US Green Card Photo Requirements
Complete guide to photo requirements for US Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) applications. USCIS uses the same 2x2 inch specifications as US passport photos, but with strict guidelines that can cause delays if not followed precisely.
Green Card Photo Specifications
Dimensions
- Size: 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
- Pixels: 600 x 600 px minimum
- Head height: 1" to 1-3/8" (25-35mm)
Requirements
- Background: White
- Format: JPEG
- File size: 240KB - 10MB
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Photo Requirements
300 DPI51 × 51 mm
600 × 600 px
white
JPEG
Step-by-Step Guide to Taking Your Green Card Photo
Follow these steps to take a USCIS-compliant photo at home that meets all requirements for your Green Card application.
Prepare a White Background
USCIS requires a plain white background with no patterns, textures, or shadows. Use a plain white wall, white poster board, or a white bedsheet hung flat. Off-white, cream, or gray backgrounds will be rejected. Stand about 2-3 feet from the background to prevent shadows.
Set Up Proper Lighting
Use natural daylight from a window facing you, or position two lamps at 45-degree angles on either side. The goal is even, shadow-free lighting on your face and background. Avoid harsh overhead lights or direct flash which create unflattering shadows.
Position Yourself Correctly
Face the camera directly with your head straight - not tilted, turned, or looking to the side. Your entire face from the top of your forehead to your chin must be visible. Position the camera at eye level. Your head should occupy 50-69% of the frame height.
Remove Glasses and Accessories
USCIS does not allow glasses in Green Card photos - this rule has been in effect since 2016. Remove all headwear unless worn daily for religious purposes. If wearing religious head covering, your full face must still be visible from hairline to chin.
Maintain a Neutral Expression
Keep a natural, neutral expression with your mouth closed. Do not smile showing teeth. Both eyes must be open and clearly visible, looking directly at the camera. Avoid squinting or raising eyebrows.
Take Multiple Photos
Take at least 10-15 photos to ensure you have good options. Use a smartphone with a timer or have someone else take the photo. Any modern smartphone camera (8MP+) provides sufficient quality. Review each shot for focus, lighting, and expression.
Crop and Resize
Use our free tool above to crop your photo to exactly 2x2 inches (600x600 pixels). Ensure your head is properly centered with your eyes positioned between 1-1/8" and 1-3/8" from the bottom of the photo. The tool will help you achieve the correct proportions.
Expert Tips & Insights
Understanding USCIS Photo Requirements
USCIS photo requirements are identical to US passport photo specifications because both use the same biometric standards established by the State Department. Your Green Card photo will be stored in federal databases and used for identity verification at ports of entry, employment verification (E-Verify), and other official purposes for years to come.
The square 2x2 inch format is uniquely American - most other countries use rectangular passport photos. This standardized format was designed to work seamlessly with automated facial recognition systems at US borders and for document verification processes.
Digital vs. Physical Photos
Most USCIS online applications accept digital photo uploads (JPEG format, 600x600 to 1200x1200 pixels, 240KB to 10MB file size). For paper applications, you'll need two identical physical 2x2 inch prints on photo-quality paper. Write your name and Alien Registration Number (A-Number) lightly in pencil on the back - never use pen as it can bleed through.
Why Photos Get Rejected
USCIS uses automated scanning systems to verify photo compliance. Photos are commonly rejected for: incorrect dimensions (not exactly 2x2 inches), background that isn't pure white, glasses in photo (even if clear prescription lenses), incorrect head size or position, shadows on face or background, poor image quality or resolution, and photos older than 6 months. A rejected photo can add weeks or months to your processing time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These are the most frequent reasons Green Card photos get rejected by USCIS. Avoiding these issues will help prevent delays in your application.
Wearing Glasses
Since 2016, USCIS does not allow any eyeglasses in immigration photos. This includes clear prescription glasses, not just sunglasses. Remove all eyewear before taking your photo.
Wrong Background Color
The background must be pure white - not off-white, cream, light gray, or any other color. USCIS scanners are calibrated for white backgrounds and will reject other colors automatically.
