Australian Visa Photo Requirements (2026)
Australian visa photos must be 35×45mm with a white or light background. Glasses are banned (since January 2024), smiling is not allowed, and your expression must be completely neutral. These specs apply to all visa subclasses — Working Holiday, Student, Tourist, and Skilled Worker.
Australian Visa Photo Specs
| Size | 35mm × 45mm (1.38 × 1.77 inches) |
| Background | White or light-coloured |
| Expression | Neutral — no smiling |
| Glasses | NOT allowed (banned January 2024) |
| Digital upload | JPEG, 420×540px min, 50KB–500KB |
Australian visa photos must be 35mm × 45mm with a plain white background, no glasses, and a completely neutral expression — no smiling allowed. These specifications are set by the Department of Home Affairs and apply to every visa subclass: Working Holiday (417/462), Student (500), Tourist (600), Skilled Worker (482), and all other categories. Getting the photo wrong delays your application by weeks.
Glasses Banned Since January 2024
Australia no longer allows glasses in any identity photo, including visa photos. If your previous visa or passport photo included glasses, the rules have changed. Remove all glasses before taking your photo.
Full Specifications
| Photo size | 35mm × 45mm (1.38 × 1.77 inches) |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 32mm to 36mm |
| Background | White or light-coloured (plain, no shadows) |
| Expression | Neutral — mouth closed, no smiling |
| Glasses | NOT allowed (banned January 2024) |
| Eyes | Open, looking directly at camera |
| Head position | Straight, facing forward, no tilt |
| Photo age | Taken within last 6 months |
| Digital format | JPEG |
| Digital resolution | Minimum 420 × 540 pixels |
| Digital file size | 50KB to 500KB |
| Print paper | Photo-quality paper (if submitting physical copies) |
How Is This Different from an Australian Passport Photo?
The photo specifications are identical. Australian visa and passport photos use the same dimensions (35×45mm), same background (white), same expression rules (neutral, no smiling), and the same glasses ban (since January 2024). If you have a recent passport photo, you can use it for your visa.
The difference is in the submission process:
| Aspect | Passport photo | Visa photo |
|---|---|---|
| Specifications | 35×45mm, white, no glasses | 35×45mm, white, no glasses |
| Upload portal | photos.gov.au | ImmiAccount (online.immi.gov.au) |
| File size limit | 50KB–500KB | 50KB–500KB |
| Physical copies needed | Yes (for in-person applications) | Rarely (most visas are fully online) |
Practical Tip
Most Australian visa applications are processed entirely online through ImmiAccount. You upload a digital photo and never need to submit a printed copy. This is different from many countries where you bring printed photos to an appointment.
Which Visa Types Require This Photo?
Every Australian visa subclass uses the same photo format:
Working visas: Working Holiday (subclass 417), Work and Holiday (462), Skilled Worker (482), Employer Nomination (186), Skilled Independent (189).
Study visas: Student (500), Student Guardian (590), Training (407).
Travel visas: Tourist/Visitor (600), eVisitor (651), ETA (601), Transit (771).
Family visas: Partner (820/801), Prospective Marriage (300), Parent (143/173), Child (101).
Other: Global Talent (858), Business Innovation (188), Distinguished Talent (124).
The photo specifications are identical across all subclasses. One compliant photo works for any visa type.
Digital Upload: ImmiAccount
Australian visa applications are submitted through ImmiAccount (online.immi.gov.au). When you reach the photo upload step:
- Format: JPEG (.jpg)
- Minimum resolution: 420 × 540 pixels
- File size: 50KB to 500KB
- Background: White or light-coloured
- Colour space: sRGB
The system runs automated validation on your uploaded photo. Photos with glasses, wrong backgrounds, or incorrect dimensions will be flagged and rejected.
File Size Limits Are Strict
ImmiAccount rejects files under 50KB (too low quality) and over 500KB (too large). If your photo file is too large, reduce the resolution or compression. Our tool outputs files within this range automatically.
For passport-specific applications, a separate portal — photos.gov.au — is used instead. The file specifications are the same, but the portals are different systems.
Common Rejection Reasons
1. Smiling (Most Common)
Smiling accounts for roughly 25% of Australian photo rejections. Even a subtle closed-mouth smile is flagged by the automated system. Keep your face completely relaxed with a neutral expression.
2. Glasses in Photo
Many applicants don’t realise Australia changed its glasses policy in January 2024. If your previous visa photo included glasses, you must remove them for your new application. No exceptions without a medical certificate and Department approval.
