Australian Visa Photo Requirements — Complete Guide 2026

Country guide · 🇦🇺 Australia · Last verified: February 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

Do I need a photo to apply for an Australian tourist visa?

No. The Australian tourist visa (Subclass 600) is applied for entirely online through ImmiAccount. No photo upload is required. Your passport biometric data is used for identity verification.

What size is an Australian visa photo if one is required?

35×45 mm. Head height 32–36 mm from chin to crown. White or light grey background.

What background for an Australian visa photo?

Plain white or light grey — uniform, no shadows, no patterns.

Can I wear glasses in an Australian visa photo?

Not permitted. Remove glasses for the photo.

Is an Australian visa photo the same as a passport photo?

Yes — same 35×45 mm format with identical specifications.

Do I need to print an Australian visa?

No. Australian visas are electronic (ETA or e-Visa) and linked to your passport number. There is no visa sticker or stamp to print.