USCIS Photo Online — Naturalization, Citizenship, Immigration

Photo Requirements

USCIS Photo — 2×2 in (51×51 mm)

  • Photo size: 2×2 inches (51×51 mm)
  • Background: plain white or off-white
  • Head height: 1–1⅜ inches (25–35 mm)
  • Two identical color prints
  • Taken within the last 30 days
  • No glasses, no headwear (except religious)
  • Write A-Number and name on back in pencil

Size Specifications

Size (mm)51×51 mm
Size (cm)5.1×5.1 cm
In pixels (300 dpi)602×602 px
In pixels (600 dpi)1205×1205 px
Aspect ratio1:1
BackgroundWhite
FormatJPEG

USCIS Photo Requirements

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires two identical color photos, each 2×2 inches (51×51 mm), for nearly every immigration form: naturalization (N-400), Adjustment of Status (I-485), family petitions (I-130), Green Card renewal (I-90), Employment Authorization (I-765), Re-entry Permit (I-131), and dozens more. The specifications follow the U.S. State Department passport photo standard.

Print Specifications

  • Print size: exactly 2×2 inches (51×51 mm)
  • Quantity: 2 identical prints
  • Background: plain white or off-white, no patterns
  • Head height (chin to crown): 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm)
  • Color, on photo-quality paper (not regular printer paper)
  • Taken within the last 30 days of filing

USCIS Forms Requiring 2×2 Inch Photos

N-400Application for Naturalization2 photos
N-565Application for Replacement Naturalization Document2 photos
N-600Application for Certificate of Citizenship2 photos
I-485Adjustment of Status to Permanent Resident2 photos
I-130Petition for Alien Relative2 photos
I-90Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card2 photos
I-131Application for Travel Document / Re-entry Permit2 photos
I-765Application for Employment Authorization (EAD)2 photos
I-589Application for Asylum2 photos for each family member
I-821DDACA renewal2 photos

How to Label USCIS Photos

Lightly write your A-Number (Alien Registration Number) and full name on the back of each photo using pencil or felt-tip pen. Never use ballpoint pens — they can press through and damage the image. If you don't have an A-Number, write your full legal name and date of birth.

Common USCIS Photo Rejections

  • Wrong size — must be exactly 2×2 inches
  • Photo over 30 days old at filing
  • Glasses (banned since 2016)
  • Shadows on face or background
  • Head too small (under 50% of frame) or too large
  • Inkjet print on plain paper instead of photo paper
  • Color cast (yellow, blue) from wrong white balance

How to Make a USCIS Photo at Home

  1. Find a plain white wall with even, soft daylight.
  2. Take a selfie at eye level — face the camera, neutral expression, both eyes open, mouth closed.
  3. Upload to Photo-Visa.Online and select USCIS Photo.
  4. Receive a print-ready file with 2 identical 2×2 in photos on a 4×6 in sheet, ready to print at any 1-hour photo lab or on home photo paper.

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FAQ

How many photos do I need for USCIS forms?

Most USCIS forms (N-400, I-485, I-130, I-90, I-765, I-131) require 2 identical 2×2 inch color photos.

How recent must USCIS photos be?

USCIS requires photos taken within the last 30 days of filing — much stricter than the 6-month rule for passport photos.

Can I print USCIS photos on a regular printer?

No. USCIS requires photo-quality paper. Use a 1-hour photo lab (CVS, Walgreens, Costco) or print at home on inkjet photo paper, not standard copy paper.

What is an A-Number and where do I write it?

The A-Number (Alien Registration Number) is a 9-digit USCIS-assigned ID. Lightly write it and your full name on the back of each photo in pencil. If you don't have one yet, use full name and date of birth.

Is the photo for N-400 the same as a passport photo?

Specifications are identical (2×2 in, white background, head 1–1⅜ in). The difference: USCIS requires the photo to be no older than 30 days, while passport photos can be up to 6 months old.