US Green Card Photo (2×2 inch / 51×51 mm) Requirements and Size Guide
Everything you need to know about US Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) photo requirements, including exact dimensions, digital specs for DV Lottery and I-485, background color, pose rules, and how to take a compliant photo at home.
US Green Card Photo Specifications
Requirement
Specification
Country
United States
Document Type
Green Card (Permanent Resident Card)
Photo Size
2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm)
Resolution (DPI)
600
Head Size
1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm), or 50%–69% of image height
Eye Height
56%–69% from bottom of image
Background Color
White or off-white
Printable
Yes
Digital for Online Submission
Yes (DV Lottery: 600×600px; I-485: up to 1000×1000px)
Digital Photo Size
600 × 600 to 1200 × 1200 pixels
Photo Paper Type
Matte or glossy
Color
Color only (24-bit sRGB)
File Format
JPEG
Max File Size
240 KB
Compression Ratio
≤ 20:1
Recency
Taken within the last 6 months
US Green Card Photo Size Diagram
Key measurements: The photo must be exactly 2×2 inches (51×51 mm). Your head must measure between 1 inch and 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head, occupying 50%–69% of the total image height. Your eyes should be positioned at 56%–69% from the bottom of the image.
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 2×2 inch size, remove and replace the background with white, adjust the head size, and ensure your photo meets all official Green Card requirements — including the strict digital specs needed for DV Lottery and I-485 online submission.
Detailed US Green Card Photo Requirements
The US Department of State and USCIS enforce strict photo requirements for Green Card applications, including DV Lottery entries, I-485 Adjustment of Status filings, and consular processing. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.
1. Photo Basics
Your photo must be in color — black and white or grayscale photos are not accepted
Must be a recent photo, taken within the last 6 months
The photo must be clear and in focus, with no blurriness, visible pixels, or pixelation
No digital enhancement or retouching — do not apply filters, airbrush, skin-smooth, or digitally alter your appearance in any way
The original aspect ratio must be preserved — do not stretch, compress, or distort the image
Must reflect your current appearance, including facial hair, weight changes, or piercings
2. Size and Dimensions
Photo size: exactly 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm)
Your head (from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head) must measure between 1 inch and 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm)
Your head must occupy 50% to 69% of the total image height
Your eyes must be positioned between 56% and 69% from the bottom of the image
Printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper
3. Compositional Requirements
Content
The photo must show your full face, neck, and shoulders
Frontal view — you must be facing the camera directly
Maintain a neutral, non-smiling expression with your mouth closed
Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
No body parts below the shoulders should appear in the frame
No other people, pets, or objects visible in the photo
The photo must be vertically oriented (portrait mode)
Head Position
Your head must be directly facing the camera
No tilt or rotation — your head should be level and centered in the frame
Both sides of your face must be equally visible
Background
Use a plain white or off-white background
No dark or patterned backgrounds — solid color only
No textures, patterns, or objects visible behind you
No shadows on your face or behind your head
Sufficient contrast between your face and the background
Focus
The entire face must be in sharp focus
Fine facial features must be clearly recognizable — eyelashes, eyebrows, and skin texture should be visible
No visible pixels or graininess — the image must be smooth and well-defined
4. Digital Image Technical Specifications
For DV Lottery (Diversity Visa) entries and online submission of I-485 applications, your digital photo must meet these technical requirements:
Color space: sRGB — no black and white, grayscale, or CMYK
Compression ratio: 20:1 or less
DV Lottery tip: For the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery entry, a resolution of exactly 600 × 600 pixels is the standard minimum. For I-485 Adjustment of Status filings submitted online via USCIS, images up to 1000 × 1000 pixels are commonly accepted.
5. Scanning a Printed Photo
If you have a printed photo and need to create a digital version for online submission, follow these scanning guidelines:
Scanner resolution: At least 300 DPI (dots per inch)
Output format: JPEG
Maximum file size: 240 KB
Image dimensions: 600 × 600 to 1200 × 1200 pixels, square aspect ratio
Warning: Do not take a photo of your printed photo with a smartphone camera (moiré patterns, glare, and distortion will result). Always use a flatbed scanner for the best quality.
6. Glasses Policy
Glasses are NOT allowed in Green Card photos. You must remove all eyeglasses before the photo is taken, even if you wear them daily. There are no medical exceptions for Green Card photos. Hearing aids are permitted and do not need to be removed.
