Pakistani passports and visas need a 35×45mm photo on a plain white background. But NICOP is different: the NADRA app requires a live in-app photo capture — you generally can't upload an existing file.
| Print size | 35×45mm (1.37×1.77 in) |
| Digital upload | ~413×531px @300 DPI, JPEG |
| Background | Plain white |
| Face coverage | 70–80% of frame |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Recency | Within last 6 months |
| File size | 350–500KB (visa); 5MB (DGIP) |
Unlike passport/visa uploads, the NADRA Pak Identity portal makes you capture your photo live in-app. Existing files (except for children under 3) aren't accepted.
Off-white, cream, or textured walls trigger automated rejection on both the DGIP and NADRA portals. Use a proper plain white backdrop.
DC and Houston take cards. New York and LA require a money order or cashier's check — no cash, no personal checks, at any mission.
| Requirement | Pakistan (Passport/Visa) | US Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 35×45mm (1.37×1.77 in) | 2×2 in (51×51 mm) |
| Digital minimum | ~413×531px @300 DPI | 600×600px min |
| Background | Plain white (strict) | White or off-white |
| Face coverage | 70–80% of frame | 1 to 1 3/8 in head height |
| Glasses | Not allowed, no exception | Not allowed; medical exception possible |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed | Neutral or natural smile |
| Recency | Within 6 months | Within 6 months |
| Upload method | File upload (except NICOP: live capture) | File upload or print |
NICOP (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis) is now processed almost entirely through NADRA's Pak Identity portal (id.nadra.gov.pk) or the PakID mobile app — not at consulates directly.
Renewals with more than 7 months of validity remaining can sometimes be filed online via the DGIP portal. Otherwise, apply in person at one of four US missions for fingerprinting and photo capture — required regardless of age.
Lost-passport fees are higher (up to $900 for a second-time lost 10-year urgent renewal). Fees are consistent across all 4 US missions.
DC and Houston accept debit/credit cards. NY and LA require a money order or cashier's check — no cash or personal checks accepted anywhere.
US citizens need a visa to visit Pakistan. All applications go through the Pakistan Online Visa System (POVS) at visa.nadra.gov.pk — manual processing was discontinued in 2021.
Standard processing time is 7–10 working days. Apply through the mission matching your US state of residence — misfiled applications risk rejection.
Both the DGIP and NADRA portals run automated checks — minor deviations get flagged before a human ever reviews it:
Wallpaper, painted walls, or slightly discolored backdrops trigger automated rejection. Use a proper plain white background.
Eyes must be clearly visible with no glasses. No routine medical exception is documented.
The 70-80% face coverage rule is actively enforced. Stand closer to the camera than feels natural.
Photos cut down from a larger picture, or edited in Photoshop, are explicitly disallowed by DGIP guidance.
We generate a properly cropped 35×45mm photo with a pure white background — ready to upload for your passport or visa application, plus a photo prep guide for NICOP's live-capture requirement.
Get Started — $6.99Digital download + print template included. Works for passport and visa applications.