What Are The Requirements For Passport Photos?

We are frequently asked about the passport photos that are submitted to USCIS in virtually all types of applications - asylum, citizenship, visas, and green cards.

3 Key Considerations for USCIS Passport Photo

Size and head placement
Clear view and expression
Technical specifications

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What are the USCIS requirements for passport-type photos?

Here are some passport photo tips:

Two photos are needed, both printed on photo-quality paper
The photos should be glossy and in color
The photos should be plain white
The person should be looking straight into the camera with a neutral facial expression
The color photo must have been taken in the previous 30 days
USCIS likes for the printed photo to have 1 inch from the bottom of the chin to the top of the hair

Digital Photo Requirements

Meanwhile, here are the digital photo requirements for the U.S. passport photo from the Department of State:

The new photo should have an off-white background
The clear image should show a person looking at the camera directly
The acceptable dimensions of the existing photo are 1200 x 1200 pixels
The digital photo should be in JPEG file format
If you want to scan an already printed photo, the dimensions should be 2 x 2 inches and a resolution of 300 pixels per inch

Other Must-Knows When Submitting Photos to the USCIS

When submitting the photos to USCIS, you should write the name and alien number of the person appearing in the photograph on the back. Use the photo tool from the Department of State website to resize the photo and save it for printing. Sort your good and bad photos and submit the best one you can get.

Keep these passport photo requirements in mind to avoid wasting time in correcting your errors. If you need help with submitting photos, problems with your own passport photo and passport application, or other documents to USCIS, contact Missouri and Illinois immigration attorney Jim Hacking. We will be happy to help.

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