International Graduate Student Services
DHS Photo Specifications for OPT and Other Immigration Benefit Applications

(Effective August 1, 2004)

Your photographs must be:

• 2x2 inches in size
• Identical to each other
• Taken within the past 6 months, showing current appearance
• Color or black and white
• Full face, front view with a plain white or off-white background
• Between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
• Taken in the type of clothes you usually wear
• Uniforms should not be worn in photographs except religious attire that is worn daily.
• Do not wear a hat or headgear that obscures the hair or hairline.
• If you normally wear prescription glasses, a hearing device, wig or similar articles, they should be worn for your picture.
• Dark glasses or nonprescription glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable unless you need them for medical reasons. A medical certificate may be required.

NOTE: Vending machine photos are not generally acceptable

Composition Checklist
Steps to Successful Photos:

• Frame subject with full face, front view, eyes open
• Make sure photo presents full head from top of hair to bottom of chin; height of head should measure 1 inch to 1-3/8 inches (25 mm to 35 mm)
• Center head within frame
• Make sure eye height is between 1-1/8 inches to 1-3/8 inches (28 mm and 35 mm) from bottom of photo
• Photograph subject against a plain white or off-white background
• Position subject and lighting so that there are no distracting shadows on the face or background
• Encourage subject to have a natural expression
• Print photo on thin photo paper or stock.
• Ensure the print is clear and has a continuous-tone quality.
• Do not retouch or otherwise enhance or soften photo.

Visit the homepage of USCIS for more information about photo specifications.