Green Card Photo Maker Online

Q: What background color is required?

The background must be plain white or off-white. Colored, patterned, or textured backgrounds will result in rejection.

Q: How should I print my green card photo?

Print on high-quality glossy or matte photo paper. You can print at home or order prints from a pharmacy or online photo service.

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 Photo

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.

Green Card Lottery (DV Lottery) Photo Requirements

The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery — also called the Green Card Lottery — has its own online photo submission process managed through the Electronic Diversity Visa (E-DV) Entry Form. The photo requirements are nearly identical to standard USCIS green card photo rules, but the submission is entirely digital.

DV Lottery Photo Specifications

Requirement	Specification
File format	JPEG only
Minimum size	600 x 600 pixels
Maximum size	1200 x 1200 pixels
Maximum file size	240 KB
Color space	sRGB
Background	Plain white or off-white
Head position	Centered, facing directly forward
Head height	50%–69% of total image height
Glasses	Not allowed
Photo age	Taken within last 6 months

How the DV Lottery Photo Submission Works

When filling out the E-DV entry form on dvlottery.state.gov, you upload a digital photo for each applicant — including spouse and children. The system runs an automated check on head position, background color, and image dimensions. Photos that fail the automated checker are rejected instantly, which disqualifies your entire entry.

Common DV Lottery Photo Rejection Reasons

File size exceeds 240 KB
Image is not square (must be 1:1 ratio)
Head too small or too large in the frame
Background is not plain white
Shadows behind the head or on the face
Glasses or head covering visible (non-religious)
Photo older than 6 months

DV Lottery Photo for Children and Infants

Every family member listed on the DV entry must have their own photo, including infants. For babies and young children, lay the child on a white sheet or hold them against a white wall. Keep your hands and body out of the frame as much as possible. The child's eyes must be open and looking toward the camera.

Our online green card photo tool formats images to meet DV Lottery upload requirements — correct pixel dimensions, file size, and sRGB color space — in one step.

Green Card Photo Size in Pixels

Whether you are submitting a green card photo digitally through USCIS ELIS, the DV Lottery portal, or printing at home, understanding the correct pixel dimensions ensures your photo meets resolution requirements.

Print Resolution	Pixel Dimensions	Use Case
300 DPI	600 × 600 px	USCIS minimum for digital submission
600 DPI	1200 × 1200 px	High-quality home printing
Any	Max 1200 × 1200 px	DV Lottery upload cap

What Resolution Should You Use?

For online USCIS submissions, 600 × 600 pixels at 300 DPI meets the minimum requirement. For printing at home or at a pharmacy, use 1200 × 1200 pixels at 600 DPI to ensure sharp, professional-quality output. Never upscale a low-resolution photo — this introduces artifacts that can trigger rejection.

File Size Limits

The maximum file size for digital green card photo submissions is typically 240 KB. Our tool automatically optimizes the JPEG compression to stay within this limit while preserving maximum image quality.

Green Card Photo Requirements

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) sets strict rules for green card photos. These requirements are similar to the US passport photo standard but apply to permanent resident card applications, including Form I-485, Form I-90 renewals, and Form I-751.

Official Specifications

Your green card photo must be a recent color photograph taken within the last 6 months. The photo must show your full face from the front against a plain white or off-white background. Below is a complete breakdown of the official US green card photo size and quality standards.

Requirement	Specification
Photo size	2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
Head height	1 to 1 3/8 inches (25 to 35 mm) from chin to top of head
Eye height	1 1/8 to 1 3/8 inches from bottom of photo
Background	Plain white or off-white
Color	Full color (no black and white)
Facial expression	Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
Glasses	Not allowed (since November 2016)
Head covering	Only for religious reasons; face fully visible
File format (digital)	JPEG, sRGB color space
Resolution	Minimum 600 x 600 pixels
Photo age	Taken within the last 6 months
Print quality	Glossy or matte, high-quality photo paper

Background

The background must be plain white or off-white. Patterned backgrounds, shadows, walls with texture, or colored backdrops will 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 smile with your mouth closed. 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-colored clothing may blend into the background, so choose darker tones for better contrast.

File Format and Quality

Digital green card photos must be saved as JPEG files in sRGB color space. The minimum resolution is 600 x 600 pixels, and the maximum file size is typically 240 KB for online submissions. Printed photos should be high-quality, unaltered, and free of pixelation or compression artifacts.

Who 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 a green card photo.

Form I-485

Adjustment of Status — Filed by applicants already in the US who are changing their immigration status to lawful permanent resident.

Form I-90

Green Card Renewal — Filed to replace an expired or expiring 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 (Form DS-5540)

Diversity Visa Program — Digital photo required at time of entry and again at the immigrant visa interview.

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.

How 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.

4

Download Your Photo

Download a high-resolution digital file and a print-ready 4x6 layout in seconds.

Common Reasons Green Card Photos Get Rejected

USCIS rejects thousands of green card applications every year due to non-compliant photos. Understanding the most common mistakes helps you avoid delays in your application.

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.

Wrong Background

Colored, patterned, or textured backgrounds are not allowed. Only plain white or off-white is acceptable.

