Green Card Photo Requirements (I-485)
30-day rule: USCIS requires green card photos taken within 30 days of filing — stricter than the 6-month passport rule. Take your photos close to your application date.
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Complete Photo Specifications
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Size | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) |
| Format | Color photograph |
| Background | White or off-white, plain |
| Recency | Taken within 30 days of application |
| Expression | Neutral, natural expression |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Mouth | Closed |
| Eyes | Open, looking at camera |
| Head position | Face forward, centered |
| Head coverings | Religious/medical only, full face visible |
| Resolution (print) | 300 DPI minimum |
| Back labeling | Full name + A-Number in pencil |
How to Label the Back of the Photo
USCIS requires the back of each photo to be labeled before submission. Use a soft pencil only — never pen or marker.
USCIS Forms That Require a Photo
If you're filing multiple forms (common in a concurrent filing with I-485), prepare extras — each form requiring a photo needs separate prints.
| Form | Photos |
|---|---|
| I-485 | 2 photos |
| I-130A | 2 photos |
| I-765 | 2 photos |
| I-131 | 2 photos |
| I-90 | 2 photos |
| I-751 | 2 photos per petitioner |
| I-589 | 1 photo |
| I-730 | 1 photo |
Green Card Photo vs. Passport Photo
| Aspect | Green Card (USCIS) | US Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 2×2 inches | 2×2 inches |
| Background | White or off-white | White or off-white |
| Recency | Within 30 days | Within 6 months |
| Expression | Neutral | Neutral |
| Glasses | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Back labeling | Name + A-Number in pencil | Not required |
| Quantity per application | 2 photos | 2 photos |
Differences highlighted in amber. The specs are nearly identical — the main differences are the 30-day recency rule and the back labeling requirement.
Warning
Note
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2×2 inch · white background · 300 DPI · USCIS compliant
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FAQ
What are the photo requirements for a green card?
Green card (I-485) photos must be: 2×2 inches (51×51mm), color, white or off-white background, taken within 30 days of application, face forward with neutral expression, no glasses, mouth closed, both eyes open. These are the same specifications as a US passport photo. One photo is typically submitted with each form (I-485 requires 2 photos).
How many photos are needed for a green card application?
The I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence requires 2 identical passport-style photos. Each photo must meet the same 2×2 inch USCIS specification. If you file multiple forms simultaneously (common in family petitions), each form requiring a photo needs separate photos — plan to have 4–6 photos ready.
How recent does the green card photo need to be?
USCIS requires the photo to be taken within 30 days of submitting your application. This is stricter than the 6-month rule for passport photos. If your biometrics appointment is scheduled months after filing, you may need new photos — check USCIS guidance at the time of your appointment.
Is a green card photo the same as a passport photo?
Yes — the technical specifications are identical: 2×2 inches, white or off-white background, color, neutral expression, no glasses. The only practical difference is: (1) USCIS requires the photo within 30 days (vs. 6 months for passports), and (2) the back of the photo must be labeled in pencil with your full name and Alien Registration Number (A-Number) if you have one.
What do I write on the back of a green card photo?
Write your full name and Alien Registration Number (A-Number) lightly in pencil on the back of each photo. Do not use pen or marker — the ink can bleed through and damage the front of the photo. If you don't yet have an A-Number (first-time applicants), write your full name only.
Can I use the same photo for my green card and my passport?
You can use the same digital file to print photos for both applications, but you cannot submit the same printed photo to both — you need separate prints for each document. Also verify that the photo was taken within 30 days (USCIS) AND within 6 months (State Department) if you're applying for both simultaneously.
Do green card photos require a white background?
Yes. USCIS requires a white or off-white plain background, free of shadows, patterns, and objects. This is identical to US passport photo background requirements. Colored backgrounds, grey backgrounds, or backgrounds with visible furniture or shadows will cause the photo to be rejected.
Where can I take a green card photo?
Any passport photo service produces compliant green card photos — Walgreens, CVS, FedEx Office, and Walmart all offer these. You can also take the photo at home using any smartphone and use our free online tool to crop it to the exact 2×2 inch USCIS specification, then print at any pharmacy.