Condensed guide. Read the full US green card photo (Form I-485) requirements or the rejection diagnostic.
Specification
| Photo size | 50.8 × 50.8 mm (2 × 2 in) |
|---|---|
| Pixels at 300 / 600 dpi | 600 × 600 px / 1200 × 1200 px |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 25.4–34.9 mm |
| Eye line from bottom | 28.6–34.9 mm |
| Head width | not specified |
| Space above the crown | not specified |
| Background | pure white |
| Background editing | not allowed (retake instead) |
| Glasses | not allowed |
| Expression | neutral or a natural closed-mouth smile |
| Recency | taken in the last month |
| Print requirements | photo paper, glossy or matte, no border — Two identical 2×2 in prints with your name and A-Number (if any) written lightly in pencil or felt pen on the back. |
| Digital upload | 1200×1200 px JPEG (Printing two 2×2 in photos for the paper I-485); 1200×1200 px JPEG, 0–240 KB (USCIS online account (where I-485 is filed online)) |
| Self-taken photos | accepted |
| Prints needed | 2 |
| Infant rules | eyes may be closed, mouth may be open (under 1) |
| Official source | USCIS – Form I-485 instructions |
Check the official source. Some values on this page could not be confirmed from the official page when it was last checked (2026-10-28).
- The USCIS page and the I-485 instructions PDF could not be read in full. The requirement of two identical passport-style 2×2 inch photos taken within 30 days, on a white to off-white background, with your name and A-Number pencilled on the back is the long-standing instruction; re-check the current instructions PDF. Online-filed I-485 photo upload limits were not confirmed.
- Recency is 30 days for USCIS, stricter than the six months for a passport.
Can I take it myself? Yes
Yes. USCIS applies the State Department photo standard and does not require a photographer. The two prints must be identical and on photo paper, so print both from the same sheet at a pharmacy kiosk. Where you file I-485 online through a USCIS account, the photo is uploaded as a square JPEG to the same standard; the limits for that upload were not confirmed and are flagged. Glasses are not allowed and backgrounds must not be edited.
Why US I-485 photos get rejected
- Glasses. Remove them and retake.
- Head or eye position outside the bands. Head 25–35 mm, eyes 28–35 mm from the bottom; the checker shows both.
- Background not white or off-white. Retake against a white wall; no editing.
- Photos not identical. Print both from the same sheet.
- Photo older than 30 days. Take a fresh one just before filing.
US I-485 photo FAQ
How many photos does the I-485 need?
Two identical passport-style 2×2 inch photos, labelled on the back with your name and A-Number.
How recent must they be?
Taken within 30 days of filing.
Are glasses allowed?
No. USCIS follows the State Department rule that bans glasses in photos.
Is it the same as the US passport photo?
Yes, same State Department standard and crop; only the 30-day recency differs.
Can I take the photo myself?
Yes, with someone else holding the camera against a white wall.
Does each family member need photos?
Yes, two for each applicant filing an I-485.
Related documents
US passport
50.8×50.8 mm · head 25.4–34.9 mmUS visa photo (DS-160)
50.8×50.8 mm · head 25.4–35 mmUS Diversity Visa (DV lottery) entry photo
50.8×50.8 mm · head 25.4–35 mmLast verified 2026-10-28 against USCIS – Form I-485 instructions. Spotted a mistake? Report an error.