7. Head Coverings
No hats or head coverings are allowed, with the sole exception of religious headgear that is worn daily
Tribal, military, or airline hats are not permitted, even if worn regularly
If a religious head covering is worn, your full face must still be visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and both sides of your face must be clearly visible
The head covering must not cast shadows on your face
No headphones, earbuds, or wireless hands-free devices
8. Clothing
Wear normal everyday clothing
Do not wear uniforms, except religious clothing that is worn daily
Avoid wearing white or very light-colored tops that may blend with the white background
Camouflage clothing is not permitted
9. Warning: Non-Compliance Consequences
Important: Failure to comply with Green Card photo requirements may result in disqualification from the DV Lottery or significant processing delays for I-485 and consular processing applications. The DV Lottery is particularly strict — non-compliant photos are one of the top reasons for disqualification. Make sure your photo meets every requirement before submitting.
10. Children and Baby Photos
The child must be the only person in the photo — no parent's hands or arms visible
The child's eyes must be open and visible (for children under 1 year old, one or both eyes may be partially closed)
No toys, pacifiers, or other objects visible in the photo
A plain white or off-white sheet may be used as a background for babies lying down
The photo must show the child's full face from chin to top of head
For infants, the photo should capture the child's head and partial shoulders
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant US Green Card photo at home using your smartphone.
1
Use a Smartphone or Digital Camera
Any modern smartphone camera (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, etc.) is more than capable of taking a Green Card-quality photo. Make sure the lens is clean and the camera is set to the highest resolution.
Place your phone on a tripod or ask someone to take the photo for you. Selfies tend to have the wrong angle and distortion.
2
Find Good Lighting
Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows. If using indoor lighting, use multiple light sources from different angles to eliminate shadows.
Tip: Don't worry if your background isn't perfectly white. Our AI tool will automatically remove and replace the background with the required white color.
3
Dress Appropriately
Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops that blend with the background. If you wear religious head coverings daily, you may keep them on as long as your full face is visible.
Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes or cast shadows on your face.
4
Pose Correctly
Stand about 4 feet (1.2 meters) in front of the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head level — not tilted. Ensure your entire face from chin to forehead is visible.
5
Maintain a Neutral Expression
Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. No smiling, squinting, or exaggerated expressions.
Good and Bad Examples of US Green Card Photos
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable Green Card photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a US Green Card photo?
A US Green Card photo must be exactly 2×2 inches (51×51 mm), the same size as a US passport photo. Your head must measure between 1 inch and 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head, occupying 50%–69% of the total image height.
What are the digital photo specs for DV Lottery?
For the DV Lottery (Diversity Visa) entry, your digital photo must be in JPEG format, no larger than 240 KB, at least 600×600 pixels and no more than 1200×1200 pixels, square aspect ratio, 24-bit color in sRGB color space, with a compression ratio of 20:1 or less.
Can I scan a printed photo for my Green Card application?
Yes, you can scan a printed photo for online submission. Use a scanner resolution of at least 300 DPI, save as JPEG format with a maximum file size of 240 KB, and ensure the scanned image is between 600×600 and 1200×1200 pixels with a square aspect ratio. Do not photograph your printed photo with a phone camera, as this introduces glare and distortion.
Are Green Card photo requirements different from passport photos?
The printed photo requirements are the same — 2×2 inches with a white background. However, the digital photo specifications for Green Card applications (especially DV Lottery) are stricter: the file must be JPEG, max 240 KB, 600–1200 pixels square, 24-bit sRGB, and compression ratio no more than 20:1. Standard passport applications do not typically require digital submission with these specs.
Can I wear glasses in my Green Card photo?
No. Glasses are not allowed in Green Card photos. You must remove all eyeglasses before taking the photo, even if you wear them daily. There are no medical exceptions for Green Card photos. Hearing aids, however, are permitted and do not need to be removed.
What head size should my Green Card photo have?
Your head must measure between 50% and 69% of the total image height. In absolute terms, the head size from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head should be 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) in a 2×2 inch printed photo. Additionally, your eyes should be positioned at 56%–69% from the bottom of the image.
Can I digitally enhance or retouch my Green Card photo?
No. You must not digitally enhance, retouch, or modify your photo in any way that changes your appearance. The original aspect ratio must be preserved. No filters, airbrushing, skin smoothing, or any other digital alterations are allowed. Submitting a retouched photo may result in disqualification from the DV Lottery or processing delays.
What file format is required for online submission?
The file must be in JPEG format with a maximum file size of 240 KB and a compression ratio of 20:1 or less. The image must be square (600×600 to 1200×1200 pixels) and in 24-bit sRGB color. No PNG, TIFF, BMP, or other formats are accepted.
