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USCIS Photo Requirements for Green Cards, EADs & Immigration

Passport-style photos for I-485, I-765, I-131, N-400, DV Lottery, and more. Know the 30-day recency rule, which forms need photos, and how to save vs retail.

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2×2 USCIS compliant 4×6 print template included Baby & child mode

USCIS Photo Specs

Size2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm)
Head height1 to 1⅜ in (25–35 mm)
Eye height1⅛ to 1⅜ in (28–35 mm)
BackgroundWhite to off-white
PaperThin, glossy finish
RecencyWithin 30 days of filing
Quantity2 identical photos (most forms)
BackName + A-Number (paper filings)
Source: USCIS Policy Manual

How USCIS Photos Differ from Passport Photos

30-Day Recency Rule

USCIS requires photos taken within 30 days of filing for I-485 and several other forms. Passports allow 6 months.

Name & A-Number on Back

For paper filings, USCIS wants your name and Alien Registration Number lightly printed on the back of each photo.

Biometrics Policy Shift

As of Dec 2025, USCIS limits photo reuse to 36 months and uses ASC-captured photos for secure documents. Form instructions still list photos.

Which Immigration Forms Require Photos?

Form Purpose Photos Required Recency Notes
I-485 Green Card (Adjustment of Status) 2 photos 30 days Listed in USCIS filing guidance as required initial evidence
I-765 EAD / Work Permit 2 photos Recent Two identical passport-style photos
I-131 Travel Document / Advance Parole 2 photos 30 days Required for certain scenarios (refugee travel, advance parole, TPS)
I-130 Petition for Alien Relative If applicable Recent Varies by case type — check current instructions
I-129F Fiancé(e) Petition 1 each 30 days One photo of petitioner + one of beneficiary
N-400 Naturalization / Citizenship Usually biometrics — US residents: photo taken at ASC. Outside US: 2 photos required.
I-90 Green Card Renewal/Replacement Usually biometrics — Photo typically captured at biometrics appointment
N-600 Certificate of Citizenship Usually biometrics — US residents: ASC appointment. Outside US: 2 photos required.
DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Digital upload 6 months Upload during online form. State Dept specs apply.
DS-260 Immigrant Visa 2 photos 6 months Bring to interview. 2×2 printed on photo paper.
DV Lottery Diversity Visa Entry Digital upload 6 months 600×600–1200×1200 px, JPEG, ≤240 KB, sRGB
Always check the current form instructions. USCIS is actively updating photo/biometrics policies. Form edition dates and filing checklists change — treat the USCIS form webpage as the final authority.

DV Lottery & Visa Digital Photo Requirements

The Department of State publishes strict digital photo specs for DS-160, DS-260, and DV Lottery entries:

DV Lottery Entry

  • Square (height = width)
  • 600×600 to 1200×1200 px
  • JPEG format
  • File size ≤ 240 KB
  • sRGB color space
  • Head 50%–69% of image height

DS-160 / DS-260 Visa

  • Same pixel/format specs as DV
  • DS-160: upload during form
  • DS-260: bring 2 prints to interview
  • 24-bit color
  • Compression ratio ≤ 20:1
  • Scan at 300 DPI if from print
DV Lottery timing changes yearly. DV-2026 ran Oct 2 – Nov 7, 2024. DV-2027 dates were "to be announced" as of late 2025. Always check dvprogram.state.gov for current dates.

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We generate the exact 600×600 JPEG at ≤240 KB for DV entry — plus a 2×2 print version for your visa interview if selected.

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Age-Specific Photo Rules for Immigration

The technical specs are the same across ages. What changes is how to practically achieve compliance — especially for babies and young children.

Baby (Under 1 Year)

  • Baby must be the only subject
  • Lay on white sheet, photo from above
  • Or use car seat covered with white sheet
  • Eyes should be open, looking at camera
  • No hands, toys, or pacifiers visible

Toddler & Child (1–15)

  • No other person in the photo
  • Looking at camera, face visible
  • Avoid props, toys, or distractions
  • Neutral expression
  • Same background/quality rules as adults

Teen & Adult (16+)

  • Standard 2×2 requirements
  • 14+ must provide signature on forms
  • No glasses (medical exception with doctor's note)
  • Religious/medical head coverings with signed statement
  • No filters, AI edits, or retouching

Where to Get Immigration Photos & What They Cost

Many immigrants need multiple sets of photos (I-485 + I-765 + I-131 = 6 photos). The savings add up fast.

OptionPriceWhat You GetBest For
PassportPhotoFactory $6.99 Digital + 4×6 template (6 copies). Print at Walmart for $0.16. Multiple forms, families
Walmart ~$7.64 2 printed 2×2 photos Single form, same day
USPS $15.00 2 printed photos If filing at post office
Walgreens $16.99 2 prints + free digital copy Need digital copy too
CVS $17.99 2 printed photos Convenience

Filing I-485 + I-765 + I-131? That's 6 Photos.

At CVS, that's 3 visits × $17.99 = $53.97 (they give you 2 per visit).

With us: $6.99 + $0.16 print = $7.15 — one 4×6 sheet gives you 6 copies. Save $46.82.

Your savings
$46.82
vs 3 trips to CVS
1.17M

New green cards issued (FY2023)

818K

Naturalizations (FY2024)

12.8M

LPRs living in the US (2024 est.)

MX, CU, IN, DO, CN

Top countries of origin (FY2023)

Frequently Asked Questions

They largely overlap — both are 2×2 inches with similar head framing. But USCIS uses a stricter 30-day recency rule for some benefits (vs 6 months for passports), requires a glossy finish, and may ask for your name and A-Number on the back for paper filings.

For several benefits, USCIS filing guidance still lists passport-style photos as required evidence. As of December 2025, USCIS limits photo reuse to 36 months and uses ASC-captured photos for secure documents — but form instructions haven't fully changed yet. Always follow the current form instructions and respond to any USCIS request.

Lay the baby on their back on a plain white sheet and photograph from above, or place them in a car seat covered with a white sheet. The baby must be the only subject, looking at the camera with eyes open. No hands, toys, or pacifiers should be visible.

DV entries require a digital photo: square (height = width), 600×600 to 1200×1200 pixels, JPEG format, ≤240 KB file size, sRGB color space. Submit at dvprogram.state.gov during the annual entry period. Entry dates change each year — always check the official announcement.

No. Since November 1, 2016, eyeglasses are no longer allowed in new visa or passport-style photos. The only exception is a documented medical condition — which requires a doctor's note.

Yes — if the final photos meet USCIS specs (2×2, glossy, white background, correct head size). Print a 4×6 template at Walmart ($0.16), Walgreens ($0.39), or CVS ($0.32) and cut to size. Far cheaper than $17.99 passport photo services, especially when you need multiple sets.

Use the Entrant Status Check at dvprogram.state.gov/ESC. You'll need your confirmation number from when you submitted your entry. Keep this number safe — it's the only way to check.

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