Australian citizenship applications are lodged through ImmiAccount with an uploaded passport-style photograph: 35×45 mm proportions, head 32–36 mm from chin to crown, plain light background, taken in the last six months and not digitally altered. Home Affairs applies the Australian passport photo standard, but unlike the Passport Office it takes the photo as a digital file, so you can produce and upload it yourself.
Make and check a AU citizenship photo Free checker; files from A$6.99.
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.
How to take the photo
- Stand half a metre in front of a plain white or light-grey wall and face a window so the light is even and there is no shadow behind you.
- Someone else takes the photo from 1.5 metres at eye level with the shoulders in frame and space above the head.
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open, hair clear of the face. Remove hats and earbuds; religious coverings must show the whole face.
- Glasses are tolerated without glare and with frames clear of the eyes, but the passport standard Home Affairs refers to prefers them removed.
- Use the original camera file, not a screenshot, so the upload is sharp and within the size window.
- If you are asked for a printed photo for the ceremony or a paper form, print our 6×4 sheet at a kiosk and cut on the marks.
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.
- File outside ImmiAccount's limits. Use the ImmiAccount preset; it stays in the size window.
- Smiling or head tilted. Neutral expression, head level.
Infants and children
Children included in a citizenship application need their own photo. Under three the mouth may be open and the gaze relaxed. Lay the baby on a plain light sheet and photograph from above, with nobody else and no objects in frame; support the head from under the sheet.
Step by step: ImmiAccount
- Create or log in to ImmiAccount and start the citizenship by conferral (or descent) application.
- At the attachments step choose Photograph – passport and upload the ImmiAccount JPEG from this tool for each applicant.
- ImmiAccount checks the file type and size; the case officer checks the photo itself. If asked for a new photo, retake rather than edit.
- Submit, pay and wait for the citizenship test or interview invitation.
File limits: JPEG at 35×45 mm proportions, unaltered, taken within six months. ImmiAccount's file-size window is flagged for re-checking; our export is 1050×1350 px.
What it costs
Australia Post and chemists charge A$17–25 for passport photos with a digital copy. Our Single licence is A$6.99 for the ImmiAccount file and print sheets for 30 days; a family applying together is covered by the A$12.99 Pass for up to six people.
Retailer pages: Kmart , Officeworks , Australia Post , Snapfish .
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.
Is this the same as the Australian passport product?
Same crop, but the passport is print-only while citizenship takes a digital upload. A Pass covers both.
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.