Green Card & USCIS Photo Requirements 2026 — After PA-2025-29

What changed on 12 December 2025 (PA-2025-29)

USCIS Policy Alert PA-2025-29 states that USCIS will not use or reuse self-submitted photographs. For Form I-485, I-90, N-400, and N-600, USCIS requires collection of new biometrics, including a new photograph, at a biometrics services appointment (ASC).

For other benefit requests, USCIS may reuse a previously collected BSA photograph only if, at the time of filing, no more than 36 months have passed since that photograph was collected. USCIS may still require a new photograph at its discretion.

Older checklists that say “mail two photos with your I-485” are outdated. Follow the current instructions on uscis.gov/forms and the PA-2025-29 PDF.

Safe rule for domestic filings: If you are filing I-485, I-90, N-400, or N-600 inside the United States — do not buy or mail self-submitted photos. Plan for the ASC appointment.

Domestic adjustment vs consular processing

Photo rules depend on where you process and which channel you use.

Form-by-form photo requirements (2026)

ASC captures the photo (no self-submitted pack)

1. File the form online or by mail without self-submitted photos
2. Wait for your Biometrics Appointment Notice (Form I-797C)
3. Attend ASC — they photograph you there
4. Handle passport or DS-160 files separately if you need them

Documents that still need a self-prepared photo

For I-765 and I-131, USCIS may reuse a recent ASC photograph (within 36 months) or schedule new biometrics. Do not assume a drugstore pack is required — read the live form instructions.

What happens at the ASC biometrics appointment

If you filed I-485, I-90, N-400, or N-600, you receive a Biometrics Appointment Notice (Form I-797C). Attendance is required.

1. Check-in — appointment notice and government-issued photo ID
2. Photo capture — staff takes a digital photo on ASC equipment
3. Fingerprints — electronic capture
4. Signature — digital signature
5. Usually 15–30 minutes total

Bring: I-797C, valid photo ID, a case for glasses if you wear them, and religious-headwear documentation if applicable. Do not bring self-submitted prints expecting ASC to accept them.

ASC lighting and framing are institutional. Wear clothing that contrasts with a plain backdrop, remove glasses unless an allowed exception applies, keep a neutral expression, and ask politely for a retake before you leave the station if you blinked or the capture is clearly unusable.

If the ASC photo is bad

Technicians sometimes retake on the spot. If a problem is found later, USCIS may issue an RFE or schedule another biometrics appointment. There is no appeal process for an unflattering-but-compliant ASC photo.

Do not mail drugstore prints unless an RFE specifically asks for them.

When you still need a self-prepared photo

Consular immigrant visa interview

Processing abroad usually means printed 2×2 photos within six months, white or off-white background, neutral expression, no glasses in most cases. Some posts want two prints; some want four (visa + medical). Follow the interview packet — not a generic blog.

DS-160

Square JPEG, typically 600×600 to 1200×1200 px, ≤240 KB, JPEG only, no beauty filters. Oversized phone files are the usual rejection. See DS-160 photo guide.

US passport after naturalization

N-400 uses the ASC photo. A later passport application needs its own 2×2 print or digital upload under State Department rules — US passport guide.

Before and after PA-2025-29

Quick decision tree

• Filing I-485 / I-90 / N-400 / N-600 domestically? Do not buy or submit photos. Wait for ASC. If you also need a passport or DS-160, prepare those separately.
• Consular immigrant visa interview? Prepare 2×2 prints per the post packet.
• DS-160? Square JPEG ≤240 KB.
• I-765 / I-131? Read current uscis.gov instructions for your filing.

Frequently asked questions

Do I still need to mail 2×2 photos with Form I-485?

Usually no for domestic filings after PA-2025-29. USCIS captures a new photograph at the ASC biometrics appointment and does not use self-submitted photos. Confirm the current form instructions on uscis.gov.

Can I use a passport photo for my green card application?

For domestic I-485, the USCIS photo is taken at ASC — a drugstore pack is not the submission path. You may still need a separate passport photo for a US passport, or a DS-160 file for a nonimmigrant visa.

Where should I make a photo if I am filing I-485 or N-400?

Attend your ASC appointment for the USCIS photo. If you also need a passport or DS-160 file, use US Passport or US Visa.

Does Form I-765 still need a self-submitted photo?

Under PA-2025-29, USCIS does not use self-submitted photographs. For many EAD cases USCIS may reuse a recent ASC photo (within 36 months) or require a new biometrics appointment. Follow the current I-765 instructions on uscis.gov.

Can I bring my own photo to the ASC appointment?

No. ASC staff use their own equipment. They will not accept or scan self-prepared drugstore prints.

Do I need photos for the green card interview?

For domestic I-485 interviews at a USCIS field office, no — USCIS already has your ASC photo. For consular immigrant visa interviews abroad, yes — bring printed 2×2 photos per the post’s instructions.

Can I use PixID for the ASC photo?

No. PixID prepares files you upload or print yourself. The ASC photo is captured by USCIS staff. PixID is for passport, DS-160, or consular visa photos — not for domestic filings covered by PA-2025-29.

What if I already bought I-485 photos at CVS?

You can reuse compliant prints for other purposes (passport, DS-160 layout, or backup), but do not mail them with a domestic I-485. USCIS will not use self-submitted photographs for that filing.

Last updated August 2026. Policies change — verify at uscis.gov before filing.

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