Complete Guide to Green Card Photos

A photo is a must for legal paperwork. It confirms your identity and helps officials identify you. When it comes to green card processing, attaching a photo of yourself with the application is a must. This will be printed on your green card when it is issued to you.

But you cannot attach just any photo you have stored on your computer. There are specific requirements you need to meet. In this article, we’ll discuss green card photo requirements in greater detail.

What Is a Green Card Photo?

A green card photo is printed on your green card along with other information when it is issued. You must provide this photo along with the green card application form (Form I-485), Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. There’s a long list of documents you need to submit, and photos are just one of them.

After your application is reviewed, an interview is scheduled. Following successful completion, the USCIS issues your green card.

All of the photographs you submit must meet certain specifications, which will be discussed in greater detail in the below sections.

Who Needs a Green Card Photo?

Anyone who wants a green card must submit a photo with their application. There is no exception to this.

You can obtain a green card by the following means:

• Through family
• Through employment
• As a special immigrant
• As a refugee or asylee status holder
• For crime and human trafficking victims
• Through the registry
• For victims of abuse
• Other categories (LRIF, Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, the Cuban Adjustment Act, HRIFA Dependent)

If you fall into any of the above categories, you may apply for a green card and submit a photo.

What Are Green Card Photo Requirements?

Your photo is a vital part of the application process. It should meet the photo requirements demanded by the USCIS. The agency provides a complete list of specifications. We’ll break it down for you into three different sections.

Size and Type

• The photograph should be in color, not black and white.
• It should measure 2×2 inches.
• It should be taken within six months of the application date, and reflect your current appearance.

Positioning

• Your face should be positioned in such a manner that it covers 50% to 69% of the photo. It should be 1 inch to 1 3/8th inch of the 2 inches allotted. The length is calculated from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
• Your face should be at the center, facing the camera directly.

Appearance

• The background should be plain white or off-white. No other colors are allowed.
• The photo should show your entire face, directly facing the camera.
• Your expression should be neutral, with both eyes open (certain medical conditions exempted).
• You shouldn’t be wearing a uniform; dress in regular clothes.
• No hat or head coverings are allowed that obscure your hair or hairline (except for religious reasons, but this should not cast a shadow on your face).
• Headphones and other wireless hands-free devices covering your ears or head are prohibited.
• Eyeglasses are not allowed except for medical reasons, where you cannot take them off.
• If you wear your eyeglasses, the frames shouldn’t cover your eyes.
• The eyeglasses should be glare-free, not obstructing your eyes.
• If you regularly wear a hearing device, you should wear it in the photo.

Babies and Toddlers

When applying for a green card for your baby, you must submit a recent photo with the application. There are a few specifications:

• The materiel he or she is lying on should be white or off-white.
• The baby can lay on his or her back.
• The baby’s head should be up.
• The face should be clearly visible.
• There should be no shadows on his/her face.
• If the baby is sitting in a car seat, ensure the seat is covered in white or off-white sheets with nothing else in the background.

Digital Photo Requirements

There will be instances where you’ll be asked to provide digital images. These images are uploaded from your computer or smartphone into an online application and then sent for review. Just like physical photos, digital photos must meet the specifications:

• The size should be 2×2 inches or 51×51 mm.
• The photo should be 300 pixels per inch or 12 pixels per mm.
• The dimensions in the digital format must be between 600×600 pixels and 1200×1200 pixels.
• The coloring scheme should be RGB.
• The image should be in JPEG format.
• The size should be less than or equal to 240 Kb.
• If you’re compressing the image to fit the size limit, then the compression ratio should be less than 20:1.

The appearance requirements that apply to physical photos are also applicable to digital copies. The time frame (taken not more than six months before the application date) remains the same.

Where to Get a Green Card Photo

Now that you know the detailed specifications, it’s time to take a photo for your green card application. It is recommended you hire a professional photographer who is familiar with the requirements. Many photo studios provide photography services exclusively for green card applications.

Given the requirements, it can be quite overwhelming. So the chances of errors are high. Even missing one requirement can delay your application, or worse, lead to rejection. That’s why using the services of a professional photographer who works with green card applicants is highly recommended.

Alternatively, you can take the photo at your home if you have the right set-up (white background, enough lighting, no background shadows). Ask a friend or family to take the photo for you; do not submit a selfie.

Change of Appearance

There is a chance your appearance may undergo drastic changes during the six-month time frame. If your photo does not reflect your current appearance as determined by the USCIS official, you’ll be asked to submit a more recent one, even if it is less than six months old.

Change of appearance can happen because of the following reasons:

• You’ve undergone facial surgery and have made changes to your face.
• You’ve added or removed a large facial piercing or face tattoo.
• You’ve lost or gained a significant amount of weight that changes the shape of your face.
• You’ve made a gender transition.

Green Card Photo FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about green card photo requirements:

What kind of background should my green card photo have?

The background should strictly be either white or off-white.

Where should my head be in my green card photo?

It should be centered, covering at least 50% of the photo.

Can I wear a head covering in my green card photo?

No, unless for religious reasons.

Can I wear glasses in my green card photo?

No, unless for medical reasons.

Conclusion

The photo you submit will be printed on your green card. It’s always better to visit a photo studio to get the photo taken. If you have any questions, get in touch with an immigration attorney.

Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

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