Work permit photo sizes and printing
A work permit photo must match the instructions for the application you are filing. The document listed here is the U.S. work permit (EAD) photo, also called the USCIS Employment Authorization Document photo.
What work permit photos have in common
A photo for an application helps identify you. The authority that handles the application sets its own size and photo rules, so do not assume that a photo for one permit or country will work for another. Check the instructions for your exact application before you take or print a photo.
This category currently lists one document: the U.S. work permit (EAD) photo. Its measurements and rules below come from the USCIS Form I-765 instructions. The U.S. Department of State passport photo page is a separate set of instructions; it also gives a 2 × 2 inch size and a 25–35 mm head height, but it is for passport applications, not a work permit application.[1][2]
Choose the size for your application
For the U.S. work permit (EAD), use a square photo that measures 2 × 2 inches (50.8 × 50.8 mm). The head height, measured from chin to top of head, must be 25.4–34.9 mm. The eye height, measured up from the bottom of the photo, must be 28.6–34.9 mm. These measurements apply to the photo requirements in the Form I-765 instructions; check the instructions for your eligibility category.[1]
The verified facts do not provide an exact pixel size, a top margin, or a file-size limit. Check the current application instructions for any image upload requirements.[1]
Set up and take the photo
Pick a plain white or off-white background. Stand in even light and leave space between you and the wall so you can avoid a hard shadow. Ask someone else to take the picture, or place the camera at eye level about 1–1.5 m away. These are practical tips, not official measurements.
Face the camera with a neutral expression and your mouth closed. The verified facts say not to wear glasses. A head covering is allowed only for religious or medical reasons, and your full face must remain visible.[1]
Look at the image before using it. Check that your full head is in frame, your face is clear, and the background looks white or off-white. Retake the photo if the camera is tilted, your head is cut off, the light is uneven, or the image is blurry.
Crop and check the result
Select the U.S. work permit (EAD) photo size in the tool above. Place the crop so the photo is square and the top of your head and chin are visible. Check the head and eye positions against the measurements before you save or print the result.[1]
Keep the original photo file until you have checked the crop. The tool above can prepare a print sheet, but the application authority decides whether a photo meets its rules. A correctly sized crop cannot fix a photo with poor lighting, a covered face, glasses, or the wrong background.
Print the photo sheet
The print sheet is designed for an ordinary 4 × 6-inch photo print. At a kiosk, choose the 4 × 6-inch print option and print the sheet at its actual size. Turn off options such as “fit to page” or “fill,” which can change the dimensions.
After printing, measure one cut-out with a ruler. It should be 2 × 2 inches (50.8 × 50.8 mm). Check the head size as well: 25.4–34.9 mm from chin to top of head. If either measurement is off, check the print setting and make a new print.[1]
Before you submit
Check the instructions for your eligibility category to see whether you must submit printed photos. The I-765 instructions require two identical color passport-style photos for categories covered by their photo section.[1]
There is no file-size limit listed in the facts for this photo. Do not rely on a limit from another application. Check the current USCIS instructions before submitting, and make sure the photo is recent enough for the application rules. The verified facts provided here do not specify a photo validity period.[1]
Frequently asked questions
What size photo do I need for a U.S. work permit?
The U.S. work permit (EAD) photo is 2 × 2 inches (50.8 × 50.8 mm). The head must measure 25.4–34.9 mm from chin to top of head.[1]
Can I wear glasses in an EAD photo?
No. The listed EAD photo rule says no glasses.[1]
What background should I use for a work permit photo?
Use white or off-white for the U.S. work permit (EAD) photo.[1]
Can I print the photo at a kiosk?
You can print the prepared sheet as a 4 × 6-inch photo. Print at actual size, then measure a cut-out to check it is 2 × 2 inches. The application authority decides whether it meets the rules.
Is there a required pixel size or file-size limit?
The verified facts do not set an exact pixel size or a file-size limit for the U.S. work permit (EAD) photo. Check the current USCIS instructions for your filing method.[1]