Incorrect Head Size
Your head must measure between 1 inch and 1-3/8 inches from chin to top of head in the photo. If your head is too large or too small, the photo will be rejected.
Shadows on Face or Background
Any shadows on your face or the background can cause rejection. Use soft, even lighting from multiple angles to eliminate all shadows.
Old or Altered Photo
Photos must be taken within the last 6 months and reflect your current appearance. Digital alterations, filters, or retouching are not allowed beyond basic brightness/contrast adjustments.
Improper Head Position
Looking away from the camera, tilting your head, or having your face partially obscured will result in rejection. Face directly forward with a straight head position.
USCIS Photo Guidelines
| Photo Size | 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) |
| Head Size | 1" to 1-3/8" from chin to top of head |
| Eye Position | 1-1/8" to 1-3/8" from bottom of photo |
| Background | Plain white |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Photo Age | Taken within last 6 months |
| Digital Format | JPEG, 600x600 to 1200x1200 px |
When You Need Green Card Photos
Green Card photos are required for various USCIS forms throughout the immigration process. Most forms require 2 identical passport-style photos.
Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
Initial Green Card application requires 2 passport-style photos. This is the most common form for those already in the US seeking permanent residence.
Form I-90 (Renew/Replace Card)
Renewing your Green Card after 10 years or replacing a lost/stolen card requires 2 photos with your application.
Form I-751 (Remove Conditions)
If you received a conditional Green Card through marriage, you'll need 2 photos when petitioning to remove conditions.
Form I-131 (Travel Document)
Applying for Advance Parole or Re-Entry Permit requires 2 passport-style photos for your travel document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Green Card photo the same as a passport photo?
Yes, USCIS requires the same 2x2 inch photo specifications as US passport photos. Both use identical dimensions (2x2 inches), resolution (600x600 pixels minimum), and requirements (white background, no glasses, neutral expression). You can use the same photo for both if taken within 6 months and your appearance hasn't changed.
How many photos do I need for a Green Card application?
Most USCIS forms require 2 identical passport-style photos. The photos should be identical prints from the same photo session. Check your specific form instructions as some newer online applications may only require a digital upload.
Can I wear glasses in my Green Card photo?
No. Since November 2016, USCIS requires you to remove glasses for all immigration photos, including Green Card applications. This applies to all eyeglasses, even clear prescription lenses. The only exception is if you cannot remove glasses due to a medical condition, and you must provide a signed doctor's statement.
What background color is required for Green Card photos?
The background must be plain white. Not off-white, not light gray, not cream - pure white. The background should be uniform with no patterns, textures, or visible shadows. USCIS automated systems check for proper background color and will reject non-compliant photos.
How recent must my Green Card photo be?
Your photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and must accurately reflect your current appearance. If your appearance has changed significantly (weight loss/gain, new hairstyle, facial hair), take a new photo even if your previous one is less than 6 months old.
Can I take my own Green Card photo at home?
Yes, you can take your own photo at home using a smartphone or digital camera. The key requirements are: proper lighting, plain white background, correct head positioning, and sufficient resolution (600x600 pixels minimum). Use our free tool to resize and crop to exact specifications.
What file size and format is required for digital uploads?
For online applications, USCIS requires JPEG format with dimensions between 600x600 and 1200x1200 pixels. File size must be between 240KB and 10MB. The image should be in color (24-bit) with no compression artifacts visible.
Can I wear religious head coverings in my Green Card photo?
Yes, head coverings worn daily for religious purposes are permitted. However, your full face must be visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and from ear to ear. The head covering cannot cast any shadows on your face.
What happens if my Green Card photo is rejected?
If USCIS rejects your photo, they will send a Request for Evidence (RFE) asking for compliant photos. This can add several weeks or months to your processing time. It's much better to submit correct photos initially. Common rejection reasons include: wrong dimensions, non-white background, glasses in photo, shadows, or poor image quality.
Should I write my name on the back of printed photos?
Yes, for paper applications write your full name and Alien Registration Number (A-Number) lightly in pencil on the back of each photo. Never use pen or marker as the ink can bleed through and damage the photo. Don't use paper clips or staples directly on the photos.
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