A US passport is given to US people who want to go to other countries by the Department of State. A Green Card, which is also known as a Permanent Resident Card, is given to people who want to live and work in the United States forever by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Both documents have your picture which is above your shoulder to prove who you are, and these pictures have some standard rules.
In your mind, there may be a lot of questions about these photos, such as, are both Green Card photos and passport photos the same? If I have one of them, can I use it for another?
In this blog, we will provide deep details about these photos that help remove your doubt.
What Are The Requirement For US Passport Photo
Here are photo tips from the Department of State.
- The passport image must be in color and taken within the last 6 months. Selfies are not allowed, and the photo must be taken from high-quality cameras for a clear and sharp picture.
- The size of a passport photo on paper must be 2″ x 2″ (51 x 51 mm) for in-person or mail application. The picture for the digital passport needs to be 600 x 600 pixels, with equal width and length. It should also be at least 54 kb in size and JPEG format.
- The background should be white and off-white, and there are no shadows, textures, or patterns in the background.
- The picture should be printed clearly on shiny or smooth paper without any visible dots or squares. The picture should be real and not edited or changed, with special effects often used on social media.
- Pick clothes that are different from the background color. Neutral or light colors are the most suitable. Do not wear clothes that have lots of patterns or logos on them.
- Remove accessories like hats and glasses. Religious head coverings may be allowed, but they must not obscure your face.
Green Card Photo Requirements
Here are the Green Card photo tips from the Department of State.
- The size of the photo must be 2″ x 2″, with a head height of 1.29″ and a height of 1.18″ from the bottom edge to the eye line. The background color should be either white or off-white.
- The digital photo should be at least 301 dpi and be in JPEG format. The width and height should be between 600 and 1200 pixels. The file should be at most 240 kb.
- Wear clothes that are different from the background, preferably in one color. Don’t wear things with patterns, logos, or flashy jewelry.
- Keep your face relaxed with your lips together and your eyes wide open. USCIS does not allow showing any facial expressions or smiles.
- The Green Card photo must be taken within the last six months. You should remove accessories like glasses, headphones, headbands, or similar items that are unacceptable to USCIS.
Comparison Between Passport Photo & Green Card Photo
Now, it is clear that Green Cards and US passports have similar rules for their photos. They both need to have the same size, good quality, follow a specific dress code, and be positioned in a certain way.
The only thing that makes these photos different is the version. To apply for a passport, you can submit your application in person or by mail. In either case, you must include a physical printed photo of yourself. However, when applying for a Green Card online, you must upload a digital photo instead.
So, you can use a recent passport-size photo for a Green Card if it was taken in the last 6 months before you applied. But, if it will expire soon or you look different now, you need to get a new one.
Conclusion
Passport photos and Green Card photos are more than just snapshots – they are the keys to unlocking new opportunities and adventures. If you follow the rules and avoid mistakes, you can ensure your photos are accepted quickly and easily.
If you need a professional to take photos that meet these requirements, get in touch with Celebrations 4K. Our photography studio provides different photography and video services in Philadelphia and the nearby areas. To find out more information about us, go to our website.