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2"×2" Rules verified Sep 30, 2026 Green card photo: do you still need one?
For most green card and other USCIS applications you no longer send photos: since December 12, 2025 USCIS takes your photo at the biometrics appointment. If your form instructions still ask for photos, send two identical 2 × 2 inch colour photos taken within 30 days.
We don't make this photo right now. Need a US passport or visa photo instead? See the passport photo rules Choose document
Top of head Chin USCIS / Green Card photo requirements
The official rules at a glance. We check each of them on your photo.
| Photo size | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm), printed |
|---|---|
| Head size | 1 to 1 3/8 in, chin to top of head |
| Eye line | 1 1/8 to 1 3/8 in from the bottom |
| Background | White to off-white |
| Colour, on matte or glossy photo paper | |
| Glasses | Not allowed, unless medically needed (signed statement) |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, both eyes open |
| Head covering | Religious only |
| Taken | Within 30 days |
Verified against USCIS Policy Manual Vol. 7 Part A Ch. 4 , Photograph reuse policy alert (2025-12-12) , New photo policy news alert on Sep 30, 2026.
What gets a photo rejected
Officials check these. Most rejected photos break one of them.
- Two identical 2x2 in colour photos, glossy thin paper, unmounted, not retouched
- Taken within 30 days of filing
- Name and A-Number lightly in pencil on the back
- Since Dec 12, 2025 USCIS captures photos at the biometrics appointment for most benefits
Questions
Do I need to send photos with my green card application?
Usually not. USCIS now captures your photo at the biometrics appointment for most benefits. Follow your form’s instructions, which say if photos are still needed.
If I need photos, what size?
Two identical 2 × 2 inch colour photos, taken within 30 days of filing, unmounted, with your name and A-Number written lightly in pencil on the back.
Does PassportOwl make green card photos?
Not right now, because most applicants no longer need them. If you need a US passport or visa photo, we make and check those.