Do You Need to Submit a USCIS Photo? USCIS Photo Requirements Explained
Learn when USCIS requires biometric photos, when photo reuse is allowed, and when self-submitted passport-style photos are still needed.
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Do You Still Need to Submit a USCIS Photo Yourself?
In most cases, you do NOT need to submit a USCIS photo yourself.. USCIS usually takes your photo during a biometric appointment or reuses a previously collected photo taken within the last 36 months. USCIS New Photo Policy (Release Date 12/12/2025)
For these applications, USCIS will either take your photo at a biometric appointment or reuse a previously collected USCIS photo if it was taken within the last 36 months and the application allows reuse.
USCIS Biometric Photos
When biometrics are required, USCIS schedules an appointment at an Application Support Center (ASC) or another designated location. At this visit, USCIS captures your official photo, fingerprints, and signature. Self-submitted photos cannot replace this process.
💡 Tip:
USCIS may reuse a prior photo if :Applications That Always Require a New Photo
- The photo was taken by USCIS or an authorized biometric provider
- It was captured within the past 36 months
- The form type permits photo reuse
- Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
- Form N-400 (Naturalization)
- Form N-600 (Certificate of Citizenship)
- Form I-90 (Green Card replacement)
Where Is a USCIS Photo Taken?
USCIS photos are taken only at USCIS-designated biometric locations, such as Application Support Centers (ASCs) or other locations specifically scheduled by USCIS. Applicants cannot choose a commercial studio or walk-in photo service.
When Are Self-Submitted Photos Required?
Self-submitted passport-style photos are only needed when:- The form instructions explicitly request them
- The application does not require biometrics
- The photo is for non-USCIS purposes (e.g., passport or visa)
How to Make a Passport-Style Photo Online (When Self-Submitted Photos Are Required)
USCIS generally does not accept self-submitted photos for applications requiring biometrics. The steps below apply only to forms or situations that explicitly request a passport-style photo, or to non-USCIS uses (e.g., passport, visa, DV Lottery).
1
Take or Upload Your Photo
Use a photo from your phone or take a new one. Our tool supports all common formats.
2
Automatically Adjusted to Meet Standards
We crop, center, resize, and format your photo to meet official ID photo requirements – all done for you.
3
Download Your Photo Instantly
Save your digital photo or printable version immediately – perfect for online applications or printing at home.
USCIS Photo 2x2 Inch — Photo Details & Requirements
💡 Tip:
The following specifications reflect the standard 2×2-inch photo requirements historically used by USCIS. Meeting these technical requirements does not mean you need to submit a photo yourself, as USCIS may capture or reuse photos through its biometric process.
Size
51x51 mm
Resolution (DPI)
300 dpi
Background Color
Suitable for online use?
Yes
Can Be Printed?
Yes
Other Common Photo Types
Even if a self-submitted USCIS photo is not required, knowledge of standard passport-style photo specifications can help for other purposes. Common scenarios include:- South Korean Passport Photo Requirements
- French Passport Photo Requirements
- Canada Visa Photo Requirements
- Schengen Visa Photo Requirements
Australian Visa Photo - 35x45mm
Canada Visa Photo - 35x45mm
China Visa Photo 33x48 mm
US Passport Photo 51x51 mm
Saudi Arabia Visa Photo 2x2 inches (51x51 mm)
Schengen Visa Photo 35x45 mm
US Visa Photo 2x2 inch (51x51 mm)
United Kingdom Visa Photo 35x45 mm
Frequently Asked Questions (USCIS Photos)
Do I need to submit my own USCIS photo?
In most cases, no. USCIS generally captures your photo during a biometric appointment at an Application Support Center (ASC). Only certain applications explicitly request a self-submitted passport-style photo.
Can USCIS reuse my old photo?
Yes, if: 1) The photo was taken by USCIS or an authorized biometric provider 2) It was captured within the last 36 months 3)The application type allows photo reuse. Even when these conditions are met, USCIS can still request a new photo.
Can I make a passport-style photo online?
Yes, but only when the application instructions explicitly request a self-submitted photo or for non-USCIS uses (passport, visa, DV Lottery). Ensure it follows standard specifications: correct size, head position, background, and facial expression.
What are USCIS authorized locations for photos?
“Authorized locations” refer to: 1）USCIS-run ASC offices 2）Official USCIS biometric collection partners . These are locations directly scheduled by USCIS. Applicants cannot independently select or visit other studios.
How do I know which location to go to?
USCIS will send you a biometric appointment notice with: 1）The exact address of the ASC 2）The date and time of your appointment 3）Instructions on what documents to bring. You must attend the assigned location and time; no substitutions are allowed.
Can I use a photo from a commercial studio if I already have it?
No. USCIS does not accept self-submitted photos for applications requiring biometrics. Commercial passport-style photos are only for non-USCIS uses or forms that explicitly request a self-submitted photo.
Can I take my USCIS photo at CVS or Walgreens?
No. USCIS does not accept photos taken at commercial studios for biometric-required applications.
Do I need to bring photos to my USCIS biometric appointment?
No. USCIS will take your photo at the appointment.
What happens if USCIS reuses my old photo?
You will not need a new biometric photo unless USCIS requests it.