Australian Visa Photo Requirements — Complete Guide 2026

Country guide · 🇦🇺 Australia · Last verified: May 2026

Most Australian visa applications are submitted online through ImmiAccount and do not require a photo at all. However, some visa categories do require photos, and the requirements differ between online and paper submissions. This guide explains when you need a photo, what the specs are, and what the "no photo required" rule means for your application.

Do you need a photo for an Australian visa?

Most Australian visa applicants do not need to submit a photo.

The majority of Australian visas — including the most common tourist visa (Subclass 600), student visa, and working holiday visa — are applied for through ImmiAccount (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) entirely online. These applications do not require a separate photo upload. Your identity is verified via your passport biometric chip data.

You DO need photos if:

• Applying for a visa on paper (increasingly rare)
• You receive a specific request from the Department of Home Affairs for a photo
• Applying for certain protection visas or onshore applications that specifically request photos
• Your nationality or visa category requires in-person processing at an Australian embassy

When in doubt, check your specific visa subclass instructions at homeaffairs.gov.au.

Photo specifications (when required)

Size and dimensions

• Photo size: 35×45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm)
• Head height: 32–36 mm from chin to crown
• Face coverage: 70–80% of photo area
• Both ears visible where possible
• Shoulders visible in lower portion of frame

Background

Plain white or light grey — uniform, shadow-free. No patterns or objects.

Expression and appearance

• Expression: neutral, mouth closed. Minor natural expression acceptable.
• Eyes: both open, looking directly at camera
• Glasses: not permitted
• Head coverings: only for religious or medical reasons. Full face visible.
• Recency: within 6 months

Digital photo requirements (when requested)

• Format: JPEG, JPG, or PNG
• File size: 70 KB to 3.5 MB
• Preferred resolution: 1200×1600 pixels
• Same face and background requirements

Australian tourist visa (Subclass 600) — no photo needed

The most common visa Australians and tourists apply for:

• Apply entirely online through ImmiAccount
• No photo upload required
• Identity verified via passport data
• Decision usually within weeks for most nationalities

Working holiday visa (Subclass 417 and 462) — no photo needed

Applied for online. No photo required. Identity verified through passport.

Student visa (Subclass 500) — no photo needed for most

Applied for online through ImmiAccount. No photo required as part of the standard application. Your institution's Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is the key document.

Visa types that may require photos

• Refugee and humanitarian visas: may require photos at offshore processing
• Some protection visas: check specific instructions
• Partner visas applied outside Australia: some offshore applications request photos
• Certain regional visas processed in person

For applicants at Australian embassies and consulates

If you're attending an Australian embassy or consulate appointment (rare for most visa categories), follow the 35×45 mm specifications above. Bring 2 identical photos.

Frequently asked questions

See also