Form I-485
Adjustment of Status — Filed by applicants already in the US who are changing their immigration status to lawful permanent resident. Two photos required.
Green Card Photo Maker Online
Source: Official USCIS photograph requirements
Create a US Green Card photo that meets every USCIS requirement. Correct 2x2 inch size, plain white background, proper head proportions, and natural lighting — all in a few clicks.
Create Green Card PhotoGreen Card Photo Requirements (Quick Answer)
A USCIS green card photo must be 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) on a plain white or off-white background, with the head 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25–35 mm) from chin to crown, taken within the last 6 months, with no eyeglasses. Paper filings need two identical prints with your name and A-Number written on the back of each.
| Requirement | Value |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm), square |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 1 in – 1 3/8 in (25 – 35 mm), 50–69% of frame |
| Eye height from bottom edge | 1 1/8 in – 1 3/8 in (28 – 35 mm) |
| Background | Plain white or off-white, no shadow |
| Digital pixel size | 600 × 600 px minimum to 1200 × 1200 px maximum |
| Number of prints (paper filing) | Two identical photos |
| Labelling on the back | Your name and A-Number, in pencil or felt pen |
| Glasses | Not accepted since November 2016 |
| Age of photo | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Issuing agency | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) |
Tool Ready
Launch the Passport Photo Maker for Green Card Photos
Our Passport Photo Maker comes pre-configured with the official US Green Card photo specifications. Upload a clear photo of yourself, and the tool automatically crops, resizes, and formats it to meet USCIS green card photo requirements. You'll receive a print-ready and digital-ready file in seconds.
Create Green Card PhotoFull Green Card Photo Specification
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) sets strict rules for green card photos. These requirements closely match the US passport photo standard but apply to permanent resident card applications, including Form I-485, Form I-90 renewals, and Form I-751. Every rule below links to the detailed standard in our passport photo rules library.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm), square 1:1 aspect ratio |
| Head height | 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25 to 35 mm) from chin to top of head — see head size rules |
| Head coverage | 50%–69% of total photo height — see face size requirements |
| Eye height | 1 1/8 to 1 3/8 inches from bottom of photo — see eyes requirements |
| Background | Plain white or off-white — see background colour rules |
| Lighting | Even and diffuse, no shadow on the face or wall — see shadow rules |
| Colour | Full colour, 24-bit, sRGB. Black and white is not accepted |
| Facial expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open — see smile rules |
| Glasses | Not allowed since November 2016 — see glasses rules |
| Head covering | Religious purposes only, face fully visible, signed statement may be required — see head covering rules |
| Hair | Must not cover the eyes, eyebrows or the outline of the face — see hair rules |
| Ears | Not mandatory for US photos, but the face outline must be clear — see ears visibility rules |
| Number of prints | Two identical photos for paper filings including I-485, I-90 and I-751 |
| Labelling | Write your name and A-Number lightly in pencil or felt pen on the back of each print |
| Mounting | Unmounted. Do not staple, paper-clip, glue or laminate the photo |
| Retouching | Not permitted. No filters, skin smoothing, slimming or tone adjustment |
| File format (digital) | JPEG, sRGB colour space |
| Resolution | 600 x 600 pixels minimum, 1200 x 1200 pixels maximum |
| Photo age | Taken within the last 6 months, reflecting current appearance |
| Print quality | Thin, high-quality glossy or matte photo paper |
The two details most people miss. USCIS paper filings want two identical prints, not one — this is the main practical difference from a US passport application. And each print needs your name and Alien Registration Number (A-Number) written lightly on the back in pencil or felt pen so the photo can be matched to your file if it separates from the form.
Background
The background must be plain white or off-white. Patterned backgrounds, shadows, textured walls, or coloured backdrops result in immediate rejection. Stand at least 4 feet away from the wall to eliminate shadows behind your head.
Facial Expression and Eyes
Keep a neutral expression or a natural closed-mouth smile. Both eyes must be open, visible, and looking directly at the camera. Hair must not cover your eyes, eyebrows, or any part of your face.
Glasses and Accessories
Eyeglasses are no longer accepted in green card photos. Remove them before taking the picture. Hats and head coverings are not allowed unless worn daily for religious reasons, and even then your full face must be visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead.
Clothing
Wear what you normally wear. Avoid uniforms, camouflage attire, or clothing that resembles a uniform. White or light-coloured clothing may blend into the background, so choose darker tones for better contrast.
