Condensed guide. Read the full Australian citizenship photo (Home Affairs) requirements or the rejection diagnostic.
Specification
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) |
|---|---|
| Pixels at 300 / 600 dpi | 413 × 531 px / 827 × 1063 px |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 32–36 mm |
| Eye line from bottom | not specified |
| Head width | not specified |
| Space above the crown | not specified |
| Background | white or light grey |
| Background editing | not allowed (retake instead) |
| Glasses | allowed only with no glare and frames clear of the eyes |
| Expression | neutral, mouth closed |
| Recency | taken in the last 6 months |
| Print requirements | photo paper, good quality colour print — Paper applications and some ceremonies need a printed 35×45 mm photo; online applications upload a file. |
| Digital upload | 1050×1350 px JPEG, 70–4 MB (ImmiAccount citizenship application); 827×1063 px JPEG (Printing a 35×45 mm photo for a paper form) |
| Self-taken photos | accepted |
| Prints needed | 1 |
| Infant rules | eyes may be closed, mouth may be open (under 3) |
| Official source | Department of Home Affairs – Applying online (photograph requirements) |
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 Home Affairs photograph page moved and returned 404 at both known URLs. The printed standard (35×45 mm, head 32–36 mm, plain light background, taken within six months, unaltered) follows the Australian passport standard Home Affairs references. ImmiAccount's upload limits (JPEG, file-size window, preferred pixel size) were not confirmed.
Can I take it myself? Yes
Yes. Home Affairs asks for a passport-standard photograph but does not require a professional photographer or a printed copy for online applications. The department does state that photographs must not be altered, and ImmiAccount's document check will flag background replacement, so this tool keeps background editing off for this document and tells you to retake against a plain wall instead.
Why AU citizenship photos get rejected
- Photo altered or background replaced. Retake against a plain wall. Editing is not allowed and the tool keeps it off.
- Head too small. Chin-to-crown 32–36 mm on the 45 mm frame; adjust head size until the readout is in band.
- Shadows on face or wall. Face the light and step away from the wall.
- Photo older than six months. Take a new one before lodging.
- Glasses with glare. Remove them.
AU citizenship photo FAQ
Does Home Affairs accept a digital photo?
Yes. ImmiAccount applications upload a passport-standard photograph as a JPEG.
Can I use my passport photo?
If it is under six months old, yes. The standard is the same 35×45 mm, head 32–36 mm.
Can the background be edited?
No. Home Affairs states photographs must not be altered; retake against a plain wall.
Are glasses allowed?
Tolerated without glare, but the passport standard prefers them removed.
Do I need a printed photo for the ceremony?
Some councils ask for one for the certificate; print one from our sheet.
Does each child need a photo?
Yes, every applicant on the form.
Related documents
Australian visa photo (ImmiAccount)
35×45 mm · head 32–36 mmAustralian passport
35×45 mm · head 32–36 mmLast verified 2026-10-28 against Department of Home Affairs – Applying online (photograph requirements). Spotted a mistake? Report an error.