Photo specifications for the Green Card
When applying for a Green Card, applicants must provide a passport photo. The format of this photo is specific, and there are several imperative rules that must be respected to ensure that the photo is not rejected.
What are the main rules governing photography?
The main rules for the Green Card photo are as follows:
- Photo format
- Photo age
- The position of the head in the photo
- The background of the shot
- What can I wear in the photo?
What is the photo format for the Green Card?
The digital version of the photo must be a JPEG file. The minimum size of the photo must be at least 600 pixels by 600 pixels and at least 54 kb.
How old is the photo?
The photo submitted for the Green Card must not be more than 6 months old. This allows the U.S. State Department to ensure that the photo matches the applicant’s face. This rule is imperative and must be taken very seriously. The photo is definitively validated at the final Green Card interview.
How should the head be positioned in the photo?
The candidate must have a neutral facial expression and not smile. His or her face must be fully visible and in the center of the photo. Candidates must face the camera and their head must represent 60% of the total height of the photo. His eyes should be wide open.
What should the background of the shot look like?
The photo background should be a solid, light color with no shadows. The background color can be white or off-white.
Can I wear glasses or a veil in the photo?
It is forbidden to wear glasses on the Green Card photo. Green Card applicants are also not allowed to wear caps or hats.
On the other hand, a religious headscarf can be worn on the Green Card photo. However, the face must be visible from the top of the forehead to the bottom of the chin.
These rules apply to all procedures for obtaining a Green Card, whether :
- Green Card lottery photo;
- The photo submitted for a Green Card by marriage, a Green Card by sponsor or any other Green Card procedure.
Green Card passport photo dimensions
