U.S. Refugee Travel Document Photo Guide
Learn how to prepare a correct photo for your U.S. Refugee Travel Document by following official size, background, and submission rules.
Official Size and Head Dimensions
The official photo size is 50.8 by 50.8 millimeters (2 by 2 inches)[1]. The head height must be between 25.4 and 34.925 millimeters, measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head[1]. Follow the full photo instructions for the application.
The instructions also specify an eye-line height of 28.575 to 34.925 millimeters from the bottom of the frame[1].
Background and Lighting Requirements
Your photo must feature a plain background that meets official standards without any distractions. The background description specified by the authority is a white to off-white background[1]. Do not use walls with patterns, textures, or dark colors. Good lighting helps your photo meet these standards cleanly.
Face a bright window or use soft, even indoor lighting to keep the background bright and clear. Shadows behind your head or dark spots on the wall are a frequent reason why authorities refuse a photo. Keep the lighting balanced across your face and the background to avoid uneven tones.
Expression, Glasses, and Head Coverings
Headwear is permitted only for religious or medical reasons[1]. The listed facts do not specify the additional hairline or shadow rules stated here.
The listed instructions do not specify whether glasses are allowed[1].
Submission Rules and Collection Procedures
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services generally collects the photo at your biometrics appointment[1]. However, if you are filing for this document from outside the United States, you must submit two identical printed 2x2-inch color passport-style photographs[1].
For overseas filing, submit two identical printed 2×2-inch color passport-style photos[1]. The listed research says USCIS instructions require at least 3.5 megapixels if a digital photo is submitted and that an applicant-supplied photo must be taken within 30 days[1]. Applicants of all ages may be subject to biometrics[1].
Taking Your Photo at Home Step by Step
You can take your photo at home to prepare for your application process. Stand about one to one and a half meters away from the background and keep the camera lens at your exact eye level. Ask a friend or family member to take the picture instead of holding the device yourself.
This setup prevents awkward arm angles and keeps your head straight. You can use the tool above to crop your picture to the correct size and check your proportions against the official limits. Taking multiple test shots allows you to find the best angle before you finalise your selection.
Preparing and Printing Your Photo at a Kiosk
If you need printed copies for overseas submission, you can format your cropped image into a standard 4 by 6-inch template. Take your digital file to a local photo kiosk and print it as an ordinary 4x6-inch photo.
Check that the two printed photos meet the 2×2-inch size requirement before submitting them[1].
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
The listed facts specify the photo size, head height, eye-line range, and a white-to-off-white background[1]. Applicant-supplied photos must be taken within 30 days[1]. The source facts do not state that any particular mistake automatically leads to refusal.
Check the photo against the size, head-height, eye-line, background, and recency requirements in the instructions[1].
Frequently asked questions
What is the exact official size for the photo?
The official size is 50.8 by 50.8 millimeters, or 2 by 2 inches[1].
Can I wear glasses in my photo?
Glasses are unspecified in the official instructions[1], but removing them helps avoid glare and reflections that might cause a refusal.
What background color do I need?
The official background description is a white to off-white background[1].
Who takes the photo for this travel document?
USCIS generally collects the photo at biometrics, but applicants filing from outside the United States must supply two identical printed 2x2-inch color photographs[1].
Are there special rules for infant photos?
There are no separate infant photo rules stated, and applicants of all ages may be subject to biometrics[1].