USCIS No Longer Accepts Photos With Applications
Since December 12, 2025, USCIS captures your photo digitally at your biometric appointment. You no longer need to submit passport-style photos with most benefit applications -- including green cards, EADs, and naturalization.
Quick Answer
As of December 12, 2025, do not submit photos with Form I-485, I-765, N-400, I-90, or N-600. USCIS now takes your photo at the Application Support Center (ASC) during your biometric appointment. If your printed form instructions say "2 photos," ignore that -- follow the current online guidance at uscis.gov.
What changed and why
On December 12, 2025, USCIS implemented policy alert PA-2025-29, which provides that USCIS will not use or reuse self-submitted photographs. In practice, that ends applicants mailing their own passport-style photos with benefit applications: the photo on your documents now comes from biometrics USCIS captures itself at an Application Support Center (ASC), or from photographs USCIS already has on file.
The reason: fraud prevention. Self-submitted photos were a vulnerability — USCIS had no way to verify that the person in the photo was the same person who showed up. By capturing photos in person at a controlled facility, USCIS ensures the photo on your documents matches the person who applied.
The alert applies to all immigration benefit requests, with one carve-out it states explicitly: Forms N-400, N-600, I-90, and I-485 are listed as exceptions because those four always require the collection of new biometrics, including a new photograph. Either way, no form asks you to submit your own photo anymore.
Which forms are affected
| I-485 (Green card) | No photos needed -- new photo taken at ASC (named in PA-2025-29) |
| I-765 (Employment authorization / EAD) | No photos needed -- USCIS uses photos it captures itself |
| N-400 (Naturalization / citizenship) | No photos needed -- new photo taken at ASC (named in PA-2025-29) |
| I-90 (Green card renewal) | No photos needed -- new photo taken at ASC (named in PA-2025-29) |
| N-600 (Certificate of citizenship) | No photos needed -- new photo taken at ASC (named in PA-2025-29) |
| DS-160 (US visa application) | Still requires photo upload (State Dept, not USCIS) |
PA-2025-29 names only four forms: N-400, N-600, I-90, and I-485. Those are exceptions because they always require new biometrics, including a new photograph. Every other benefit request, I-765 included, falls under the general rule: USCIS will not use or reuse self-submitted photographs.
DS-160 is different
The DS-160 visa application is run by the State Department, not USCIS. If you’re applying for a US visa, you still need to upload a digital photo. See our DS-160 photo guide for specifications.
”But my form says 2 photos”
Many printed USCIS form instructions still say to include two passport-style photographs. These instructions are outdated. The printed forms have not been updated to reflect PA-2025-29.
Follow the current online instructions at uscis.gov, not the printed form. If you’re filing online, the system won’t ask for photos. If you’re filing by mail, do not include photos: USCIS will not use or reuse self-submitted photographs.
What happens at your biometric appointment
After USCIS receives your application, you’ll get a biometric appointment notice (Form I-797C) scheduling you at your local ASC. Here’s what to expect:
- Photo and fingerprints are captured digitally in one visit
- Bring your appointment notice and a government-issued photo ID
- Dress as you normally would — the same passport photo rules apply (no hats, no glasses, neutral expression)
USCIS mails the appointment notice after it receives your application; it does not publish a fixed timeline, so watch your mail and your online case status.
When you WILL still need a passport photo
The USCIS policy change does not affect the State Department, which handles US passports. You will still need a 2x2 inch passport photo when:
Applying for a US passport after getting your green card. Many green card holders apply for a passport after becoming eligible. The passport application (Form DS-11 or DS-82) still requires a physical photo.
Applying for a US passport after naturalization. Once your N-400 is approved and you complete the oath ceremony, you can immediately apply for a US passport. You’ll need a compliant 2x2 photo for that application.
Filing a DS-160 visa application. If you’re applying for a US visa from abroad, the State Department still requires a digital photo upload.
For passport photos, see our US passport photo page for exact specifications, or our DS-160 photo guide for visa applications.
Source
USCIS Policy Alert PA-2025-29, effective December 12, 2025. See uscis.gov/newsroom for the full policy notice.
Related guides
- US Passport Photo — Requirements for your passport application
- US Visa Photo (DS-160) — Digital photo upload guide
- Green Card Photo — Document page for green card photos
- Employment Authorization (EAD) — Document page for EAD photos
- How Many Passport Photos Do I Need? — Photo quantity guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need to mail photos with my I-485?
No. As of December 12, 2025, USCIS no longer accepts photos submitted with I-485 (adjustment of status) applications. Your photo will be captured at your ASC biometric appointment.
What if I already included photos in my application?
USCIS will still process your application normally. Under PA-2025-29, USCIS will not use or reuse self-submitted photographs. You do not need to take any additional action.
Does this apply to applications filed before December 12, 2025?
No. The policy change (PA-2025-29) only applies to applications filed on or after December 12, 2025. If you filed before that date and included photos, your application was processed under the old rules.
Do I still need a photo for a US visa (DS-160)?
Yes. The DS-160 visa application is managed by the State Department, not USCIS. You still need to upload a digital photo when completing your DS-160. See our <a href='/ds-160-photo/'>DS-160 photo guide</a> for requirements.
Will I need a passport photo after getting my green card?
Yes. When you apply for a US passport -- either after getting your green card or after naturalization -- the State Department requires a 2x2 inch passport photo. This is separate from USCIS and is not affected by the policy change.
What if I never receive a biometric appointment notice?
USCIS schedules the ASC appointment after receiving your application and mails you a notice (Form I-797C); it does not publish a fixed timeline for this. If you're worried yours is overdue, check your case status online at egov.uscis.gov or contact the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283.
Do I need a photo for my green card renewal (I-90)?
No. Like other USCIS benefit applications, I-90 (green card renewal or replacement) no longer requires you to submit photos. Your photo is taken at the ASC appointment.
Need a passport photo after your green card?
After USCIS approval, your next step is often a US passport. The State Department still requires a 2x2 inch photo -- create a compliant one with automatic size and background checking.
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