Green Card Photo Size Diagram
The diagram below shows the official USCIS head placement and proportion requirements for a 2 x 2 inch green card photo.
Head must occupy 50%–69% of the photo height. Eyes positioned between 28 mm and 35 mm from the bottom edge.
2 × 2 inch photo size diagram
Green Card Photo Size in Pixels
Pixel dimensions matter when you submit digitally or print at home. The size in inches is fixed at 2 x 2; what changes is the pixel count, which is a function of DPI.
| Resolution | Pixel Dimensions | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 150 DPI | 300 × 300 px | Below minimum — not accepted |
| 300 DPI | 600 × 600 px | Minimum for digital submission and print |
| 450 DPI | 900 × 900 px | Inside the accepted range |
| 600 DPI | 1200 × 1200 px | Maximum accepted, best for home printing |
Why you cannot enlarge a small photo
Upscaling a 300 × 300 pixel image to 600 × 600 does not add detail — it interpolates, and the result is soft around the eyes and hairline. Automated checks measure sharpness, so an upscaled file fails even when the pixel count reads correctly. Always shoot wide and crop down. To hit the minimum exactly, see the resize to 600x600 guide; the resolution rules page covers DPI and compression standards.
Need a 600 × 600 pixel file plus a print sheet? One upload does both.
Create Green Card PhotoWho Needs a Green Card Photo?
A USCIS-compliant green card photo is required for all immigration applications related to permanent residency. Below are the most common forms and situations that require one.
Form I-90
Green Card Renewal or Replacement — Filed to replace an expired, expiring, lost or damaged permanent resident card. Two photos required.
Form I-751
Removal of Conditions — Filed by conditional permanent residents (typically married couples) to remove the 2-year condition on their green card.
DV Lottery (E-DV entry)
Diversity Visa Program — A digital photo is uploaded with the Electronic Diversity Visa entry, and again with Form DS-260 at the immigrant visa stage.
Consular Processing
Immigrant Visa Applicants — People applying for permanent residency from outside the US through a US embassy or consulate.
Form I-131
Travel Document / Re-entry Permit — Green card holders applying for advance parole or a re-entry permit also require compliant photos.
Always check the photo instructions printed on the specific form edition you are filing, because the number of prints and any additional statement requirements are set per form.
Green Card Lottery (DV Lottery) Photo Requirements
The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery — also called the Green Card Lottery — is submitted through the Electronic Diversity Visa (E-DV) entry form rather than a USCIS paper filing. The photo standard matches the USCIS specification above, with two differences that matter: submission is entirely digital, and there is a hard file size ceiling of 240 KB.
What is different from a USCIS paper filing
| Aspect | USCIS paper filing | DV Lottery (E-DV) |
|---|---|---|
| Submission | Two printed 2 × 2 photos posted with the form | One digital JPEG uploaded per person |
| File size limit | Not applicable | 240 KB maximum |
| Pixel size | 600 × 600 px minimum for scans | 600 × 600 to 1200 × 1200 px, square |
| Labelling | Name and A-Number on the back | Not applicable |
| Validation | Reviewed by an officer | Automated checker at upload; a failure disqualifies the entry |
| Who needs a photo | The applicant, plus dependants on their own forms | Every person on the entry, including spouse and each child |
The E-DV system runs an automated check on head position, background colour and image dimensions at the moment you upload. Photos that fail are rejected instantly, and because the entry cannot be corrected afterwards, a bad photo disqualifies the whole entry. If your export is over the ceiling, the compress to 240 KB guide brings it inside the limit without dropping below the pixel minimum.
Our online green card photo tool formats images to meet E-DV upload requirements — correct pixel dimensions, file size, and sRGB colour space — in one step.
Green Card Photo for a Baby, Infant or Child
Every person on an application needs their own photo, including newborns. The 2 x 2 inch size, white background and 25–35 mm head height apply to children exactly as they do to adults — there is no reduced format and no relaxed head-height band. The difficulty is meeting an adult framing standard with a subject who cannot sit up or hold still, so these are the points that most often cause a child photo to be refused.
Same size, same head height
2 × 2 inch frame with the head filling 50–69% of the height. No age exemption applies to dimensions or framing.
Child alone in the frame
No supporting hands, arms, car seat, toy or pacifier may appear, and no other person may be visible. Lay the child on a plain white sheet and shoot from directly above.
Eyes open where possible
The child's eyes should be open and looking toward the camera. This is relaxed for newborns but expected for older children — see the eyes requirements.
