USCIS announces change in photo requirements for visa applicants

Support migrant centric journalism today and donate

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services, USCIS, announced Aug. 2 it was changing the photo requirements for all visa applicants to the United States. Whereas previously, applicants were required to submit photos of themselves from a three-quarters tilted position, applicants are now required to submit photos of themselves from a full-frontal position where they are looking directly toward the camera.

The change went into effect Aug. 2, 2004.

USCIS said it would accept three-quarter and full-frontal photographs until Sept. 1, 2004, after which time it would only accept full-frontal photographs.

The application process of those who had, by Aug. 2, 2004, already submitted their application materials would not be affected by the changes, the agency said.

All photos submitted must be of the applicant only. Where more than one photo is required, all photos submitted must be identical. All photos must meet the specifications for full frontal passport photos and must be no more than 30 days old when an application is filed.