Australia Visa Photo (35×45 mm) Requirements and Size Guide
Everything you need to know about Australia visa photo requirements, including exact dimensions, background colour, pose rules, and how to take a compliant visa photo at home for tourist, student, work, partner, and other visa subclass applications.
Australia Visa Photo Specifications
Requirement
Specification
Country
Australia
Document Type
Visa (Tourist, Student, Work, Partner, etc.)
Photo Size
35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm / 1.38 × 1.77 inches)
Accepted Size Range
35–40 mm wide × 45–50 mm high
Face Size (Chin to Crown)
32–36 mm (1.25–1.41 inches)
Background Colour
Plain white or light grey
Resolution (DPI)
600
Digital Photo Size
826 × 1062 pixels minimum
Number of Photos Required
Online: 1 digital photo • Paper: 2 printed photos
Colour
Colour only
Recency
Taken within the last 6 months
Australia Visa Photo Size Diagram
Key measurements: The photo must be 35–40 mm wide × 45–50 mm high. Your face (from chin to crown of head) must measure 32–36 mm. There should be 3–5 mm of space between the top of your head and the upper edge of the photo.
Don't worry about getting the perfect photo. Upload any photo taken at home, and our AI-powered tool will automatically crop to the correct 35×45 mm size, remove and replace the background, adjust the face size, and ensure your photo meets all official Australia visa photo requirements.
Detailed Australia Visa Photo Requirements
The Australian Department of Home Affairs has specific requirements for visa photos. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.
Photo Basics
Your photo must be in colour
Must be a recent photo, taken within the last 6 months
Must be clear, sharp and in focus
No retouching — do not remove moles, wrinkles, scars, or red eyes
No red-eye in the photo
Must reflect your current appearance
Size and Dimensions
Standard photo size: 35 × 45 mm (accepted range: 35–40 mm × 45–50 mm)
Your face (chin to crown of head): 32–36 mm
Space above your head: 3–5 mm
Printed on photo-quality paper (for paper applications)
Pose and Expression
Face the camera directly — head not tilted or turned
Neutral expression — no smiling, laughing, or frowning
Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
Keep your mouth closed
Hair off your face so the edges of your face are visible
Shoulders must be visible
Background
Plain white or light grey background
Background must contrast with your face
No patterns, shadows, or objects visible
Glasses
Glasses are NOT allowed in Australian visa photos since 1 July 2018. This rule applies to all Australian government identification photos including visa applications. The only exception is a signed medical certificate — vision impairment alone is NOT an acceptable reason.
Head Coverings
Head coverings are only allowed for religious reasons
Must be plain material without patterns (even small patterns are not allowed)
Your full face must be visible from chin to forehead
Both edges of your face must be visible
Clothing
Wear normal everyday clothing
Do not wear uniforms
Avoid white or light tops that blend with the background
Digital Photo Requirements (Online Applications)
Format: JPEG
File size: 70 KB – 3.5 MB
Preferred resolution: 1200 × 1600 pixels
Minimum resolution: 826 × 1062 pixels
Upload through ImmiAccount when lodging your visa application online
Paper Application Requirements
Provide 2 identical printed photos
Printed on photo-quality paper
Write your name on the back of each photo in capital letters
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Australia visa photo at home using your smartphone.
1
Use a Smartphone or Digital Camera
Any modern smartphone camera (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, etc.) can take a visa-quality photo. Clean the lens and set to the highest resolution. Use a tripod or ask someone to help — avoid selfies.
2
Find Good Lighting
Stand facing a window with natural daylight for even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight and harsh shadows. Use multiple indoor lights to eliminate shadows.
Tip: Don't worry if your background isn't perfect. Our AI tool will automatically replace it with the required white or light grey.
3
Dress Appropriately
Wear normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops. Keep hair off your face so edges are visible. Remember — no glasses since July 2018.
4
Pose Correctly
Stand about 1.5 metres from the camera. Head facing directly forward, shoulders relaxed, head level. Your face and shoulders must be visible.
5
Maintain a Neutral Expression
Neutral expression with mouth closed, both eyes open. No smiling, laughing, or frowning.
Good and Bad Examples of Australia Visa Photos
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable visa photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is an Australia visa photo?
An Australia visa photo must be 35–40 mm wide by 45–50 mm high. The standard size is 35×45 mm. Your face (chin to crown of head) must measure 32–36 mm.
Can I wear glasses in my Australia visa photo?
No. Since 1 July 2018, glasses are not permitted in Australian visa photos, even if you wear them every day. This rule applies to all Australian government identification photos. The only exception is for medical reasons with a signed medical certificate.
Can I smile in my Australia visa photo?
No. You must have a neutral expression with your mouth closed. No smiling, laughing, or frowning is permitted.
Can I take my Australia visa photo with my phone?
Yes! You can take your visa photo with any smartphone. Upload it to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop, resize, remove the background, and ensure it meets all official Australia visa photo requirements.
What background is required for an Australia visa photo?
Plain white or light grey that contrasts with your face. No patterns, shadows, or objects visible. Our tool will automatically replace your background if needed.
How many photos do I need for an Australia visa application?
For online applications via ImmiAccount, you need 1 digital photo in JPEG format (70KB–3.5MB). For paper applications submitted at an Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC), you need 2 printed photos.
How recent must my Australia visa photo be?
Your visa photo must be taken within the last 6 months and should reflect your current appearance.
Can I wear a head covering in my Australia visa photo?
Head coverings are only allowed for religious reasons. They must be plain without patterns, and your full face from chin to forehead and both edges must be clearly visible.
