US Immigration (USCIS)
USCIS Photo Requirements (Green Card, EAD, N-400, I-130, I-485)
Prepare a 2×2 inch USCIS photo for Green Card (I-485), EAD (I-765), Naturalization (N-400), and Petition for Relative (I-130) applications. Preview a 600×600px JPEG with a white background and correct head size before paying.
Last updated May 11, 2026
Verified against the official source · May 11, 2026USCIS Photo Specifications (2×2 inch)
USCIS uses the same 2×2 inch photo standard for Green Card, naturalization, work authorization, and family petition forms. The photo is glued or stapled to the application packet, so getting the size, background, and head height right is critical to avoid a Request for Evidence (RFE).
- Size: 2×2 inches (51×51mm) — 600×600 pixels at 300 DPI.
- Background: plain white or off-white. No shadows, textures, or coloured backgrounds.
- Head height: 1 inch to 1⅜ inches (25–35mm), 50–69% of the image height.
- Expression: neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and looking directly at the camera.
- Taken within the last 30 days — USCIS is stricter than the passport's 6-month rule.
- No glasses (since 2016), no head coverings except for religious reasons.
Which USCIS Forms Need This Photo?
The 2×2 USCIS photo standard covers nearly every adjustment, work permit, naturalization, and family petition form. Two identical printed photos are typically required per applicant.
- I-485 — Adjustment of Status (Green Card).
- I-765 — Application for Employment Authorization (EAD).
- N-400 — Application for Naturalization.
- I-130 — Petition for Alien Relative.
- I-131 — Application for Travel Document / Advance Parole.
- I-90 — Green Card renewal/replacement.
- I-589 — Asylum applications.
Top USCIS Photo Rejection Reasons (and How to Fix Them)
USCIS photo rejections delay applications by weeks. The most common issues are easy to fix before printing.
- Photo older than 30 days — retake.
- Glasses (any kind) — not allowed since 2016.
- Background is off-white, grey, or shows wall texture.
- Head height outside 1–1⅜ inches.
- Smiling or open mouth.
- Photo printed too small or stretched.
- Heavy filters or skin smoothing changing your features.
Print Two Copies on 4×6 Paper
USCIS typically wants two identical 2×2 photos paper-clipped or stapled to the application. Most photo print services let you print two 2×2 photos on a single 4×6 sheet — VisaPhotoCheck includes a printable 4×6 template option after checkout.
- Print both photos at exactly 2×2 inches — no resize at the printer.
- Lightly write your A-Number on the back in pencil if instructed by the form.
- Trim each photo to a clean 2×2 inch square before attaching.
Photo Examples
Pass example
Correct photo
Common rejection risk
Incorrect photo
Frequently Asked Questions
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