Green Card Photo Requirements 2026 — Size, Background & Rules
By Easy Photo Passport · Updated October 3, 2026
Green card photos use the same 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) standard as US passport photos. USCIS requires a recent color photo on a plain white or off-white background, with a neutral expression, both eyes open, and no glasses. You typically submit two identical photos with Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status), and USCIS asks that they be taken within 30 days of filing.
Green card photo requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Size | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) |
| Head height | 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm), chin to crown |
| Quantity | 2 identical photos (for Form I-485) |
| Background | Plain white or off-white |
| Color | Color photo (not black and white) |
| Recency | Taken within 30 days of filing |
| Expression | Neutral, both eyes open, mouth closed |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Head coverings | Only for religious or medical reasons; face fully visible |
| On the back | Lightly write your name and A-Number in pencil |
How green card photos differ from passport photos
- Quantity: you usually submit two identical prints, not one.
- Recency: USCIS prefers photos taken within 30 days of filing (passports allow 6 months).
- Labeling: lightly print your name and Alien Registration Number (A-Number) on the back of each photo in pencil.
- Everything else — size, background, head position, expression, no glasses — matches the 2×2 inch US passport standard.
Common green card photo mistakes
- Wrong size — using a 35×45 mm photo instead of 2×2 inches.
- Shadows on the background from standing too close to a wall.
- Wearing glasses, or a head covering that obscures the face.
- Head too small or too large in the frame (must be 1–1⅜ inches).
- An old photo that no longer matches your current appearance.
- Submitting only one photo when two are required.
Get a compliant green card photo in minutes
Upload a recent selfie and our AI formats it to the USCIS 2×2 inch standard — correct head size, plain white background, neutral framing — and flags issues like glasses or shadows before you pay. You get a print-ready sheet so you can produce the two identical prints USCIS needs. Preview free, pay $2.99 only if you are satisfied.
Frequently asked questions
What are the green card photo requirements?
A green card photo must be 2×2 inches (51×51 mm), in color, on a plain white or off-white background, taken within 30 days of filing, with a neutral expression, both eyes open, and no glasses. You submit two identical photos with Form I-485.
What size is a green card photo?
2×2 inches (51×51 mm), the same square size as a US passport photo, with the head measuring 1 to 1⅜ inches from chin to crown.
How many photos do I need for a green card?
Two identical 2×2 inch photos for Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status). Lightly write your name and A-Number on the back of each in pencil.
Is a green card photo the same as a passport photo?
Almost. The size, background, head position, expression, and no-glasses rules are identical. The differences: green card photos should be taken within 30 days (not 6 months), you usually submit two, and you label the back with your name and A-Number.
Can I take a green card photo at home?
Yes. Take a recent photo against a plain wall and use a tool like Easy Photo Passport to format it to the USCIS 2×2 inch standard and print two identical copies.
Can you wear glasses in a green card photo?
No. Like US passport photos, glasses are not allowed. Remove them before taking the photo.
What happens if my green card photo is rejected?
USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE), which delays your application. Submitting a correctly formatted photo the first time avoids this.
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