Green Card, Citizenship and USCIS Photo Requirements: Which Forms Need Photos
Passport Photo Guide · US Immigration
USCIS photos are 2 by 2 inch passport-style photos, in color, with your head 1 to 1⅜ inches from the top of your hair to your chin, and your name and A-Number written lightly on the back. Here is which forms still need them.
Includes the December 2025 USCIS photo policy. Last checked October 14, 2026.
On December 12, 2025, USCIS announced that it will not use or reuse self-submitted photos on the documents it issues. The photo on your green card, replacement card or citizenship certificate is taken by USCIS at your biometrics appointment.
Forms I-485, I-90, N-400 and N-600 always require a new photo taken at biometrics. Some form instructions still ask you to send passport-style photos with the application, so follow the instructions for the edition you file.
Which forms ask you to send photos
| Form | What you send |
|---|---|
| I-485 green card | The instructions list two identical passport-style photos as required evidence. A new photo is also taken at your biometrics appointment |
| I-765 work permit | Two identical passport-style photos listed as required evidence |
| I-131 travel document | Two identical passport-style photos for a refugee travel document, advance parole or TPS travel authorization |
| N-400 citizenship | Photos only if you apply from outside the US in certain categories, such as military members and their spouses. Otherwise USCIS takes your photo at biometrics |
| I-90 card replacement | A new photo taken at your biometrics appointment |
| DV lottery entry | A digital photo, 600 × 600 pixels, JPEG, 240 KB or less. Selectees bring two identical 2 × 2 inch prints to the interview |
USCIS form instructions are updated often. Always check the photo section in the current instructions for your form on uscis.gov before you file.
USCIS passport-style photo requirements
| Requirement | What USCIS asks for |
|---|---|
| Number | Two identical photos, taken recently |
| Size | 2 by 2 inches |
| Head size | 1 to 1⅜ inches from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin |
| Eye height | 1⅛ to 1⅜ inches from the bottom of the photo to the eyes |
| Pose | Full face, frontal view |
| Background | White to off-white |
| Color | Color photos |
| Head covering | Head bare, unless you wear headwear as required by your religious denomination |
| Thin, glossy paper, unmounted and unretouched | |
| Back of photo | Your name and A-Number, if you have one, written lightly in pencil or felt pen |
USCIS form instructions do not mention glasses, but the State Department does not allow them in passport or visa photos. Taking them off avoids glare and a possible request for new photos.
ThisPix · Midtown Manhattan
Get your green card and USCIS photos in NYCWalk in Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Two identical 2 × 2 inch photos on a white background, with the head measured to USCIS's size, printed while you wait.
Book your USCIS photos212-753-4671Writing on the back
- What to write. Your full name and your A-Number. If you do not have an A-Number yet, write only your name.
- How to write it. Lightly, in pencil or felt pen, so it does not press through or smudge the front of the photo.
- Family filings. When several family members file together, labelling every photo keeps each person's photos with the right application.
DV lottery photos
- Entering online. Upload a digital image: JPEG, 240 KB or less, square, exactly 600 × 600 pixels.
- Scanning a print. The print must be 2 × 2 inches, scanned at 300 pixels per inch.
- Selectees. Bring two identical 2 × 2 inch photos printed on photo-quality paper to your interview.
- Same rules. Neutral expression, both eyes open, white or off-white background, no glasses except in rare medical cases.
Common reasons photos are sent back
- A size other than 2 by 2 inches
- Head too small or too large
- A background that is not white or off-white
- A hat or head covering that is not religious
- Retouched, mounted or edited photos
- Two photos that are not identical
- Writing pressed through to the front
- Glare from glasses
Since 1986
Immigration photos for the whole familyFor 40 years ThisPix has photographed New Yorkers for passports, visas and immigration forms. Bring the whole family and we will print each person's set while you wait.
Get your photos at ThisPix212-753-4671Questions, answered
What size is a green card photo?
2 by 2 inches, in color, on a white to off-white background, with the head 1 to 1⅜ inches from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin.
How many photos do I need for Form I-485?
The I-485 instructions list two identical passport-style photos. USCIS also takes a new photo at your biometrics appointment, and that is the one used on your green card.
Do I need photos for the N-400 citizenship application?
Usually not. Photos are required only if you apply from outside the United States in certain categories, such as military members and their spouses. Otherwise USCIS takes your photo at biometrics.
What do I write on the back of USCIS photos?
Your name and A-Number, written lightly in pencil or felt pen. If you do not have an A-Number, write only your name.
Is a green card photo the same as a passport photo?
The size is the same, 2 by 2 inches. USCIS also asks for thin glossy paper, two identical photos and your name and A-Number on the back.
Can I wear glasses?
USCIS instructions do not mention glasses, but they are not allowed in US passport and visa photos. Take them off to be safe.
What are the DV lottery photo requirements?
A square JPEG of exactly 600 × 600 pixels, 240 KB or less, with a neutral expression and a white or off-white background. Selectees bring two 2 × 2 inch prints to the interview.
Where can I get USCIS photos in Manhattan?
At ThisPix, 805 3rd Avenue, 2nd Floor, at East 50th Street in Midtown Manhattan. Walk in Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
Sources. USCIS updates its forms and policies often, so always check the current instructions before you file. Last checked October 14, 2026.