USCIS Photo Requirements: Complete Guide for Green Card, Visa, Citizenship, EAD, and DV Lottery Applications

Submitting photos that meet U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements is crucial for a smooth application process. Passport-style photos are used for identity verification and to print documents like green cards or employment authorization cards.

If your photos don't comply with the strict guidelines, your application can be delayed or even rejected – USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) or deny the application for missing/incorrect photos. In the case of the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery, a non-compliant photo can disqualify your entry entirely.

By following the official specifications, you ensure your application isn't held up over something as simple as a picture. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about USCIS photo requirements for various immigration applications, how to take a perfect photo, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

Quick Reference Table: Core Photo Specifications

For a quick overview, here's a summary of the core requirements for U.S. immigration photos:

Specification	Requirement
Photo Dimensions	2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) square for prints. Digital images must be at least 600 x 600 pixels
Color	Color only (no black-and-white). Natural skin tones required
Background	Plain white or off-white. No patterns, textures, lines, or shadows
Pose & Expression	Full face directly facing camera, centered. Neutral expression, both eyes open, mouth closed
Head Size	Head (top of hair to bottom of chin) must measure 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm)
Recentness	Taken within the last 6 months (USCIS often expects within 30 days for green cards)
Attire	Normal everyday clothing. No uniforms or camouflage except religious attire worn daily
Head Coverings	No hats or coverings except for religious/medical reasons. Full face must be visible
Eyeglasses	Not allowed (since 2016) except for rare medical necessity with doctor's statement
Photo Quality	High resolution, in focus. Printed on thin, glossy photo paper. No digital alterations

Acceptable Photo Standards: Key Details

Even minor issues can make a passport-style photo unacceptable. Let's break down the official standards:

Size and Head Position

The required photo size is 2 x 2 inches. The distance from the top of your head (including hair) to the bottom of your chin should be about 1 inch to 1⅜ inches. This ensures your head isn't too large or too small in the frame. Your face should fill roughly 50–69% of the image's total height. Having the correct head size is important so that facial features are clearly visible.

Recent, True-to-You Appearance

Your photo must be recent – taken within the last six months – so that it reflects how you currently look. For some USCIS filings like a green card (Form I-485), the instructions say photos should be taken within 30 days of filing. Using an older photo can lead to delays or rejections.

If your appearance has significantly changed (for example, you had major surgery or grew a large beard), it's safest to take a new photo. Minor changes like a new haircut or hair color are fine – as long as you're still clearly recognizable.

Background and Lighting

The background must be plain white or off-white. A neutral light-colored backdrop provides contrast and makes your face easy to see. There should be no patterns, textures, or objects in the background – just a smooth, uniform background.

Good lighting is critical: avoid harsh shadows on your face or behind you. Aim for soft, even illumination across your entire face. Natural light or bright diffuse lighting works well. If taking the photo indoors, stand a couple of feet away from the wall to minimize shadows, and use multiple light sources if needed to eliminate any dark areas.

Full Face, Front View

Your pose should be straightforward – face the camera directly with your full face in view. Do not tilt your head up, down, or to the side. Both eyes must be open, and you should look straight at the camera.

A mild, natural smile is acceptable, but neutral facial expression is preferred. You should not have an exaggerated grin, frown, or any expression that distorts your natural face. Keep your mouth closed or naturally relaxed (no showing teeth), and make sure your eyes are clearly visible (no squinting).

Attire (Clothing)

Dress in your normal, everyday clothes. Uniforms or pieces of clothing that look like uniforms are not allowed in the photo. For example, don't wear a military uniform, law enforcement uniform, or any uniformed work attire. The only exception is if you wear certain religious attire daily – that is permitted.

Avoid white shirts if you can, since they may blend into a light background; a contrasting color is better to clearly distinguish you from the backdrop. Camouflage patterns or military-style attire should definitely be avoided, as it can be mistaken for a uniform.

Head Coverings

You generally must remove any hats or head coverings for the photo. The photo needs to show your entire face and hairline. The only exceptions are for religious headwear that you wear continuously as part of your religious practice, or head coverings worn for medical reasons.

In those cases, you may keep the item on in the picture, but you have to ensure that all facial features are clearly visible. The head covering must not cast shadows on your face or cover your hairline in a way that obscures your forehead or cheeks.

Glasses

Eyeglasses are no longer allowed in visa or immigration photos as of November 2016. This rule was implemented because glasses caused too many issues with glare or shadows. Do not wear glasses in your photo – even if you normally wear them daily.