Visible Shadows

Shadows on the face or behind the head create rejection. Use even, soft, frontal lighting to eliminate them.

Wearing Glasses

Since 2016, glasses are not allowed in any USCIS photo. Remove all eyewear before taking the picture.

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-center heads cause rejection. Face the camera directly with your head straight.

Low Image Quality

Blurry, pixelated, or heavily compressed photos are unacceptable. Use a high-resolution camera or phone.

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 color.
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.

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 color.
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-center 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 colors 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 many specifications, but there are subtle differences in how they are used. Both require the same size and background, but the submission process and supporting documents differ.

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 applications	Passport book and card
Quantity	2 identical photos	1 photo
Digital submission	Sometimes required	Required for online renewal

In practice, a properly formatted green card photo can often be used for a US passport application as well, provided both are taken within 6 months of each other. However, you should always print fresh copies for each application to ensure quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official green card photo size?

The official US green card photo size is 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). The head must measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the chin to the top of the head, occupying 50% to 69% of the total photo height.

Can I take a green card photo with my phone?

Yes. Modern smartphones produce images at resolutions far higher than USCIS requires. Use the rear camera, good lighting, and a plain white background. Our green card photo tool will crop and format the result correctly.

Can I smile in my green card photo?

A natural, closed-mouth smile is acceptable, but a neutral expression is preferred. Avoid wide smiles, showing teeth, raised eyebrows, or any exaggerated expression that distorts your facial features.

Can I wear glasses in a green card photo?

No. Since November 2016, USCIS no longer accepts photos where the applicant is wearing eyeglasses. Remove them before taking the picture, even if you wear them daily.

What background color is required?

The background must be plain white or off-white. Any colored, patterned, or textured background will result in rejection. Position yourself a few feet away from the wall to eliminate shadows.

How recent must my green card photo be?

USCIS requires that your photo be taken within the last 6 months and reflect your current appearance. Significant changes in hair length, weight, or facial features may require a new photo.

What are the digital green card photo requirements?

Digital green card photos must be saved as JPEG files in sRGB color space, with a minimum resolution of 600 x 600 pixels. File sizes are typically limited to 240 KB for online uploads.

How should I print my green card photo?

Print the photo on high-quality glossy or matte photo paper. You can print at home with a photo printer or order prints from a pharmacy, drugstore, or online photo service using our 4x6 layout download.

Can I use a passport photo for my green card application?

Yes, as long as it meets the same specifications and was taken within the last 6 months. The US passport photo and green card photo share nearly identical requirements, so a compliant passport photo is usually acceptable for USCIS.

Is it safe to create my green card photo online?

Yes. Our Passport Photo Maker processes images securely and does not store your photo after you download it. The tool produces a USCIS-compliant image that you can print or submit digitally.

What is the green card photo size in pixels?

The minimum size for a digital green card photo is 600 × 600 pixels (300 DPI). For printing at home, 1200 × 1200 pixels (600 DPI) is recommended. The DV Lottery portal accepts images up to 1200 × 1200 pixels with a maximum file size of 240 KB.

How many photos are required for a green card application?

Most USCIS applications, including Form I-485 and Form I-90, require two identical photos. Write your name and Alien Registration Number (A-Number) lightly in pencil on the back of each photo before submitting.

Can a baby or infant have a green card photo taken?

Yes. Infants and young children must have their own photo. Lay the baby on a white sheet or hold them against a white background. The child's eyes must be open and looking toward the camera. Keep adult hands and bodies out of the frame as much as possible.

Can I wear a hijab or head covering in a green card photo?

Head coverings are only permitted if worn daily for established religious purposes. If you wear a hijab or other religious head covering, your full face must be visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead. No part of your face may be obscured.

What is the green card photo background requirement?

The background must be plain white or off-white. Stand at least 4 feet away from the wall to avoid shadows. Do not use blue, gray, or any other colored background — these will result in rejection.

Can I use the same photo for green card renewal (I-90)?

No. Your green card renewal photo must be taken within the last 6 months and reflect your current appearance. Even if your previous photo was taken recently, USCIS requires a fresh photo that shows how you look today.

What is the green card photo requirement for the DV Lottery?

DV Lottery photos must be JPEG format, 600–1200 pixels square, in sRGB color space, and no larger than 240 KB. The head must occupy 50%–69% of the image height with a plain white background. Photos are submitted digitally through the E-DV entry form at dvlottery.state.gov.

Can I wear makeup in my green card photo?

Yes, everyday makeup is acceptable as long as it does not dramatically alter your appearance. Avoid heavy contouring, theatrical makeup, or anything that changes your facial structure. The photo must represent how you normally look.

What happens if my green card photo is rejected?

USCIS will return your application with a notice requesting corrected photos. This delays processing and may require resubmission of the entire application package. To avoid this, use our online green card photo tool which automatically verifies dimensions, background, and resolution before you download.

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 are used for different applications. Green card photos are submitted to USCIS; US visa photos are submitted to the Department of State. A compliant photo typically satisfies both, but always check the specific form instructions before using the same photo for multiple applications.