Important Information on USCIS Photo Requirements
As part of the USCIS application process for Practical Training, Off-Campus Employment Based on Economic Hardship, and Employment for J-2 Dependents, applicants must submit two color photographs that meet strict specifications.
Often, applicants will have their photos rejected for failing to meet the required specifications.
It is strongly recommended that students should carefully review their pictures before mailing them to USCIS Vermont with their application.
Here are the photo guidelines from USCIS:
- The photos must be an unmounted, full face color photo, taken within
the last six months. Your head should be bare unless you are wearing
a headdress as required by a religious order to which you belong. The
photo should be 2X2 inches (roughly 50mm square) with the head centered
in the frame, with the distance from the top of the head to just below
the chin about 1 inch to 1 3/8 inches.
- The student's chin can not be touching the bottom of the photo, because
the photo will be cut and the student's chin will disappear from the
photo.
- There must be no spots on the photos.
- Photos must have a white or off-white background
- There must be no shadows on the photos.
- There must be no reflections on the photos.
- Good contrast between image and background is essential. Photos for
very light-skinned people should be slightly underexposed. Photos for
very dark-skinned people should be slightly over-exposed.
- NO GLASSES should be worn in the photos
- Print your name and I-94 number on the back of the photos in PENCIL. Do not press
on the pictures
- Place the pictures in an envelope or small plastic "sandwich size" bag
and attach the envelope or bag to their OPT packet. Be sure not to staple or otherwise put any holes in the pictures themselves.
Here is a list of photographers in the Binghamton area who will take the required photos. You are strongly encouraged to call first for hours and directions.
AAA Travel Agency
21 Washington Street (near the Veteran's Memorial Arena downtown)
Binghamton
(607) 722-7255
Chenango Studios
21 Main Street (near Front Street)
Binghamton
(607) 722-0428
AAA Travel Agency
51 Washington Avenue
Endicott
(607) 754-1060
Lauren Studio Inc.
1905 Vestal Parkway East (behind Microage Computers, past the Town Square
Mall)
Vestal
(607) 785-3505
To view an on-line version of the USCIS photo instruction sheet, go to
http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors_info_photo.html
The Department of Homeland Security has now adopted the U.S. State Department standard for photos.