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.
OCI Card Photo Requirements (USA)
| Size | 51x51mm (2x2 inches) |
| Background | Plain white (not off-white) |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Digital upload | 200x200 to 500x500 pixels, max 500KB, JPEG |
| Photos needed | 2 prints + 1 digital |
OCI Photo Prices in USA
Getting passport-style photos in the US is expensive. Here’s what major retailers charge for the same 2x2 inch photos:
| Where | Price | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| CVS | $16.99 | 2 |
| Walgreens | $14.99 | 2 |
| Walmart | $7.44 | 2 |
| 1 Dollar Passport Photo | $1.35 | 6 |
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
OCI photo requirements (note: separate from the new ICAO 35×45mm Indian passport spec adopted in September 2025):
- Size: 51×51mm (2×2 inches) — Square format, same as US passport photos
- Background: Plain white only — Must be pure white, not off-white. Our tool automatically removes any background and replaces it with compliant white
- No glasses — OCI does not permit glasses in photos, even prescription glasses
- Head size: 70-80% of photo height — Our tool automatically crops to the correct positioning
- Recent photo (within 6 months) — Must reflect your current appearance
Digital upload specs
For the OCI online portal, you need a JPEG file, 200x200 to 500x500 pixels, maximum 500KB, white background. Our tool provides both digital and print-ready files.
How to Get OCI Photos for $1.35
Take a photo with your phone
Any background works — our tool removes it. Use natural light, face the camera directly, neutral expression, no glasses.
Upload to our tool ($1)
Select 'OCI Card' as your document type. Automatic background removal, head positioning validation, and formatting to exact specs.
Download digital + print file
You get the digital file for the OCI portal upload, plus a 4x6 sheet with 6 photos for printing.
Print at CVS/Walgreens ($0.35)
Upload the 4x6 file to CVS Photo or Walgreens online. Select '4x6 print' and pick up same day. Cut out your photos.
VFS Global Appointment Tips
When you visit the VFS Global center for your OCI application, bring:
- 2 physical photos (51x51mm / 2x2 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.
Official source
For the latest OCI card requirements and application updates, visit the OCI Services Portal managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size photo do I need for OCI card in USA?
OCI card photos must be 51×51mm (2×2 inches) square — the same size as US passport photos. Note: Indian passport photos changed to 35×45mm under the ICAO standard from September 2025, so an OCI photo is no longer the same size as a current Indian passport photo. For OCI portal upload: 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 (51x51mm) for the VFS appointment, plus a digital photo for the online application. Our $1 download includes both the digital file and a printable 4x6 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: 51x51mm size, white background, correct head positioning, printed on photo paper. We recommend printing at CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart photo centers.
Skip the $17 CVS Fee
Get 6 compliant OCI photos for $1.35 total. Same specs as CVS, accepted at VFS Global, 92% savings.
Create OCI Photo — $1OCI uses the 51×51mm square format (same as US passport, but different from the new 35×45mm Indian passport)