Pictures (Picture specifications for the purpose of U.S. family-based immigration)

Glossary

Passport photos required for the immigration process must meet certain specifications. Photos must:

  • Be appropriate in size — 2” (5 cm) x 2″ (5 cm)
  • Be taken against white to off-white background
  • Be printed on thin paper with a glossy finish
  • Be unmounted and unretouched
  • Show full frontal facial dimensions — about 1” (2.54 cm) from the chin to top of the hair
  • Feature head height measuring 1″ (2.5 cm) to 1 3/8″ (3.5 cm) from the chin to top of the hair
  • Feature eye height between 1 1/8″ (2.8 cm) to 1 3/8″ (3.5 cm) from the bottom of the photo
  • Feature a bare head, with exception for headwear required by a religious order
  • Using pencil or felt-tipped pen, lightly print name and, if applicable, Alien Registration Number (A-Number) on the back of the photo.