To get a green card, for example, a photo of sufficient quality is important to bring along with you to the US government. The picture is a key part of your application and you have to read the guidelines so that you don’t get delayed or rejected. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is pretty rigid about the kind of photo you should submit: size, background, face, etc. You can find all the information about the green card photo requirements here.
How Many Green Card Photo Documents Does One Need?
You can take your own, but USCIS suggests going to a professional visa and green card photo service. These providers know what to expect so your photo reaches the bar. There are some requirements if you are the one to photograph the photo yourself:
- Color: You have to have a color photo.
- Headshot: The picture should be a complete portrait of you, from the top of your hair to the base of your chin.
- Centered: Your head should be centered in the frame.
- Neutral Face: You must have a neutral face, both eyes open, and face the camera.
- Size of Photo: The photo should be 2 in by 2 in (51 x 51 mm).
- Size of Head: The height of your head (chin to crown) should be 1 in and 1 3/8 in (25mm – 35mm).
- Eye Height: The eye height is 1 and 1/8 to 1 and 3/8 inches (28mm – 35mm) from the bottom of the photo.
- Current Photo: The picture needs to be taken within the last 6 months to see how you are looking now.
- Background: Background should be clear white or off-white and shadow-free.
- No Head Covers or Accessories: You don’t have a hat, a headcover, or sunglasses. Only if the head covering is applied every day for religious or medical reasons.
- No Glasses (unless required medically): You can’t wear glasses unless you have a medically justified reason for wearing them (i.e., post-eye surgery). If so, you’ll need a physician’s signed medical record.
- No Uniforms: You aren’t supposed to have a uniform in the photo except religious uniforms that are worn every day. Both allowed and not allowed pictures on their website so you know what’s OK and not okay.
Where Do I Get My Green Card Photograph Taken?
It can be time-saving if you are going to take your green card picture, but it is not easy to check that the photo will do it all. If you want to get the best results, it’s always best to get your picture taken by an expert. You can take your photo in person or even online there are many places to do so. Here are some options:
In-Person Options:
- Walmart: $7.44 (prints only the picture you took)
- Target: $12.99
- Delivery Offices: UPS Store ($11.99) and FedEx ($14.95)
- Drugstores: Walgreens and CVS have passport-size photos for around $14.99.
- AAA Membership: Basic members are $10 / non-members $15 per set. The Plus level members get 1 free set a year and the Premier level members get 4 free sets a year.
Online Photo Services:
For those who prefer to have their photo taken at home, you can use online services such as MyPassportPhotos. These are companies that know what green card photo they need and will check to ensure that your photo conforms to all the rules. You only have to submit a picture you’ve taken with your smartphone or webcam for these services. The service will scan the photo, fix what needs to be changed and either deliver it to you or drop it off at a local CVS or Walgreens.
Green Card Photos Frequently Asked Questions FAQs.
A couple of of answers to the most frequently asked questions about green card photos:
How Many Photos Do I Have to Submit?
To receive a green card if you apply from the US, you’ll have to complete the following:
- Beneficiary (the applicant for the green card): 8 total pictures.
- Sponsor (US citizen/Permanent Resident): 2 total images.
- For the green card interview, you will have to bring two passport-style photos. If you are coming from outside the U.S. on Form DS-260 (for green card applicants in foreign countries).
- For nonimmigrant or fiancé (K-1) visa applications (Form DS-160), you have to submit a digital photo with the online application.
What Type of Paper Should My Photo Be Printed On?
Your green card pictures will need to be printed on photo paper. You can have matte or glossy effects but you want it to be photo-quality paper.
Do The Photos Need To Be Color?
Your photos must be in color yes. The black and white photos aren’t accepted.
What Size Should My Green Card Photo Be?
Your image needs to be 2 in x 2 in (51 mm x 51 mm).
Is It Possible to Wear Sunglasses or Tinted Glasses in the Photo?
Not really, there are no sunglasses or colored glasses in your green card photo. You will need to submit a doctor’s signed letter stating the reason you need glasses if you have them for your eyes.
The right green card photo is an essential step in the process of securing one. If you know the USCIS process and use a professional company, your photo will be accepted and your application will go smoothly. But if you are in doubt or unsure regarding green card photo requirements, you can always consult an expert or a company such as Law and Visas who will take you through the immigration process and have everything in order.
