USCIS Form I-485 Photo Requirements
Your green card application requires 2 identical 2×2 inch photos — plus your name and A-Number written in pencil on the back. Get this right the first time to avoid an RFE that delays your case.
Write your name + A-Number on the back in pencil.
Use a pencil — not pen, not marker. Press lightly so the text does not emboss through to the front of the photo. Write your full legal name and Alien Registration Number (A-Number) on the back of both photos. If you do not have an A-Number yet, write your name only.
I-485 Photo Requirements — Full Checklist
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Size | 2×2 inches (51×51mm) |
| Quantity | 2 identical photos per form |
| Background | White or off-white |
| Color | Full color |
| Expression | Neutral — no smile |
| Eyes | Open, looking at camera |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Head covering | Religious only — full face visible |
| Recency | Within the last 6 months |
| Back labeling | Name + A-Number in PENCIL |
| Photo paper | Printed — not digital-only submission |
How Many Photos Does a Typical I-485 Package Need?
Note
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Common I-485 Photo Mistakes That Cause RFEs
Form I-485 Photo FAQ
What are the photo requirements for Form I-485?
Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) requires 2 identical passport-style photos. Specifications: 2×2 inch (51×51mm), white or off-white background, full color, neutral expression with mouth closed, eyes open and looking at the camera, no glasses, head coverings only for religious reasons (full face must be visible), face fills 70–80% of the frame, taken within the last 6 months. Write your full name and A-Number (if you have one) in pencil on the back of each photo.
How do I write my name and A-Number on the I-485 photos?
Using a pencil (not pen or marker), lightly write your full name and A-Number (Alien Registration Number) on the back of both photos. Write gently — too much pressure will emboss the writing and show through to the front of the photo, distorting the image. If you do not have an A-Number yet (common for some first-time applications), write your full name only. USCIS uses this labeling to match photos to applications when packages are opened.
Can I use the same photos for multiple USCIS forms submitted together?
No — USCIS requires separate photos for each form that requests photos. If you are filing I-485 with concurrent forms like I-765 (Employment Authorization) and I-131 (Advance Parole), each form requires its own set of photos. For a typical I-485 package, you may need 4–6 total photos (2 per form). Use the same photo session for all photos to ensure they are consistent and recent.
Is the I-485 photo the same as a US passport photo?
The technical specifications are nearly identical: 2×2 inch size, white background, neutral expression, no glasses. The key difference is the labeling requirement — USCIS requires your name and A-Number written in pencil on the back, which is not required for passport photos. You can use photos taken for a passport photo session for I-485 as long as they meet all specifications and you add the pencil labeling on the back.
Can I wear religious clothing or ethnic attire in an I-485 photo?
USCIS specifically permits applicants who normally wear religious head coverings (hijab, turban, kippah, etc.) to wear them in I-485 photos as long as the full face is visible from forehead to chin. USCIS also notes that traditional ethnic or religious attire is permitted if worn as part of daily religious practice. This is the same policy as US passport photos.
What happens if my I-485 photos are incorrect?
If your I-485 photos do not meet USCIS specifications, USCIS will issue an RFE (Request for Evidence) or an NOA (Notice of Action) requesting compliant photos. This delays your case. Common photo problems: wrong background color (off-white or colored instead of white), glasses visible, photo too old (more than 6 months), photo too small or too large, name or A-Number missing or written in pen (not pencil), or two photos that are not identical.
How many photos do I need for Form I-485?
Form I-485 itself requires 2 identical photos. However, you should bring additional photos to your biometrics appointment (if scheduled) and to your interview with a USCIS officer. Some USCIS field offices request additional photos at the interview. Bring at least 4–6 photos from the same session to cover all stages of the I-485 process, plus any concurrent forms like I-765 or I-131.
Can I take my I-485 photos at home?
Yes — USCIS allows self-taken photos as long as they meet all specifications. Use a white wall as the background, ensure good front-facing lighting with no shadows, take the photo at eye level, maintain a neutral expression, and remove glasses. The photo must be printed as a 2×2 inch physical photo — you cannot submit a digital-only photo for I-485. Print at any pharmacy photo kiosk using a correctly cropped digital file. Write your name and A-Number in pencil on the back of each printed copy.