No shadow behind the head
Use soft, indirect daylight from the side of the room, not from directly above. Overhead light from one side creates the background shadow that fails the check.
Crop from a wide source
Shoot wide and crop down. Cropping tightly in-camera on a small face leaves too few pixels once the square frame is applied.
Fresh photo each filing
Children's appearance changes quickly. A photo that no longer resembles the child is refused even inside the 6-month window.
Photographing a child? Upload the shot and let the tool apply the 2 × 2 crop.
Create Child PhotoHow to Create a Green Card Photo Online
Our online green card photo tool simplifies the entire process. Follow these four simple steps to produce a USCIS-compliant photo from home.
1
Upload Your Photo
Take a clear photo of yourself with a phone or camera against a plain wall. Upload it to the Passport Photo Maker.
2
Automatic Face Detection
Our tool detects your face and confirms proper positioning, lighting, and proportions automatically.
3
Green Card Photo Adjustment
The image is cropped to the official 2x2 inch size with the correct head height and white background. The crop guide explains how the square ratio and head-height band combine.
4
Download Your Photo
Download a high-resolution digital file and a print-ready 4x6 layout in seconds.
Printing Your Green Card Photo
Because USCIS paper filings need two identical prints, printing is part of the specification rather than an afterthought. A 2 x 2 inch photo tiles cleanly onto standard 4 x 6 inch photo paper, so one sheet covers your filing with copies to spare.
| Print resolution | 300 DPI minimum — disable fit-to-page and auto-scaling, which change the physical size |
|---|---|
| Paper | Thin, high-quality glossy or matte photo paper. Plain copier paper is refused |
| Copies per 4 × 6 inch sheet | Six 2 × 2 inch photos in a two by three grid with cutting margins |
| Cutting | Guillotine or steel rule for square edges. Do not cut inside the printed border |
| Labelling | Write your name and A-Number lightly in pencil or felt pen on the back of each print |
| Colour management | sRGB. Turn off printer auto-enhance, skin smoothing and colour correction |
| Handling | Let ink dry fully. Do not staple, paper-clip, glue, mount or laminate the photo |
Printer settings, paper choice and cutting technique are covered in full in the print passport photo at home guide, and multi-copy sheet layout in the print 2x2 on 4x6 guide.
Common Reasons Green Card Photos Get Rejected
Understanding the most common mistakes helps you avoid delays in your application. Each item links to the detailed rule so you can confirm the exact tolerance before you file. The full cross-document breakdown is in passport photo rejection reasons.
Incorrect Size
Photos that aren't exactly 2x2 inches or have wrong head height proportions are rejected. The head must fill 50-69% of the frame. See the crop guide.
Only One Print Submitted
Paper filings including I-485, I-90 and I-751 need two identical photos. Sending one is a common and easily avoided rejection.
No Name or A-Number on the Back
Unlabelled prints cannot be matched to your file if they separate from the form. Write both lightly in pencil or felt pen.
Wrong Background
Coloured, patterned, or textured backgrounds are not allowed. Only plain white or off-white is acceptable. See background colour rules.
Visible Shadows
Shadows on the face or behind the head cause rejection. Use even, soft, frontal lighting. See shadow rules.
Wearing Glasses
Since 2016, glasses are not allowed in any USCIS photo. Remove all eyewear before taking the picture. See glasses rules.
Poor Lighting
Overexposed, underexposed, or unevenly lit photos do not meet standards. Use natural daylight from the front.
Head Position Issues
Tilted, turned, or off-centre heads cause rejection. Face the camera directly with your head straight. See head size rules.
Hair Across the Face
A fringe over the eyes or hair obscuring the face outline fails landmark detection. See hair rules.
Filters or Retouching
Portrait blur, skin smoothing and slimming alter facial geometry and are detected by automated validation. Shoot in a plain, unfiltered mode.
Low Image Quality
Blurry, pixelated, or heavily compressed photos are unacceptable. See resolution rules.
Outdated Photo
Photos must be taken within the last 6 months and reflect your current appearance, including hair and weight.
How to Take a Green Card Photo with Your Phone
You do not need a professional photographer or studio to take a compliant green card photo. A modern smartphone produces images at resolutions well above the USCIS minimum. Follow this device-specific guide for best results.
How to Take a Green Card Photo with an iPhone
- Open the Camera app and switch to the rear camera (higher resolution than the selfie camera).
- Ask someone to hold the phone at your eye level, about 3–4 feet away.
- Stand against a white or off-white wall in a room with good natural light from a window facing you.
