U.S. Green Card Photos Requirements

The USCIS suggests utilizing a professional service for visa photographs to ensure adherence to all the criteria. However, if you choose to capture the image yourself, here are the specifications:

• a color image.
• Ensure the photograph captures your entire head, from the top of your hair to your chin.
• Position your head centrally within the frame.
• Maintain a neutral expression and face directly towards the camera.
• The photo must measure 2 x 2 inches.
• Ensure that the height of your head measures between 1 and 1 & ⅜ inches (25mm–35mm) within the image.
• Confirm that the height of your eyes falls between 1 & ⅛ and 1 & ⅜ inches (28mm–35mm) from the bottom of the photo.
• Capture a recent photograph, taken within the last 6 months.
• The photo should be taken against a white or light-colored background.
• Avoid wearing uniforms, except for daily religious attire.
• Do not wear hats or head coverings that conceal your hair, unless for religious purposes.
• Exclude headphones, wireless devices, or other electronics from the photo.
• Refrain from wearing eyeglasses, unless medically necessary due to recent ocular surgery. If required, provide a doctor’s statement. Additional details on eyeglass requirements can be found here.

USCIS (U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services) offers examples of good and bad green card or visa photos to assist you.

For further details regarding the requirements for using Form DS160 or Form DS260, please refer to this link. Form DS160 is tailored for temporary visas, such as K-fiancé visas, while Form DS260 is specifically for green card applicants residing outside the U.S.

Where can you obtain your green card photos?

You have a few options for obtaining a green card/visa photo:

1. Visit a post office or drugstore.
2. Use a professional visa photo service.

Taking your photo can be time-consuming and may not meet all USCIS visa photo requirements.

You have in-person methods:

1. Walmart ($7.44) and Target ($12.99) exclusively provide photo printing services for images you’ve already taken.
2. Shipping centers like UPS Store (around $11.99) and FedEx (charging $14.95).
3. Pharmacies and drugstores such as Walgreens and CVS (at $14.99).
4. Regarding AAA Membership,

• Plus-level: Members receive one complimentary set per year.
• Premier-level: Subscribers are entitled to four free sets per household annually.
• Basic: There is a $10 charge per set for members, while non-members are charged $15 per set.

An alternative is to acquire your U.S. green card photo online. Platforms such as MyPassportPhotos are proficient in adhering to all image regulations to guarantee compliance. Here’s the process:

1. Take a picture using your smartphone or webcam.
2. Upload it to the website.
3. They’ll assess and modify the picture to meet the specifications.
4. You can opt to have it delivered to your address (for U.S. residents) or pick it up at Walgreens or CVS.

No matter how you decide to obtain your visa photos, it’s essential to verify that they meet the requirements before submitting. Doing so can help you avoid processing delays, application rejections, additional expenses, and inconvenience.

FAQs

How many visa photos do I need for my application?

1. If you’re applying from within the United States, you will require a designated quantity of passport-style photographs sized at 2 by 2 inches for both the Sponsor and the Green Card Recipient (Sponsor and Beneficiary).

• Beneficiary: 8 photos
• Sponsoring spouse: 2 photos

1. For spouses seeking green cards abroad through Form DS260, two 2×2 photos are necessary for the interview.
2. For nonimmigrant visa applications submitted via the DS160 online form, you must include a digital image with your online application.

Which paper is acceptable for printing the photos?

It’s advisable to print your photos on high-grade photo paper, available in either glossy or matte finishes.

Is it required for the photo to be in color?

Yes, your visa application photos must be colored.

What size should my U.S. green card photo be?

2 by 2 inches (51 by 51 mm).

Is it allowed to wear glasses or tinted eyewear in the picture?

Wearing tinted glasses or sunglasses is prohibited.

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