USCIS captures biometrics in person for most applications, so a photo you prepare yourself is only needed in specific cases. This page explains which ones, what the file must be, and how many prints to bring.
Check My Green Card Photo — $4.992×2 in · head 25–35 mm · plain background · two identical prints for I-485
First, do you even need one?
For most green card applications, USCIS takes your fingerprints, signature and photograph at an Application Support Center. If that applies to you, you do not need to supply a photo at all — you just show up.
Some forms still ask for physical photos with the paper filing. Form I-485 is the main one: it requires two identical passport-style photographs regardless of the biometrics appointment. If you are filing I-485, prepare the prints.
Always read the instructions for the specific form you are filing. The requirement varies by form, not by immigration category.
I-485 specifics
These come from the I-485 instructions themselves, not from a photo guide.
| Requirement | This document |
|---|---|
| Number of photos | Two identical colour photographs |
| Print size | 2 × 2 in |
| Head height | 1 to 1 3/8 in · 25–35 mm, top of hair to bottom of chin |
| Eye height (from bottom) | 1 1/8 to 1 3/8 in · 28–35 mm |
| Background | White to off-white |
| Paper | Thin paper with a glossy finish |
| Mounting | Unmounted and unretouched |
| Back of each photo | Name and A-Number in pencil or felt pen |
| Headwear | Bare head unless required by your religion |
| Photo age | Taken recently |
The current instructions say the photos must be taken "recently" without naming a number of days. Older editions said 30 days. Staying within 6 months is the safe reading.
Comparison
Almost. The 2×2 inch size and the head-height range are identical. The differences that matter are practical:
Cost
The file is the hard part. Printing it is cheap.
| Options | Price | Compliant check | Digital file | Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Photo studio | $15–$20 | Staff judgement | Sometimes | Varies |
| CVS / Walgreens | $16.99 | Staff judgement | No | No |
| Print a photo you took | $0.35 | None | No | No |
| PhotoCleared | $4.99 | 18 automated checks | 600×600 JPEG + print sheets (4×6, A4, Letter) | Free redo if it fails our check |
Questions
The back. Use pencil or a felt pen so the ink cannot transfer to the face of the photo when stacked. Print your full name and your A-Number if you have one.
Then the name alone is enough. The A-Number is the USCIS alien registration number, printed on any previous approval notice.
The measurements are the same, so the crop carries over. But the prints are used for different filings — keep a few copies rather than reusing the actual two prints.
The current I-485 instructions say recently. Practically, use a photo from the last six months: USCIS can request a new one if your appearance has changed.
Ready when you are
600×600 file plus a 4×6 sheet with six 2×2 copies — enough for I-485 and the forms filed alongside it.
