May 28, 2026 · United States
US Green Card & Visa Photo Requirements 2026 – USCIS & DOS Rules
Whether you are applying for a US Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), an immigrant visa, or a non-immigrant visa such as a B-1/B-2 tourist visa or F-1 student visa, the photo requirements are the same: 2×2 inch format, white background, no glasses. This guide covers USCIS and Department of State photo rules in full.
Quick summary
2×2 inches (51×51mm), plain white background, head 1 to 1⅜ inches (22–35mm) from chin to top of head, both eyes open and forward-facing, no glasses (USCIS 2023 update), taken within 6 months.
Core Photo Requirements
The following requirements apply to all USCIS immigration photo submissions and all US visa applications processed by the Department of State at US embassies and consulates worldwide.
- Size: 2×2 inches (51×51mm). This is the US-specific format — different from the ICAO 35×45mm used by most of Europe.
- Head size: The head (from chin to top of head, not including hair) must measure between 1 inch and 1⅜ inches (22–35mm) in the printed photo. The head must be centred horizontally and positioned in the upper half of the frame.
- Background: Plain white or off-white. No patterns, gradients, or shadows behind the subject.
- Expression: Neutral expression with both eyes open and looking directly into the camera. A natural slight smile is technically permitted by the State Department, but a neutral expression is always the safest choice.
- Glasses: Not permitted. USCIS updated its guidelines in 2023 to ban glasses in all immigration photos, consistent with the State Department rule that had already banned glasses for US passport photos since 2016.
- Recency: Taken within 6 months of the application date, representing your current appearance.
- Print: Printed on glossy or matte finish photo paper. The image must be sharp, in focus, and with natural colour reproduction. Minimum 600 DPI for printed submissions.
- Colour: Full colour. Black-and-white photos are not accepted.
- Retouching: No digital filters, skin smoothing, or beauty retouching. The photo must show your natural appearance.
Green Card Photo Requirements (I-485 and I-130)
Applications for a US Permanent Resident Card — commonly called a Green Card — include Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) and Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative). Both require the standard USCIS 2×2 inch photo.
USCIS instructions require two identical photos for most paper filings. Photos must be printed on matte or glossy finish photo-quality paper. Write your name and A-Number (if known) lightly on the back of each photo in pencil — do not use a ballpoint pen, which can damage the photo surface or bleed through.
For online submissions via myUSCIS, USCIS accepts a digital photo uploaded directly in the application. Check the specific form instructions for current digital photo requirements, as specifications may be updated.
Photo Requirements by US Visa Type
| Document / Visa Type | Size | Background | Glasses | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Card (I-485 / I-130) | 2×2 in (51×51mm) | White | No | USCIS standard |
| Immigrant Visa (DS-260) | 2×2 in (51×51mm) | White | No | State Dept. |
| K-1 Fiancée Visa | 2×2 in (51×51mm) | White | No | State Dept. |
| B-1/B-2 Tourist/Business Visa | 2×2 in (51×51mm) | White | No | State Dept. |
| F-1 Student Visa | 2×2 in (51×51mm) | White | No | State Dept. |
| US Passport (Renewal/New) | 2×2 in (51×51mm) | White | No | State Dept. |
Always verify current requirements with the official authority before submitting.
Head Size: The 1 to 1⅜ Inch Rule Explained
The head size requirement is the most misunderstood aspect of US photo requirements. The measurement is of the head itself — not the face — from the bottom of the chin to the very top of the head (crown). Hair and hairstyles are not included in this measurement.
- Minimum: 1 inch (22mm) — the head must not be so small that it leaves excessive empty space above.
- Maximum: 1⅜ inches (35mm) — the head must not be so large that it fills almost the full height of the 2-inch photo.
- The ideal head size is approximately 1¼ inch (32mm), which centres the face comfortably within the frame.
Most automated online passport photo tools handle this calculation for you, but if cropping manually, use a ruler or the photo software's measurement tools to verify compliance.
Common Rejection Reasons for USCIS and DOS Photos
Wrong size (35×45mm instead of 2×2 inch)
The US uses 2×2 inch (51×51mm) — not the ICAO 35×45mm used in Europe. Never submit a European-format photo for a US application.
Head too small or too large
The head (chin to crown) must be between 1 inch and 1⅜ inches in the printed photo. Use an automated tool or measure carefully.
Glasses visible
Glasses are banned for all USCIS and DOS photo submissions. Remove all eyewear.
Background not white
Background must be plain white or off-white. Grey, blue, or patterned backgrounds are rejected.
Photo older than 6 months
Take a fresh photo that represents your current appearance.
Poor print quality or pixelation
Print at minimum 600 DPI on glossy or matte photo-quality paper. Inkjet printouts on plain office paper are not accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size photo is required for a US Green Card?
US Green Card applications (Form I-485, I-130, and related forms) require a 2×2 inch (51×51mm) photo with a plain white background. The head must be between 1 inch and 1⅜ inches (22–35mm) measured from chin to top of the head.
Is the US Green Card photo the same as a US passport photo?
Yes. USCIS Green Card photos and US passport photos use the same format: 2×2 inch (51×51mm), white background, head size 1 to 1⅜ inches, taken within 6 months. The same photo can be used for both a passport and a Green Card application if it was recently taken and meets all requirements.
Are glasses allowed in a US Green Card or visa photo?
No. USCIS updated its guidelines in 2023 to prohibit glasses in all immigration photos, aligning with the State Department's rule for US passports. This applies to all USCIS forms and US visa applications at embassies worldwide.
How recent must photos be for a US Green Card or visa application?
Photos must have been taken within 6 months of the application date and must represent your current appearance. If your appearance has changed significantly (new facial hair, major weight change, new scar), take a new photo rather than reusing an old one.
Always verify current requirements with the official authority — USCIS (uscis.gov) for immigration forms, or the US Department of State (travel.state.gov) for passport and visa photos. Requirements may be updated without notice.
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