Getting your passport photo right is a small but crucial step in your travel plans. With strict guidelines to follow, a simple mistake could lead to application delays or even rejection. Here are the key passport photo requirements to ensure you meet all the standards and get approved without a hitch.
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
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
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
• 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.
• Head coverings are allowed for religious or cultural reasons if your face remains visible.
• Exceptions are made for physical or medical reasons.
• Don’t wear glasses as they are no longer permitted to avoid glare.
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 our immigration lawyers. We will be happy to help.
