United States: photo requirements

Photo file upload · Published requirements checked

Pixels

Square; 600–1200 pixels on each side

File

JPEG; at most 240 kB; 24-bit sRGB

Compression

At most 20:1

Appearance

Natural appearance; no enhancement or retouching

DPI

300 PPI applies to scanning a printed 2×2-inch photo, not a universal digital DPI tag

Export setting: 600 × 600 px, JPEG. Selected export settings are distinguished from official requirements above. Framing overlays are advisory.

• Crop/resize is described by the authority. Final acceptance is decided by the consulate.
• Do not reuse these rules for every USCIS application or passport renewal.

Research reviewed 7 September 2026. The application authority decides acceptance.

Original photo required · Published requirements checked

File

JPG/JPEG, PNG, HEIC or HEIF; 54 KB–10 MB

Pixels

No numeric pixel limits confirmed on this page

Photo

Colour, taken within 6 months; white/off-white background

• Submit the original unedited photo. No scanned print, retouching or filters.
• Use the government application to position the photo. A square visa crop is not the requirement here.

Research reviewed 7 September 2026. The application authority decides acceptance.

Upload route not confirmed · Some requirements need confirmation

Scope

Form-specific photo evidence and biometric appointment rules must be checked separately

• No universal CEAC file-size rule has been established for these forms. Existing EAD/green-card claims require a separate form-level audit.

Research reviewed 7 September 2026. The application authority decides acceptance.