3. Wrong Background
A non-white or shadowed background triggers automatic rejection. Stand at least half a metre from the wall to avoid casting a shadow. Use a plain white wall or sheet.
4. Wrong Size or Format
Submitting a US-size 2×2 inch photo (51×51mm) instead of the required 35×45mm format is a common mistake, especially for applicants who have previously applied for US visas. The aspect ratio is completely different.
5. File Too Large or Too Small
ImmiAccount requires files between 50KB and 500KB. Phone cameras often produce files that are too large (several MB). Resize before uploading or use a tool that outputs compliant files.
What’s Allowed vs. Forbidden
Not Allowed
- ✕ Smiling or showing teeth
- ✕ Glasses of any kind (prescription, reading, tinted)
- ✕ Hats, caps, or fashion headwear
- ✕ Raised eyebrows or squinting
- ✕ Head tilted or turned to one side
- ✕ Heavy makeup that changes appearance
- ✕ Coloured contact lenses
- ✕ Filters, retouching, or digital alteration
Required / Allowed
- ✓ Neutral expression, mouth closed
- ✓ Eyes open, looking directly at camera
- ✓ Face straight and centred (no tilt or turn)
- ✓ Natural makeup (light, non-dramatic)
- ✓ Religious head coverings (hijab, turban, kippah — face fully visible)
- ✓ Small earrings or hearing aids
Where to Get Your Photo
In Australia
- Australia Post: Most branches offer passport and visa photos. ~A$20 per set. Staff are trained on current requirements.
- Photo-Me booths: Self-service booths in shopping centres and train stations. ~A$15–20.
- Officeworks: Can print custom-size photos from your digital file.
- Photo studios: A$20–40. Professional lighting and posing.
Overseas
If you’re applying from outside Australia, look for a local photo studio that can produce 35×45mm photos with a white background. Many studios default to their local country’s format — specify the Australian standard explicitly.
Online (Anywhere)
Upload a photo to our tool and we format it to exact 35×45mm Australian specs with a white background. A$1.50 ($1 USD) for the digital file. Upload directly to ImmiAccount or print at any photo printer.
| Method | Price | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Dollar Passport Photo + print | ~A$1.50 | 5 minutes |
| Photo-Me booth | A$15–20 | 5 minutes |
| Australia Post | ~A$20 | 10–15 minutes |
| Photo studio | A$20–40 | 15–30 minutes |
Government Source
Official Source
Australian Passport Office — Photo Requirements https://www.passports.gov.au
ImmiAccount — Online Visa Applications https://online.immi.gov.au
Visa photo specifications follow the same standards as passport photos, as set by the Department of Home Affairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size photo do I need for an Australian visa?
Australian visa photos must be 35mm wide × 45mm tall (1.38 × 1.77 inches). Your head should measure 32-36mm from chin to crown. This is the same size as Australian passport photos and most European passport photos.
Is the Australian visa photo the same as a passport photo?
The specifications are identical: 35×45mm, white background, no glasses, neutral expression. The difference is in how you submit: visa photos are uploaded through ImmiAccount, while passport photos go through photos.gov.au.
Can I wear glasses in an Australian visa photo?
No. Australia banned glasses in all identity photos — including visa photos — in January 2024. This applies to prescription glasses, reading glasses, and sunglasses. Medical exemptions require a doctor's certificate and Department of Home Affairs approval.
Can I smile in my Australian visa photo?
No. Australia requires a completely neutral expression with your mouth closed. No smiling, no teeth showing. This is strictly enforced — smiling is one of the top rejection reasons.
Where do I upload my Australian visa photo?
Visa photos are uploaded through ImmiAccount (online.immi.gov.au) as part of your visa application. The system accepts JPEG files between 50KB and 500KB, minimum 420×540 pixels.
Which Australian visa types need a photo?
All visa subclasses require a photo: Working Holiday (417/462), Student (500), Tourist/Visitor (600), Skilled Worker (482), Partner (820/801), Temporary Skill Shortage, and all other categories. The photo specifications are identical for all visa types.
What background colour for an Australian visa photo?
White or light-coloured background. White is the safest choice. The background must be plain with no patterns, shadows, or textures. Light grey may be accepted but white is recommended to avoid issues with automated checks.
Create Your Australian Visa Photo Now
Upload a photo and get a compliant 35×45mm file in minutes. White background applied automatically. Works for ImmiAccount upload or printing.
Create My Visa Photo~A$1.50 (~$1 USD). Photos never leave your device.