USCIS green card photo requirements
USCIS photo requirements for green card, I-485, and I-765 explained in detail
USCIS immigration filings such as Form I-485 for adjustment of status and Form I-765 for employment authorization commonly require two identical color passport-style photographs. The photos must be recent, 2 x 2 inches, printed correctly, unmounted, unretouched, and labeled on the back with your name and A-Number if you have one. This guide explains the official USCIS requirements and shows what to check before you print or submit your immigration photos.
Print size
2 x 2 in
USCIS passport-style photo size.
Photo count
2 identical
Required for common USCIS filings.
Head height
1-1 3/8 in
Measured from hair top to chin.
Background
White or off-white
Plain, clean, and shadow-free.
Size and composition
1. USCIS photos are two identical 2 x 2 inch prints
USCIS Form I-485 and Form I-765 instructions both describe two identical color passport-style photographs. Each photo should be 2 by 2 inches with a full-face, frontal view. For the printed photo, head height should measure 1 inch to 1 3/8 inches from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin, and eye height should measure 1 1/8 inches to 1 3/8 inches from the top of the eyes to the bottom of the photo.
| Requirement | Official range | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Photo count | Two identical color photos | I-485 and I-765 instructions describe two identical passport-style photos. |
| Photo size | 2 x 2 inches | Use a square print with a full-face frontal view. |
| Head height | 1 inch to 1 3/8 inches | Measure from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin. |
| Eye height | 1 1/8 inches to 1 3/8 inches | Measured from the top of the eyes to the bottom of the photo. |
| Background | White to off-white | Keep it plain, bright, and free from shadows or patterns. |
| Paper and mounting | Glossy thin paper; unmounted | Do not mount the prints to backing paper or damage the photo surface. |
| Retouching | Unretouched | Do not alter the applicant appearance with filters, airbrushing, or beautification. |
USCIS filing checklist
2. Print, label, and package USCIS photos correctly
USCIS instructions require photos to be printed on thin paper with a glossy finish, unmounted, and unretouched. Use a pencil or felt pen to lightly print your name and A-Number, if any, on the back of each photo. Do not staple through the face area or damage the print when attaching photos to a mailed packet.
Print two matching copies
Use two identical photos from the same final image. Do not mix different shots, crops, or print batches.
Keep prints undamaged
Use clean glossy thin paper and avoid staples, bends, scratches, ink marks, or glue on the face area.
Label the back lightly
Lightly write the applicant name and A-Number, if any, on the back with a pencil or felt pen.
Face, pose, and expression
3. Face the camera directly with both eyes open
USCIS describes a full face, frontal view. Look straight into the camera, keep your head level, and avoid tilting, turning, or looking away. Use a natural, neutral expression with both eyes open so the photo can be matched reliably to your immigration file and biometrics record.
Full face in view
Face the camera directly with the full face visible. Do not rotate, tilt, or angle the head.
Eyes open, mouth closed
Keep both eyes open. A neutral expression is safest, and any natural smile should keep the mouth closed.
No face obstruction
Hair, shadows, glare, masks, hats, or accessories should not cover the eyes, nose, mouth, jawline, or face outline.
Recent appearance
For adjustment filings, USCIS Policy Manual guidance says the photos must have been taken within 30 days of filing.
Clothing and accessories
4. Wear everyday clothing and remove glasses
Everyday clothing is the safest choice for green card, EAD, and other USCIS filing photos. USCIS instructions say the head must be bare unless you wear headwear required by your religious denomination. Keep the full face visible, avoid uniform-like clothing, and remove glasses or anything that creates glare or hides your eyes.
Everyday clothing is best
Wear normal clothing that does not look like a uniform. Avoid camouflage and uniform-like tops.
Remove eyewear
Remove eyeglasses, sunglasses, and tinted glasses so the eyes are fully visible and free from glare.
Head coverings need an exception
USCIS instructions allow headwear required by a religious denomination, but the full face must remain visible.
Jewelry is allowed if it is subtle
Jewelry and facial piercings are acceptable when they do not hide the face, create glare, or cast shadows.
Recency and print quality
5. Use recent, natural, print-ready USCIS photos
USCIS Policy Manual guidance for adjustment applications states that the photos must have been taken within 30 days of filing. Use a sharp, color-accurate photo with a clean background and print it on glossy thin paper. The photo should remain natural: do not reshape, beautify, airbrush, filter, or otherwise retouch your appearance.
Use a recent photo
A current photo reduces RFE risk and helps USCIS match the application packet to your current appearance.
Print on the right paper
USCIS instructions specify thin paper with a glossy finish. Avoid matte paper, heavy cardstock, or mounted photos.
Prepare without changing appearance
Sizing, cropping, and background preparation should preserve the natural face. Do not reshape, beautify, filter, or alter facial features.
Review before submitting
The final decision is made by USCIS. Check the latest instructions for your exact form and filing category before mailing.
Avoid rejection
Common USCIS photo mistakes
Many USCIS photo problems are practical: only one photo, non-identical copies, wrong head size, shadows, off-white backgrounds that are too dark, damaged prints, or missing name and A-Number notes on the back. Review these issues before printing and mailing your packet.
Only one photo or mismatched copies
When a filing requires photos, USCIS instructions call for two identical passport-style photos.
Wrong head size or position
Photos taken too close, too far away, or off-center may fail the 2 x 2 inch head and eye height rules.
Bad lighting or shadows
Overexposure, underexposure, side shadows, and background shadows can obscure your features.
Missing back-of-photo label
If you have an A-Number, lightly print your name and A-Number on the back as the form instructions describe.
FAQ
USCIS green card and immigration photo questions
What size are USCIS green card and I-485 photos?
USCIS Form I-485 instructions specify two identical color passport-style photographs. Each photo must be 2 by 2 inches with a full-face frontal view.
How many photos do I need for Form I-485 or Form I-765?
The official I-485 and I-765 instructions say to submit two identical color passport-style photographs of yourself when photos are required for that filing.
What are the USCIS head size and eye height requirements?
For the 2 x 2 inch photo, head height should be 1 inch to 1 3/8 inches from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin, and eye height should be 1 1/8 inches to 1 3/8 inches from the top of the eyes to the bottom of the photo.
What background do USCIS photos need?
USCIS instructions specify a white to off-white background. The background should be plain, clean, and free of shadows, patterns, or objects.
Do I write anything on the back of USCIS photos?
USCIS form instructions say to lightly print your name and A-Number, if any, on the back of the photos using a pencil or felt pen.
How recent should green card application photos be?
USCIS Policy Manual guidance for adjustment applications says the photographs must have been taken within 30 days of filing. Some form instructions say recently, so using very recent photos is the safest approach.
Can USCIS photos be retouched or beautified?
No. USCIS instructions require photos to be unretouched. Use preparation tools for sizing, cropping, background, and print layout without changing facial features or appearance.
References
Official sources
The checklist above is based mainly on USCIS form instructions and USCIS Policy Manual guidance. Always check the latest instructions for the specific form and filing category you are submitting.