- Set the camera to Photo mode — not Portrait mode, which adds artificial blur and can distort background colour.
- Tap your face on screen to set focus and exposure before shooting.
- Take several shots and choose the sharpest one with even lighting.
- Upload the original file (do not apply iPhone filters or edits) to our green card photo tool. If your iPhone saves HEIC files, the HEIC to JPEG guide covers conversion.
How to Take a Green Card Photo with an Android Phone
- Open your phone's native Camera app and select the rear camera.
- Disable any AI beauty filters, skin smoothing, or portrait bokeh effects — these alter your facial features.
- Use standard Photo mode at the highest available resolution in your camera settings.
- Ensure HDR mode is set to Auto or Off — aggressive HDR can wash out or alter background colour.
- Position yourself facing a well-lit window, 4 feet from the wall, with your shoulders square to the camera.
- After shooting, do not apply any filters in Google Photos, Samsung Gallery, or any editing app before uploading.
Can I Use a Selfie for a Green Card Photo?
Technically yes, but it is not recommended. Front-facing selfie cameras use a wider lens that introduces barrel distortion, making your face appear wider than it is. Additionally, holding the phone yourself often results in slight tilt or off-centre framing. Ask someone else to take the photo with the rear camera for best results.
Tips for Taking a Better Green Card Photo
A high-quality green card photo starts with the right setup at home. These practical tips will help you capture a usable photo on your first attempt and avoid resubmission.
- Use natural daylight. Stand facing a window during the day. Avoid direct sunlight that creates harsh shadows on your face.
- Find a true white wall. Most off-white walls work, but avoid walls with art, outlets, or texture in the frame.
- Stand 4 feet from the wall. This distance eliminates shadow buildup directly behind your head.
- Hold the camera at eye level. A phone or camera positioned at your eye height ensures correct proportions and avoids distortion.
- Use the rear camera. The back camera on a phone captures higher resolution and sharper detail than the front-facing selfie camera.
- Ask someone to help. Having a friend or family member take the photo provides better framing than a self-timer.
- Keep your shoulders square. Face the camera directly without tilting your head or leaning forward.
- Wear contrast clothing. Dark shirts and solid colours stand out clearly from the white background.
- Remove all accessories. Take off glasses, hats, headphones, and any jewelry that could obstruct your face.
- Check the photo before submitting. Review for sharpness, lighting, and proper background before uploading to the tool.
Green Card Photo vs US Passport Photo
The US green card photo and US passport photo share the same size and background, but the submission process, print count and labelling differ. This table shows exactly where they diverge.
| Specification | Green Card Photo | US Passport Photo |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 2 x 2 inches | 2 x 2 inches |
| Background | Plain white / off-white | Plain white / off-white |
| Head height | 1 to 1 3/8 inches | 1 to 1 3/8 inches |
| Glasses | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Issuing agency | USCIS | US Department of State |
| Used for | I-485, I-90, I-751, I-131 applications | Passport book and card |
| Quantity | 2 identical photos | 1 photo |
| Labelling on the back | Name and A-Number required | Not required |
| Digital submission | Depends on the form and filing method | Required for online renewal, 54 KB – 10 MB |
In practice a properly formatted green card photo can also be used for a US passport application, and for a US visa photo, provided all are taken within 6 months of each other. Print fresh copies for each application, and remember that only the USCIS prints need the A-Number on the back. The same 2 x 2 square is used by the OCI card and by India passport in-person applications, while Canada's PR Card uses a 50 x 70 mm format instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Size, Pixels & Quantity
What is the official green card photo size?
The official US green card photo size is 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm), a square format. The head must measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25 to 35 mm) from the chin to the top of the head, occupying 50% to 69% of the total photo height.
How many photos are required for a green card application?
Most USCIS paper filings, including Form I-485, Form I-90 and Form I-751, require two identical colour photos. Write your name and your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) lightly in pencil or with a felt pen on the back of each photo before submitting.
What is the green card photo size in pixels?
The minimum for a digital green card photo is 600 × 600 pixels, which is 2 × 2 inches at 300 DPI. The maximum accepted is 1200 × 1200 pixels. For printing at home, export at 600 × 600 pixels or larger and print at 300 DPI. See 2x2 photo size in pixels.
Appearance & Compliance
What background color is required for a green card photo?
A plain white or off-white background. Colored, patterned, gradient or textured backgrounds are refused. Stand at least 4 feet clear of the wall so no shadow falls behind your head or on your neck. See the background colour rules.
