Condensed guide. Read the full Australian visa photo (ImmiAccount) 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 (where still available) need a printed 35×45 mm photo. |
| Digital upload | 1050×1350 px JPEG, 70–4 MB (ImmiAccount visa 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 returned 404 at both known URLs. The printed standard (35×45 mm, head 32–36 mm, plain light background, six months, unaltered) is the passport standard the department references; ImmiAccount's upload limits were not confirmed.
Can I take it myself? Yes
Yes. Home Affairs does not require a photographer for online applications, only a photograph that meets the passport standard. Because the department states that photographs must not be altered, background editing is kept off for this document and the checker tells you to retake against a plain wall if the background fails. Applicants from countries whose passport photo is a different size (for example the US 2×2 inch) should re-crop to 35×45 mm rather than upload the passport photo.
Why AU visa photos get rejected
- Photo altered or background replaced. Retake against a plain wall; editing is not allowed.
- Head too small. 32–36 mm chin to crown; adjust the head-size control.
- Shadow behind the head. Step away from the wall and light from the front.
- Photo older than six months. Take a fresh photo.
- Wrong proportions (e.g. 2×2 inch). Re-crop to 35×45 mm with this preset.
AU visa photo FAQ
What photo does an Australian visa need?
A passport-standard photograph: 35×45 mm proportions, head 32–36 mm, plain light background, under six months old, uploaded as a JPEG in ImmiAccount.
Can I upload my US passport photo?
Re-crop it to 35×45 mm first; the 2×2 inch square is the wrong proportion.
Can I edit the background?
No. Home Affairs photographs must not be altered.
Do children need their own photo?
Yes, every applicant on the form.
Are glasses allowed?
Tolerated without glare, but better removed.
Is a printed photo needed?
Only for paper forms where they still exist.
Related documents
Australian citizenship photo (Home Affairs)
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.