OCI Card Photo Requirements (USA)
| Size | 51×51mm (2×2 inches) |
| Background | Plain white (not off-white) |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Digital upload | 200×200 to 500×500 pixels, max 500KB, JPEG |
| Photos needed | 2 prints + 1 digital |
Same size as US passport photo. CVS: $16.99 → Our tool: $1.35 total (6 photos)
OCI Card Photo Requirements for USA Applicants
Applying for OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) from the United States? You'll need photos that meet specific requirements for the online portal and your VFS Global appointment. Here's exactly what you need—and how to save $15 on photos.
The Short Version
OCI photos are 2×2 inches (51×51mm)—identical to US passport photos. CVS charges $16.99 for 2 photos. You can get 6 photos for $1.35 using our tool ($1) + CVS printing ($0.35). Same specs, same acceptance, 92% savings.
OCI Photo Prices in USA
Getting passport-style photos in the US is expensive. Here's what major retailers charge for the same 2×2 inch photos:
| Where | Price | Photos | Per Photo |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVS | $16.99 | 2 | $8.50 |
| Walgreens | $14.99 | 2 | $7.50 |
| Walmart | $7.44 | 2 | $3.72 |
| 1 Dollar Passport Photo | $1.35 | 6 | $0.23 |
For a family of four applying for OCI together, that's $68 at CVS vs $5.40 with our tool. The photos are identical—same size, same specs, same acceptance at VFS Global.
Detailed OCI Photo Requirements
The OCI photo requirements are the same as Indian passport photos. Here's exactly what you need:
Size: 51×51mm (2×2 inches)
Square format, same as US passport photos. This makes it easy—if you have a recent US passport photo, it may work for OCI too.
Background: Plain white only
Must be pure white—not off-white, not light gray. Our tool automatically removes any background and replaces it with compliant white.
No glasses
Unlike some other documents, OCI does not permit glasses in photos—even prescription glasses. Remove them before taking your photo.
Head size: 50-69% of photo height
Face should occupy roughly half to two-thirds of the frame. Our AI automatically crops to the correct positioning.
Recent photo (within 6 months)
The photo must reflect your current appearance. If you've significantly changed your hairstyle, grown/shaved facial hair, etc., take a new photo.
Digital upload specs: For the OCI online portal, you need a JPEG file, 200×200 to 500×500 pixels, maximum 500KB, white background. Our tool provides both digital and print-ready files.
How to Get OCI Photos for $1.35
Here's the simple process that saves you $15+ compared to CVS:
- 1
Take a photo with your phone
Any background works—our AI removes it. Use natural light, face the camera directly, neutral expression, no glasses.
- 2
Upload to our tool ($1)
Select "OCI Card" as your document type. AI removes background, validates head positioning, and formats to exact specs.
- 3
Download digital + print file
You get the digital file for the OCI portal upload, plus a 4×6 sheet with 6 photos for printing.
- 4
Print at CVS/Walgreens ($0.35)
Upload the 4×6 file to CVS Photo or Walgreens online. Select "4×6 print" and pick up same day. Cut out your photos.
Then print at any drugstore for $0.35
VFS Global Appointment Tips
When you visit the VFS Global center for your OCI application, bring:
- ✓ 2 physical photos (51×51mm / 2×2 inches) printed on photo paper
- ✓ Printed application form with barcode from the OCI portal
- ✓ Original documents plus self-attested copies
- ✓ Payment receipt from online fee payment
Pro tip: Bring extra photos. VFS occasionally requests additional photos, and it's better to have spares than to delay your application. With our 6-photo sheet, you'll have plenty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size photo do I need for OCI card in USA?
OCI card photos for USA applications must be 51×51mm (2×2 inches)—the same size as US and Indian passport photos. For digital upload on the OCI portal: minimum 200×200 pixels, maximum 500KB, JPEG format, white background.
Can I use my US passport photo for OCI application?
Yes, US passport photos are the same size as OCI photos (2×2 inches / 51×51mm). However, OCI requires a pure white background (not off-white), and glasses are not permitted. If your passport photo has these issues, you'll need a new one.
Where can I get OCI photos in USA?
You can get OCI photos at CVS ($16.99), Walgreens ($14.99), or Walmart ($7.44). Or use our online tool for $1, then print at any drugstore for $0.35—total $1.35 for 6 photos instead of 2.
How many photos do I need for OCI application?
You need 2 physical passport photos (51×51mm) for the VFS appointment, plus a digital photo for the online application. Our $1 download includes both the digital file and a printable 4×6 sheet with 6 photos.
Will VFS Global accept photos I print myself?
Yes, VFS Global accepts self-printed photos as long as they meet the specifications: 51×51mm size, white background, correct head positioning, printed on photo paper. We recommend printing at CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart photo centers.
Related Pages
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