UK Work Visa or Permission Photo Requirements
Prepare your photo for a UK work visa or permission application by following official rules on size, background, and expression.
Size and File Limits
UKVI’s digital photo guidance gives minimum pixel dimensions, not a print size[1]. A 35×45 mm (1.38×1.77 inch) photo is a common practice crop, not an official size for UK work permission.
UKVI’s guidance gives no head-height measurement. A digital photo must be at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall, and no larger than 6 MB[1].
You can use the tool above to help format your image correctly and quickly before you complete your online submission.
Background and Lighting
Your photo must feature a plain light-coloured background, in clear contrast to the person; the authority gives no exact colour[1]. Avoid busy patterns, textured walls, wallpaper, or dark backdrops that blend in with your clothing.
Stand a short distance away from the wall to prevent shadows from forming behind your head. Face a bright window or position soft lights in front of you so your face is evenly illuminated.
Check your lighting carefully to make sure no harsh shadows cross your nose, chin, or eyes.
Expression and Face Position
You must maintain a neutral expression throughout the photo with your mouth closed[1]. Do not smile, laugh, frown, or raise your eyebrows when the picture is taken.
Look straight ahead into the camera lens with your eyes wide open and clearly visible. Keep your head straight and level, facing the camera fully without turning to either side.
Do not tilt your head up, down, or sideways. Your entire face must be clearly visible to the camera lens.
Glasses and Head Coverings
Do not wear glasses unless you have to. If you need them, they must not be tinted, and your eyes must be visible without frames or glare covering them[1].
Wear glasses only if you have to[1].
Head coverings are allowed for religious or medical reasons[1]. Keep your facial features visible and free of shadows.
Rules for Children and Infants
Special rules apply if you are taking a photo of a baby, toddler, or young child for your application.
For children under 6 years old, a direct gaze and plain expression are not required[1]. For infants under 1 year old, their eyes do not even need to be open[1].
You can lay a baby down on a plain light-coloured sheet to take the photo safely from directly above. Make sure no other people, hands, or toys appear in the final picture frame.
Submission and How the Tool Helps
UK Visas and Immigration may capture your biometrics at an official appointment or require you to submit a digital photo online[1][2].
Successful permission is now generally recorded as an eVisa rather than a physical stamp or sticker[3].
You can use the tool above to crop your image to the correct dimensions and check it against the guidelines before you finalise your application. Taking your time to prepare the photo properly helps you avoid common mistakes and delays.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear glasses in my UK work visa photo?
Glasses are conditional and only allowed in very specific medical cases, so it is best to remove them[1].
What background colour should I use?
You must use a plain light-coloured background, in clear contrast to the person; the authority gives no exact colour[1].
What are the file size limits for uploading my photo?
Your uploaded digital file must be between 50 KB and 6144 KB[1].
Are baby photos held to the same rules?
No, children under 6 do not need a plain expression, and infants under 1 do not need to keep their eyes open[1].
What size is the UK work visa photo?
The UKVI digital guidance does not set a print size. A 35×45 mm photo is a common practice crop, not an official size.