US Green Card Photo Specifications

Getting a United State Green card, or I-551 card, is the dream of many people from around the world. The chance to come to the United States and to live and work as a permanent resident is the kind of promise that this country was founded on.

If you’re applying for a US green card then you need to make sure that the photo specifications are met according to the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration. If you’re photo is not exactly as it needs to be then you’re application could be denied.

For most intents and purposes, the specifications for US green card, visa and passport photo are the same. They are:

  • Photos must be in color and on matte or glossy photo quality paper.
  • 2 x2 inches or 51mm x 51mm in size.
  • The head must be 1 inch to 1 3/8 inch in sized (this counts from the top of the head to bottom of the chin) within the 2 inch photo.
  • The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months of application.
  • The background must be plain white or off-white. No designs even if it matches the background color.
  • You must be directly facing the camera.
  • Your eyes must be open and no facial expression, i.e. no smiles or frowns.
  • However, where the difference occurs is with the Diversity Visa Lottery that the US Immigration holds. Here are the main differences. Remember, failure to precisely follow the instructions will result in your application being denied.

The Diversity Lottery applications are an online submission format. Every person who is applying for the green card must be included on the application.

  • The image must be in JPEG format.
  • You must submit in color. Monochrome will not be accepted.
  • Resolution must be at 300 pixels per inch when scanned, or 12 pixels per millimeter.
  • If you are using a photographic print to submit for the application then the image must be 2 inches by 2 inches.
  • The maximum image size for submission is 240 kB
  • 600×600 pixels in dimension for online application