• Source:JND
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The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a major change to its text messaging system, set to take effect on July 1, 2025. As part of efforts to improve communication and protect applicants from scams, USCIS will begin sending official SMS alerts from a new, more easily identifiable number. This change applies to all case updates, appointment reminders, and other important notifications. To ensure no critical message is missed, applicants are advised to save the new number and stay informed about the agency’s updated communication method.

Starting July 1, 2025, USCIS will begin sending official text (SMS) messages from a new phone number, 872466, which spells “USAIMM”. This move marks the end of USCIS's use of its current number, 468-311, also known as GOV-311, a number familiar to thousands of immigration applicants across the country.

In an official press statement, USCIS confirmed, “Effective July 1, 2025, USCIS will no longer send text (SMS) messages from the phone number 468-311 (GOV-311). Our new number will be 872466 (USAIMM).”

The agency emphasised that the change is part of an effort to enhance security, transparency, and user trust in its communications. By using a number that clearly spells "USAIMM", USCIS hopes applicants will more easily identify official messages and avoid falling victim to spam or scams.

USCIS regularly sends SMS notifications regarding case status updates, appointment reminders, and other critical immigration-related alerts. Saving the new number in your phone contacts ensures you won't miss important messages, or mistake them for spam.

The agency urges all applicants and beneficiaries to update their contact lists with this new number to avoid confusion during the transition.

New Social Media Guidelines For Visa Applicants

In a separate development, the US Embassy in India announced a new social media screening rule for individuals applying for F, M, or J nonimmigrant visas, which include student and exchange visitor categories.

Effective immediately, all such applicants are required to set their social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) to public visibility. The embassy stated this is necessary to assist US officials in verifying the identity and eligibility of applicants during national security screenings.

In a post shared on X, the embassy wrote, “Effective immediately, all individuals applying for an F, M, or J nonimmigrant visa are requested to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media accounts to public to facilitate vetting necessary to establish their identity and admissibility to the United States under US law.”

This policy focuses on the growing role of digital identity and online presence in immigration and visa decisions. Applicants are advised to carefully review the content of their public social media profiles.