There is a very limited exception: if you have a medical reason that you cannot remove your glasses (for instance, you just had eye surgery), you may keep them on provided you submit a signed statement from a medical professional explaining the necessity. Even then, the glasses must not obstruct your eyes: no glare on the lenses, frames not covering any part of your eyes, and no tinted lenses.

Photo Quality and Paper

Your photo should be high quality – sharp focus, high resolution, and no visible pixels or print dots. If it's a digital photo, use a good camera so that the image is at least 600 x 600 pixels (preferably higher for clarity) and under 240 KB in file size if submitting online.

For physical photos, print on photo-quality paper that is thin (standard photo print paper, not thick cardstock) with a glossy finish. The prints should be in color and should accurately show your natural skin tones (no color distortions).

Do not digitally alter or retouch the photo. This means no Photoshop beautification, filters, airbrushing, or background changes. The only minor editing that's allowed is using the red-eye reduction feature on your camera when taking the photo.

Quantity and Identifying Info

Typically, USCIS applications that require photos will ask for two identical photos (taken at the same time). Make sure to produce a pair of matching photos. If you're submitting prints, lightly write your name and Alien Registration Number (A-Number), if you have one, on the back of each photo in pencil or felt-tip pen.

Do not make an impression that shows through to the front, and do not use ink that might smear. When attaching photos to paper applications, it's best to put them in a small envelope or wrap in a plastic bag and paperclip it to your application form.

Step-by-Step Guide: Taking a Compliant Photo

You have two main options for getting an immigration-style photo: take it yourself (DIY) or have a professional take it. Many applicants successfully take their own photos at home, but it requires careful setup.

DIY: Taking Your Own Photo at Home

Prepare the Background: Choose a location with a plain white or off-white wall as a background. Alternatively, hang a white sheet or poster board on the wall. Make sure the area is well-lit.
Set Up the Camera: Use a good-quality digital camera or a smartphone with a high-resolution camera. The camera should be positioned at eye level, about 4-6 feet away from you. Use the timer function if taking the photo yourself.
Framing and Composition: Frame the shot so that your full head and the top of your shoulders are in view. Center your head in the frame. Remember the head size guidelines: your head should occupy about 50-69% of the image height.
Pose and Expression: Stand up straight facing the camera directly. Look at the lens. Keep a neutral expression. Both eyes should be open and looking straight ahead. Make sure your hair is not blocking your face.
Lighting Check: Before snapping pictures, check for shadows. Look at the preview – is there any shadow on the wall behind you or on your face? Adjust your lighting to fix this.
Take Multiple Shots: Don't settle for the first photo. Take several pictures in a session, trying a few with slightly different expressions or lighting tweaks.
Review for Compliance: After you've taken the shots, review them critically. Check: Is your face clearly in focus? Is the lighting even? Is the background pure white or off-white? Is your head centered and not tilted?
Crop and Resize: Use a photo editing tool or the Department of State's free Photo Tool to crop your picture to the proper dimensions. The final image must be a 2 x 2 inch square.
Print (if needed): If you'll submit a physical photo, print the final cropped image onto photo paper at 2x2 inches. Use glossy photo paper. Print two copies.
Final Self-Checklist: Is the photo less than 6 months old? Is it 2x2 inches with a plain white background? Does it show your full face, centered, with neutral expression? If yes, you likely have a compliant photo!

Using a Professional Photo Service

If the DIY route sounds daunting, using a professional service is a convenient alternative. Many pharmacies, post offices, copy/print shops, and photography studios offer "passport photo" services.

Find a Trusted Provider: Look for places advertising passport or visa photos like Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, FedEx Office, or UPS Store.
Dress Appropriately: Wear normal clothing (avoid white tops if possible and no uniforms). Remove glasses and any non-religious headgear.
At the Photo Center: The photographer will position you against a white background with proper lighting. Follow their instructions for posture.
Verify the Result: Check that the size is exactly 2x2 inches, head size is correct, background is pure white, and prints are high quality.
Digital Copies: If you need a digital version, ask if they can provide the digital file.

Photo Requirements by Application Type

Different immigration applications may have specific instructions on photos. Here's a breakdown by application type:

Green Card (Permanent Residence) Applicants

Adjustment of Status (Form I-485): Submit two recent passport-style photos with your I-485 application package. USCIS instructions say the photos "must have been taken within 30 days of filing" the application. Attach the two photos by placing them in a small envelope and including it with your application.