Can I wear glasses in a green card photo?
No. Eyeglasses have not been accepted in USCIS photos since November 2016. Remove them before shooting even if you wear them daily. Tinted lenses and sunglasses are never accepted.
Can I wear a hijab or head covering in a green card photo?
Head coverings are permitted only when worn daily for established religious purposes, and a signed statement may be required. Your full face must stay visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead with no shadow across the features. See the head covering rules.
Can I smile in my green card photo?
A natural, closed-mouth smile is acceptable, but a neutral expression is preferred. Avoid wide smiles, visible teeth, raised eyebrows or any exaggerated expression that distorts the facial geometry automated checks measure.
How recent must my green card photo be?
USCIS requires the photo to be taken within the last 6 months and to reflect your current appearance. Significant changes in hair length, weight or facial features require a new photo even inside the 6-month window.
Can I wear makeup in my green card photo?
Everyday makeup is acceptable as long as it does not dramatically alter your appearance. Avoid heavy contouring and theatrical makeup. Digital retouching, skin smoothing, slimming filters and portrait blur are not permitted at all and are detected by automated validation.
Children, DV Lottery & Other Documents
Can a baby or infant have a green card photo taken?
Yes, and every family member listed on an application needs their own photo including newborns. The same 2 × 2 inch size, white background and head-height band apply with no age exemption. Lay the baby on a plain white sheet and photograph from directly above. No supporting hands, arms, car seat, toy or pacifier may be visible and no other person may appear in the frame. See the child and infant section.
What is the green card photo requirement for the DV Lottery?
DV Lottery photos must be JPEG, square between 600 × 600 and 1200 × 1200 pixels, in sRGB colour, and no larger than 240 KB. The head must occupy 50%–69% of the image height against a plain white background. Photos are submitted digitally through the Electronic Diversity Visa entry form, and every family member on the entry needs their own photo.
Can I use the same photo for green card renewal on Form I-90?
No. Your renewal photo must be taken within the last 6 months and reflect your current appearance. Even if a previous photo was taken fairly recently, USCIS requires a fresh photo that shows how you look today.
Can I use a passport photo for my green card application?
Usually yes, because the US passport photo and green card photo share the same 2 × 2 inch size, white background and head-height range. Two differences matter: USCIS normally wants two identical prints rather than one, and each print needs your name and A-Number on the back.
Is a green card photo the same as a US visa photo?
They share the same physical size (2 × 2 inches) and most quality requirements, but they go to different agencies. Green card photos are submitted to USCIS; US visa photos are submitted to the Department of State through forms such as DS-160. A compliant photo typically satisfies both, but always check the specific form instructions.
Taking, Printing & Submitting
Can I take a green card photo with my phone?
Yes. Modern smartphones far exceed the resolution USCIS requires. Use the rear camera rather than the selfie camera, disable portrait mode and skin smoothing, stand 4 feet from a plain white wall in even daylight, and have someone else take the shot. Our green card photo tool will crop and format the result correctly.
How should I print my green card photo?
Print at 300 DPI on thin, high-quality glossy or matte photo paper. A standard 4 × 6 inch sheet holds six 2 × 2 inch photos in a two by three grid. Do not mount the photos, do not staple them to the form, and let the ink dry fully before handling. See the print at home guide.
What happens if my green card photo is rejected?
USCIS issues a notice requesting corrected photos, which delays processing and can require resubmitting the application package. The most common causes are wrong head height, shadow on the background, glasses, and photos older than six months. To avoid this, use our online green card photo tool, which verifies dimensions, background, and resolution before you download.
Is it safe to create my green card photo online?
Yes. Our Passport Photo Maker processes images in the browser and does not store your photo after you download it. The tool produces a USCIS-compliant image that you can print or submit digitally.
Official Sources & References
- USCIS — Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card: uscis.gov/i-90
- USCIS — Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status: uscis.gov/i-485
- USCIS — Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence: uscis.gov/i-751
- U.S. Department of State — Digital Image Requirements: travel.state.gov
- U.S. Department of State — Passport Photo Requirements: travel.state.gov
- Diversity Visa Program — Electronic Diversity Visa entry: dvprogram.state.gov
- ICAO Doc 9303 — Machine Readable Travel Documents biometric photograph standard: icao.int
Create Your Green Card Photo Online
Get a USCIS-compliant green card photo in seconds — a 600 × 600 pixel digital file plus a 4 × 6 print sheet holding six copies, ready to cut and label.
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