Passport Style Photos

[Don E 0]

I've read the USCIS requirements for the photos to go with the petition, and I've read the Dept of State requirements for visa photos, but we still have a few questions.

First, for the visa photos. As I understand, they should be a non-glossy photo. Is there any requirement that the hair should be pulled behind the ears so they are visible? Is there a requirement that the person shouldn't be smiling?

The USCIS says that they want glossy photos? Really? Does it really matter? Can't these photos be the same as the one eventually used for the visa?

Thank you!

[Bforbarree 4]

I've read the USCIS requirements for the photos to go with the petition, and I've read the Dept of State requirements for visa photos, but we still have a few questions.

First, for the visa photos. As I understand, they should be a non-glossy photo. Is there any requirement that the hair should be pulled behind the ears so they are visible? Is there a requirement that the person shouldn't be smiling?

The USCIS says that they want glossy photos? Really? Does it really matter? Can't these photos be the same as the one eventually used for the visa?

Thank you!

Requirements for visa photos as per packet 3 from London Embassy are below.

I think the 6 month requirement will have expired between submitting your petition and your embassy interview. My fiance sent passport photos to me from the UK and I submitted them to USCIS for the I-129f without realizing that they were a different size (they were standard UK passport photos, which are different), luckily we got away with it but I have heard of people getting a RFE for having sent in the wrong photos.

Does it matter? Well, it may or may not...just depends on the person is that deals with your case...Personally I would not risk any delays...but that is just my opinion.

You are required to furnish two photographs which must be:

taken within the last six months;

2 inches (50mm) square with the head centred in the frame;

the head (measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin) should measure between 1 & 1 3/8 inches (25mm to 35mm) with the eye level and between 1 & 1/8 inches to 1 & 3/8 inches (25mm and 35 mm) from the bottom of the photograph;

in color against a white or off white background. Photographs taken in front of busy,

patterned or dark backgrounds are not acceptable;

unmounted, full face, with the face covering about 50% of the area of the photograph. In general, the head of the applicant, including both face and hair, should be shown from the crown of the head to the tip of the chin on top and bottom, and from hairline side-to-side. It is preferable that the ears be exposed

head coverings are acceptable only when the applicants' face is completely exposed.

Provided the photographs meet these criteria, any photographer may take them. Some of the photographers familiar with U.S. visa photograph specifications are listed below, however, you will find that there are many more located throughout the United Kingdom.

[Don E 0]

Thanks for the reply!