New Photo Policy Helps Prevent Immigration Fraud Through Enhanced Identity Verification

Effective immediately, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has limited the use of photos to those that were taken within three years of the date a person files a USCIS form. Previously, applicants were allowed to use photos for up to ten years. Additionally, self-submitted photos will no longer be accepted. Only photos taken by USCIS or other authorized entities will be used.

The new guidance does not impact I-485, I-90, N-400, N-600, which require collection of new biometrics, including a new photo.

USCIS explained the change as an effort to ensure every photo used in a secure document is recent, accurate, and reliable - key requirements to preventing fraud and identity theft, as well as better screening and vetting to protect the security and integrity of the U.S.

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