CVS Green Card Photo: What You Need to Know
CVS charges $16.99 for 2 photos. USCIS applications often need 4-6 photos. Here's how to get all the photos you need for $1.
30-Day Rule
Unlike passport photos (6 months), USCIS prefers green card photos taken within 30 days of filing. Older photos can trigger an RFE and delay your case.
How Many Photos Do You Need?
| Form | Purpose | Photos Needed |
|---|---|---|
| I-485 | Adjustment of Status (Green Card) | 2 |
| I-765 | EAD (Work Permit) | 2 |
| I-131 | Advance Parole (Travel Document) | 2 |
| Concurrent filing total | 6 | |
Most green card applicants file I-485 + I-765 + I-131 together (concurrent filing). That's 6 photos minimum.
The CVS Math Problem
CVS Route
- 2 photos (first set) $16.99
- 2 more photos $16.99
- 2 more photos $16.99
- Total for 6 photos $50.97
+ 3 trips to CVS
Our Route
- 6 photos (4×6 sheet) $1.00
- Print at CVS $0.35
- Total for 6 photos $1.35
1 quick CVS pickup
Savings for concurrent filing
$49.62
That's 97% off CVS prices for 6 photos
USCIS Green Card Photo Requirements
Technical Specs
- Size: 2×2 inches (51×51mm)
- Head size: 1 to 1-3/8 inches (50-69% of frame)
- Background: Plain white or off-white
- Recency: Within 30 days of filing
Not Allowed
- Glasses — Banned since Nov 1, 2016
- Retouching — No filters or AI enhancement
- Smiling — Neutral expression only
- Head coverings — Unless religious
DV Lottery Winners
Critical Deadline
Your entire adjustment of status process must complete by September 30 of your lottery's fiscal year. Visas cannot carry over to the next year.
You'll need 2 photos for I-485 + 2 more for your USCIS interview. Don't let photo delays cost you your green card.
CVS Green Card Photo FAQ
Does CVS take green card photos?
Yes. Green card photos have the same specs as passport photos (2x2 inches, white background), so CVS passport photo service works. Just ask for "passport photos." Cost is $16.99-$17.99 for 2 prints.
How many photos do I need for my green card application?
USCIS requires 2 photos for Form I-485. If filing concurrently with I-765 (EAD) and I-131 (travel document), you need 2 photos per form = 6 total. At CVS, that's 3 visits or ~$25+ for extra prints.
Do green card photos need to be taken within 30 days?
Yes—this is stricter than passport photos. USCIS I-485 instructions say photos "must have been taken within 30 days of filing." Photos older than 30 days can trigger an RFE (Request for Evidence).
Can I use my passport photo for green card application?
Only if it's less than 30 days old. Passport photos are valid for 6 months, but USCIS prefers 30-day recency for I-485. If your passport photo is older, take a new one.
Will USCIS take a new photo at my biometrics appointment?
Yes. At your biometrics appointment (4-8 weeks after filing), USCIS captures a new photo, fingerprints, and signature. This photo goes on your actual green card. The photos you submit with I-485 are for processing verification.
What if my CVS green card photo is rejected by USCIS?
USCIS will issue an RFE giving you 30-90 days to submit new photos. This delays your case by weeks or months. With our tool, you can preview compliance before paying—no surprises.
Related Pages
Get All Your USCIS Photos for $1
6 photos on one printable sheet. Perfect for I-485 + I-765 + I-131 concurrent filing. AI validates compliance before you pay.
Get Started
Select country and document type
Only $1 - Free preview before payment
Print at CVS for $0.35