Everything you need to know about US green card (permanent residence) photo requirements for Form I-485 and immigrant visa applications.
Create Your USCIS Photo NowUSCIS follows the same photo specifications as the US State Department for passport photos. Here are the complete requirements:
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) |
| Head size | 1 – 1⅜ inches from chin to crown |
| Background | Plain white or off-white |
| Expression | Neutral, both eyes open and visible |
| Photo age | Taken within the last 30 days |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Quantity | Two identical photos with most applications |
| High quality color photo on photo paper |
PassportSnap meets all USCIS photo requirements. Takes 2 minutes, fraction of the cost of a studio.
Create Your Photo Now| Requirement | Green Card (USCIS) | US Passport (State Dept) |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 2 × 2 inches | 2 × 2 inches |
| Background | White or off-white | White or off-white |
| Photo recency | Last 30 days | Last 6 months |
| Quantity | Two photos | Two photos (renewal) / One (online) |
| Glasses | Not permitted | Not permitted |
USCIS requires green card photos taken within the last 30 days — much stricter than the 6-month rule for passports.
USCIS does not allow glasses in photos, following the same rule as the State Department.
Any shadow on the white background will cause rejection. Use even, front-facing lighting.
Your head must fill 50–69% of the 2×2 frame from chin to crown. This is strictly checked by USCIS.
Plain white or off-white wall. Stand 2+ feet away to avoid shadows.
Look straight at camera, eyes open, mouth closed. No smiling with teeth.
Select "US Green Card / USCIS" to apply the exact specifications.
Most green card applications require two identical photos. Print on photo paper.