US work permit (EAD) photo: size, rules, and how to prepare it
For a Form I-765 paper application, USCIS asks for two identical, passport-style photos measuring 2 × 2 inches. You can also file online and upload a photo; USCIS does not set one pixel size or file-size limit for every digital upload.[1][2]
Photo size and face position
Each photo must be 2 × 2 inches (50.8 × 50.8 mm). The head height should measure 1 to 1⅜ inches (25.4–34.9 mm) from the top of your hair to the bottom of your chin.[1]
Your eyes should be 1⅛ to 1⅜ inches (28.6–34.9 mm) from the bottom of the photo. USCIS does not specify a separate top margin.[1] Keep your face centered and look straight at the camera so the measurements can be met.
USCIS does not give a standard pixel width or height for an online photo, and it does not set one general file-size limit in these instructions. Follow any upload requirements shown in your own online application.[1][2]
Background, light, and appearance
Use a white or off-white background.[1] Choose a plain wall or hang a smooth, light-colored sheet behind you. Leave space between you and the background to reduce shadows.
Use even light across your face. Face a window during the day or place a lamp in front of you. Avoid bright light behind you, strong shadows, and filters that change your face or skin tone. These are practical ways to get a clear photo.
Use a neutral expression and keep your mouth closed. Do not wear glasses.[1] Look toward the camera, keep both eyes visible, and move hair away from your eyes. USCIS requires your head to be bare unless you wear headwear required by a religious denomination of which you are a member.[1]
If you wear religious headwear, keep your face fully visible. USCIS permits religious headwear under the stated condition; the instructions do not list a separate medical exception.[1]
Children and special cases
The Form I-765 instructions do not give separate photo rules for infants or children. Check the current instructions for your application when preparing a child's photo.[1]
The USCIS instructions cited here do not say that an EAD photo must be taken by a professional photographer or by USCIS. You can take it at home if it meets the stated photo rules.[1]
Take the photo at home
Ask another person to take the photo if possible. It is easier to keep your head straight and your face centered when you are not holding the camera. Place the camera at eye level, about 1–1.5 metres (3–5 feet) away, and use the regular camera setting.
Stand or sit in front of a plain white or off-white background.[1]
Take several pictures. Choose a clear, evenly lit image in which your head and eyes can meet USCIS's measurements.[1]
Use the tool above to crop the photo to 2 × 2 inches and arrange it for printing, or prepare a digital image for an online application. Check the result at full size before you submit or print it.
Paper photo or online upload
If you file on paper, provide two identical printed photos, each 2 × 2 inches.[1] The tool above can place copies on a 4 × 6-inch sheet. Save or download the sheet, then print it as an ordinary 4 × 6-inch photo at a kiosk. Cut out the two square photos carefully, without trimming into the image.
Before you leave the kiosk, check that the printed sheet is 4 × 6 inches and that each photo measures 2 × 2 inches. Do not select a fit-to-page option that changes the size. If the kiosk offers a borderless setting, check the preview so the image is not cropped.
For online filing, upload the photo through the USCIS online application. The I-765 instructions do not set one standard pixel dimension or file-size limit for all digital uploads, so use the current directions in your application.[1][2]
Common reasons a photo may be refused
A photo may fail the stated requirements if it is the wrong size, the head or eye position is outside the specified range, or the background is not white to off-white.[1] A print that was resized by the kiosk may also miss the required 2 × 2-inch size.
USCIS's instructions call for a neutral expression, a closed mouth, no glasses, and a bare head unless the religious headwear condition applies.[1] A photo that does not follow those directions may be refused.
Blur, shadows, a covered face, or a face placed off-center can make it hard to see whether the photo meets the requirements. Retake the photo if you cannot clearly see your face and eyes. USCIS makes the final decision on whether a submitted photo meets its requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a USCIS EAD photo?
For a paper Form I-765 filing, each photo must be 2 × 2 inches (50.8 × 50.8 mm). USCIS asks for two identical printed photos.[1]
How tall should my head be in an EAD photo?
USCIS says your head should measure 1 to 1⅜ inches (25.4–34.9 mm) from the top of your hair to your chin. Your eyes should be 1⅛ to 1⅜ inches (28.6–34.9 mm) from the bottom of the photo.[1]
Can I wear glasses in an EAD photo?
No. The USCIS photo instructions say not to wear glasses.[1]
Can I take my EAD photo at home?
The USCIS instructions cited here do not require a professional photographer. You can take the photo at home if it follows the photo requirements.[1]