Consular Processing (Immigrant Visa): When you submit the online DS-260 visa application, you will upload a digital photo. Additionally, you will be instructed to bring two identical physical photos to your visa interview.

Visa Applicants (Nonimmigrant Visas)

Online Upload: Most visa applications use the DS-160 or DS-260 online form. Upload a digital photo in JPEG format, sized as a square with minimum 600x600 pixels. The file size must be 240 KB or less.

Bring a Physical Photo: Many embassies require you to bring one or two printed photos to the visa interview, even if you uploaded one.

U.S. Citizenship/Naturalization Applicants

Applying from Within the United States: USCIS does not require you to submit passport photos with the N-400 form in most cases. USCIS will take your photograph digitally when you attend your biometrics appointment.

Applying from Outside the United States: Applicants residing overseas must send two identical passport-style color photographs with the N-400.

Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Applicants

The I-765 instructions specify that you must send two identical color passport photos with the application. These should be taken recently (within the past 30 days) and meet all the standard requirements.

Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Entrants

Digital Photo for Entry: Upload a digital photo in JPEG format, with a square aspect ratio. The minimum acceptable resolution is 600 x 600 pixels, and the file size must be 240 KB or less. The photo must be taken within 6 months of the entry. Re-using a photo from a previous year's entry will disqualify you.

Photo for Visa Interview: If selected, you will need to provide two physical photos at your consular interview.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with clear guidelines, people often slip up on some details. Here are common photo mistakes:

Using an Old Photo

Problem: Reusing a photo from months or years ago. Solution: Always take a fresh photo for each application. Remember the 6-month rule, and USCIS's preference for photos within 30 days.

Glasses On in the Photo

Problem: Wearing eyeglasses despite the rule change. Solution: Take off glasses for the photo shoot. No eyeglasses are allowed unless medically necessary with documentation.

Improper Background

Problem: Photos against non-white walls or with shadows. Solution: Use a plain white sheet or poster. Ensure proper lighting to avoid shadows.

Facial Expression and Pose Issues

Problem: Smiling too much, tilting head, or closed eyes. Solution: Keep a neutral expression with mouth closed. Face camera directly.

Wearing Unallowed Items

Problem: Hats, headphones, uniforms, or heavy jewelry. Solution: Remove all non-essential accessories before taking the photo.

Poor Print Quality

Problem: Printing on regular paper or wrong size. Solution: Use glossy photo paper and ensure exact 2x2 inch dimensions.

Digital Alterations

Problem: Photoshopping or editing the photo. Solution: No digital enhancement or alteration is allowed except basic cropping.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I wear my eyeglasses in the photo? A: No. Glasses are not allowed in U.S. visa, green card, or other immigration photos (since November 2016). The only exception is for serious medical reasons with a signed doctor's statement.

Q: Can I wear a hat or head covering in the photo? A: Generally no, except for religious purposes or medical reasons. Your full face must be visible without shadows.

Q: Can I wear a uniform in my photo? A: No uniforms or clothing that looks like a uniform, except religious attire worn daily.

Q: Does my child or baby need their eyes open in the photo? A: Yes, ideally. For infants, authorities are slightly more lenient, but you should try for open eyes. No one else can be in the photo.

Q: Can I take the photo with my phone at home? A: Yes, if your phone has a good camera (8+ megapixels) and you have proper lighting. Follow all DIY tips carefully.

Q: Can I digitally edit the photo to fix issues? A: No digital alterations except basic cropping and rotation. No filters, background changes, or retouching allowed.

Q: What if my appearance changes after I submit the photo? A: Minor changes (beard, hair color) are fine. Major changes may require a new photo if requested.

Q: How many photos do I need to submit? A: Most USCIS forms require two identical photos. Check specific form instructions. DV lottery requires one digital upload per person.

Q: What happens if my photo doesn't meet requirements? A: You may receive an RFE (Request for Evidence) causing delays, or for DV lottery, disqualification. Always ensure compliance upfront.

Conclusion

By following the guidelines in this comprehensive article, you can be confident that your photos will meet all USCIS photo requirements and related Department of State standards. A compliant photo helps demonstrate your attention to detail and prevents avoidable delays.

When in doubt, always refer back to official sources – USCIS and the State Department publish clear instructions. With the right photo in hand, you'll have one less thing to worry about on your immigration journey. Good luck with your application!