USCIS photo online

Make a compliant USCIS passport-style photo for immigration filings (e.g., I-485, I-765 (EAD), I-131/ I-131A, N-400 in certain cases). Our editor guides you to capture a clean, white/off-white background and outputs a 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) headshot with the correct pixels and file type — plus a convenient printable sheet for mailing packages.

USCIS photo online — 2×2 inch immigration photo maker

How the USCIS photo tool works

Upload a recent portrait, pick a preset (USCIS 2×2), and download files ready for online filing (when allowed) or for printing and attaching to your packet.

Upload a recent portrait
Upload or take a photo
Use bright, even light in front of a plain white/off-white wall. We show framing hints so your head size and eye level land in range.
Sizing and compliance checks
Smart sizing
Auto-crop to 2×2 in, check head height, alignment and sharpness, then export a JPEG (sRGB) and a printable sheet.
Final review
Final review
We flag shadows, glare, tilted head, and glasses reflections before you print or submit.

How to take a USCIS-compliant 2×2 photo at home

Camera level and distance

Camera & distance

Keep the camera level at eye height, about an arm’s length away. Center your shoulders and look straight ahead.

Neutral expression and eyes open

Expression & eyes

Neutral expression (or natural closed-mouth smile). Eyes open, no head tilt, no heavy shadows on the face.

White or off-white background with even light

Light & background

Use soft daylight, facing a window. Stand ~1–2 m from a plain white/off-white background to avoid wall texture and shadows.

What to avoid in a USCIS photo

Disallowed elements
No props or hands in frame

No props or obstructions

No hats, headphones, hands, or objects. Keep the whole face clearly visible with even lighting.

Glare and shadows
Avoid glare and harsh shadows

Glasses & glare

Remove glasses to avoid reflections. If medically necessary, use untinted lenses and avoid glare.

Digital alterations
Do not retouch or filter the face

No face edits or filters

Don’t retouch facial features, apply filters, or change your appearance. Capture against a plain background rather than faking it later.

Why use our USCIS photo maker?

Example immigration portrait

Built for immigration packets

Export a compliant USCIS 2×2 photo and a ready-to-print sheet (multiple copies per page). Perfect for applications that still require physical photographs.

We also provide a digital JPEG (sRGB) at the right pixel size for online filing when a form allows uploading a photo.

High acceptance, fewer retakes

Our checks help you meet common passport-style specs: size, head height, eye level, background, and sharpness — minimizing rejections.

If an officer flags a technical issue, you can re-export or re-shoot in minutes.

Sample printable sheet of 2×2 photos

USCIS photo online means producing a passport-style headshot that matches U.S. immigration specs and printing it for your packet (or uploading a file, if the particular form accepts digital photos). Our tool enforces 2×2 inches, white/off-white background guidance, and correct pixel dimensions — the essentials for immigration photos.

Which USCIS forms typically require photos?

  • Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) — checklist calls for two passport-style photographs for each applicant. Check the latest instructions for your category.
  • Form I-765 (Employment Authorization / EAD) — initial evidence list includes two identical passport-style photos (paper filing).
  • Form I-131 (Advance Parole / certain travel docs) — instructions specify two identical color passport-style photos taken recently (details vary by travel doc type).
  • Form I-131A — requires two identical color passport-style photos taken recently.
  • Form N-400 (Naturalization) — if filing from outside the United States, provide two passport-style photos; most domestic online filers don’t submit photos.

Core specifications you should match

  • Size: 2×2 inches (51×51 mm).
  • Head height: between 1 in and 1⅜ in (from bottom of chin to top of head).
  • Background: plain white or off-white, evenly lit, no patterns or shadows.
  • Recency: taken within the last few months and reflecting your current appearance.
  • Format: color JPEG (sRGB) for digital; for paper, print on photo-quality paper (matte or glossy / thin glossy per form guidance).
  • No alterations: don’t digitally alter facial features or “fake” the background — capture it correctly at the time of shooting.

Digital vs. printed photos for USCIS

  • Printed photos are still common for paper-filed packets (attach to forms with your name/A-Number as instructed).
  • Digital uploads may be used on certain online filings; always follow the specific form’s current instructions.
  • Our editor exports both: a digital file and a printable sheet of 2×2’s you can cut and attach.

Pro tips for immigration headshots

  • Lighting: face a window; avoid down-lighting that creates eye-socket shadows.
  • Clothing: everyday attire; avoid white shirts against a white background for better separation.
  • Glasses: remove to prevent glare; tinted lenses are not allowed unless medically necessary.
  • Kids & infants: eyes should be open and face forward; no hands, toys, or blankets covering the face.

Ready to start?

Click “Create my USCIS photo”. Upload your picture and get a compliant USCIS photo online in minutes — with both digital and printable outputs for your immigration filing.