Australian citizenship application photo (37.5×47.5 mm)

Official Size and Head Dimensions

For a paper application, the photo must be 35–40 mm wide and 45–50 mm high^[1]. A 37.5 × 47.5 mm crop is the midpoint of those ranges. Check the printed photo against the official ranges^[1].

The face height, measured from chin to crown, must be 32–36 mm^[1]. Check the print size before submitting the photo.

Background and Lighting

Use a neutral or light grey background that contrasts with your face^[1]. Avoid patterns and shadows. The photo must also have uniform lighting, be clear and focused, and be unedited^[1].

For good lighting, stand facing a bright window or use two balanced indoor lights to prevent harsh shadows. Avoid shadows on your face or on the background wall behind your head. Make sure you stand far enough away from the background wall to prevent casting a shadow directly behind your head.

Expression, Glasses, and Head Coverings

You must maintain a strict neutral expression with your mouth closed when the picture is taken^[1]. Do not smile, frown, raise your eyebrows, or open your mouth in any way. Your facial muscles should remain relaxed and natural while you look straight ahead.

You must remove your glasses unless you cannot do so for medical reasons. If you wear them for medical reasons, they must be untinted unless medically necessary, must not obscure your eyes, and must not reflect light^[1]. Religious head coverings are allowed if plain and worn so your whole face and the edges of your face remain visible^[1].

Rules for Children and Infants

Photographing young children and infants for official government documents requires extra patience and careful planning. For children under 3 years old, an open mouth is acceptable in the picture^[1]. Babies often cannot keep their mouths closed on command, so this exception accommodates their natural behavior.

No other person or object may be visible in the photo^[1]. The photo must meet the other requirements too, including a neutral expression and eyes open^[1].

Digital Files and Paper Submission

For an online application, the photo should be a JPEG file from 70 KB to 3.5 MB^[1]. The source does not say that the portal automatically rejects files outside this range.

The preferred resolution for an online photo is 1200 × 1600 pixels^[1]. For a paper application, submit one passport-sized photo, 35–40 mm wide and 45–50 mm high^[1].

The Australian Department of Home Affairs recommends using a professional photo provider for your application^[1]. You can also prepare your picture using the tool above to check your framing and proportions.

Taking Your Photo Step by Step

The Department recommends having a professional take your photo. It also advises against online photo services and mobile apps because the images may not meet its quality rules and could put you at risk of identity fraud^[1].

Position the camera at your exact eye level so the angle is completely straight. Take several test shots in bright, even light against your plain background. Once you have a clear image, you can use the tool above to crop it correctly.

Common Reasons Photos Are Refused

The photo must have uniform lighting without shadows or reflections, and the expression must be neutral^[1]. For a paper application, the face height must be 32–36 mm^[1].

For an online application, the photo should be a JPEG file from 70 KB to 3.5 MB^[1]. Check the file format and size before uploading. The Department also requires a clear, unedited photo with uniform lighting^[1].