U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) changed its text alert number a Leave of July 1.

The agency will stop sending text alerts from the number 468-311, also known as GOV-311. Applicants should now expect to receive text messages from a new number: 872466, which stands for USA-IMM (U.S. Immigration).

This change is important for those who receive text message updates from USCIS, such as case status alerts and appointment reminders.

USCIS recommends saving the new number in your contacts to avoid confusion or having official messages sent to your spam folder.

What You Should Know

USCIS primarily uses text message alerts to contact applicants who have opted in to receive electronic notifications.

This option, available through Form G-1145, allows applicants to receive case updates via text message and email. These messages typically include a receipt number and information on how to track the status of their case online.

USCIS said the change is intended to make the messages easier to identify and strengthen public confidence.

Form G-1145, officially called the Electronic Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance, is an optional form provided by USCIS that allows applicants to receive text message and email updates when their application or petition has been accepted.

While it does not provide any immigration benefits on its own, many applicants attach it to forms, such as the I-485, used to apply for a permanent resident (green) card, to receive faster confirmation of receipt of their documentation.

The form helps applicants track their case by providing a receipt number and instructions for checking status updates online.

Be wary of any message claiming to be from USCIS that is not originating from 872466. USCIS will never request personal information, payments, or sensitive data from you via text message, the agency explained.