Love your headshots or get your money back 
Guide · Updated October 27, 2026
Green card and USCIS photos: size and rules
Short answer
- USCIS asks for passport-style photos: 2 × 2 inches, in color, white or off-white background, no glasses.
- Most forms ask for two identical printed photos; check your form's instructions for how recent they must be (some ask for photos taken within 30 days of filing).
- Lightly write your name and A-Number in pencil on the back if your form says so.
USCIS passport-style photo requirements
| How many | Usually two identical photos (check your form) |
|---|---|
| Paper | Printed on photo paper, not cut from a printout on plain paper |
| Size | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm), square |
| Head size | 1 to 1 3/8 inches from chin to top of hair |
| Background | Plain white or off-white, no shadows or patterns |
| Face | Facing the camera, neutral expression, both eyes open |
| Glasses | Not allowed (rare medical exceptions with a signed statement) |
| Head coverings | Only for religious or medical reasons, face fully visible |
| Editing | None: no filters, retouching or background changes |
| How recent | As your form's instructions say (often within 30 days of filing) |
Official source: State Department photo rules (USCIS uses the same passport-style rules)
Which applications use these photos
Green card applications and renewals, work permits (EAD), naturalization and other USCIS forms that ask for passport-style photos. Diversity Visa (DV lottery) entries use a separate digital photo spec: follow the official DV instructions for those.
Printing two photos for a few cents
- Make a 4 × 6 inch print sheet with the 2 × 2 photos at 300 dpi.
- Order it as a regular 4 × 6 photo print at a pharmacy or store kiosk (usually well under a dollar).
- Choose “no borders” or “fit” so the sheet isn't enlarged, then cut along the lines.
Check your photo for free
Proud Look's photo tool checks your phone photo against the official rules for free and crops it to 2 × 2 inches. It never edits you or the background: no AI, no retouching. Choose “USCIS / green card”. The digital file and a 4 × 6 print sheet cost $8.99; if a government office rejects the photo, you get a free new photo (within 90 days) or a full refund (notice within 90 days).
A government officer always makes the final decision; no service can guarantee acceptance.