Country guide · 🇦🇺 Australia · Last verified: July 2026
Australia Immigration / PR Photo Requirements
Official photo specifications for Australian immigration / permanent residence applications — size, digital upload rules, and why studio photos are required. Verified against immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
Written by the PixID.studio compliance team · July 2026
PixID does not create Australia Immigration / PR photos. Home Affairs requires an unedited photo and recommends a professional provider (for example Australia Post). Online background removal and editing can lead to rejection. Use this page for the official specs only.
Verified against Home Affairs photo guidance, July 2026. Always follow the checklist for your visa subclass in ImmiAccount.
Background and lighting
The background must be plain white or light grey, uniform and completely shadow-free. Requirements:
- Uniform colour — no gradients, patterns, or textures
- No shadows cast on the background or on the face
- Evenly lit — no dark spots or bright patches
- No other people or objects visible in the frame
Avoid wearing clothing that matches the background colour, as it can blend in and cause rejection.
Expression and appearance
- Expression: Neutral. Mouth closed, no smiling.
- Eyes: both open, looking directly at the camera. No red-eye or glare.
- Ears: Both visible must be visible.
- Glasses: not permitted. Sunglasses and tinted lenses always prohibited.
- Head covering: Religious only. Full face must be visible with no shadows.
- Hair: must not cover the eyes or obscure facial features.
- Clothing: everyday attire. Uniforms not permitted.
Common rejection reasons
- Wrong background — must be plain white or light grey, no shadows.
- Edited / background-replaced image — Home Affairs requires an unedited photo.
- Wrong digital file — not JPEG, outside 70 KB–3.5 MB, or far below preferred 1200×1600.
- Head size incorrect — chin to crown should be 32–36 mm on a print-size photo.
- Non-neutral expression — smile, raised eyebrows, or open mouth.
- Photo too old — must be taken within 6 months.
- Scan or photo of a photo — not accepted for ImmiAccount upload.
- Glasses glare or filters — beauty filters and retouching cause rejection.
Not available in PixID
Get this photo at a professional studio
Ask for an unedited digital JPEG that meets ImmiAccount rules (70 KB–3.5 MB, preferably 1200×1600). In Australia, Australia Post is a common option.
Official Home Affairs photo guidance →For other countries PixID still supports, see /countries
Frequently asked questions
What are the Australia Immigration / PR Photo photo requirements?
What size is a Australia Immigration / PR Photo photo?
What background is required for a Australia Immigration / PR Photo photo?
Can I wear glasses in a Australia Immigration / PR Photo photo?
How recent must a Australia Immigration / PR Photo photo be?
Can I create a Australia Immigration / PR Photo photo online with PixID?
See also