be able to recognize authentic communications from US immigration authorities more quickly and steer clear of fraudulent SMS and false
New USCIS Text Alert Number from July 1
- Old SMS number: 468-311 (GOV-311)
- New official SMS number: 872466 (USAIMM)
- Effective from: July 1, 2025
“The change is important for people who receive text updates from USCIS, such as case status alerts, appointment reminders, or other notifications,” according to a statement released by the agency.
Applicants are advised to save the new number to ensure they do not miss any future communication regarding visa appointments, case updates, or immigration status changes.
Warnings from US Immigration Officials Continue
Alongside this update, US immigration authorities are reinforcing their stance on compliance with US laws. In recent days, the USCIS has reiterated that receiving a visa or green card is a privilege, not a right.
“You are no longer eligible to stay in the US if you advocate violence, support terrorist activities, or encourage others to do so,” the agency cautioned in a formal post.
Additionally, USCIS has been posting frequent updates on social media about actual enforcement activities.In one example, an individual from West Africa was taken into custody after forcing a petitioner with a personal protective order to attend an immigration interview. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was notified right away for additional action when officials at the USCIS office in Detroit recognized the danger.
Illegal Entry = Federal Crime
The USCIS, along with ICE, continues to issue strict reminders about immigration law enforcement:
- “Illegal reentry into the United States is a FEDERAL CRIME.”
- “We will continue to arrest violent criminal aliens, one by one, to protect our nation’s citizens and residents.”
These warnings serve as a strong signal that violations of US immigration laws may lead to the revocation of visas or permanent resident status.
What You Should Do as a Visa Applicant
- Save the new USCIS SMS number (872466)
- Only respond to official USCIS messages
- Avoid unauthorized immigration services
- Stay updated through USCIS.gov and verified platforms
Why This Change Matters
With fraud and messaging scams on the rise, USCIS is making this change to safeguard applicants against phishing attempts and impersonators. It is also a part of the agency’s larger effort to improve digital communication and ensure transparency in the U.S. immigration system.
