Green Card Photograph

[MmmBlondie 8]

I had my biometrics taken in October 2015 and had my approval for my ROC last month. This week I received a letter stating they were unable to complete the process of my GC as the photograph and signature I submitted did not meet USCIS specifications.

I assume the photos they took of me at my biometric appointment weren't good enough so I have to send in 2 passport style photos along with my signature. I have no idea why my photos werent good enough but now I want to make sure the photos I get taken are.

I have a fringe, (or bangs as they are known here in the US), should I pin my fringe back so my forehead is visible or this is not important. I will tie my hair up but I'm wondering if having bangs meant my original photos were rejected as technically my full face was not show. I dont want to have photos taken and they be rejected. Any advice?

[Sukie 1,460]

Your fringe has nothing to do with it. Most likely the picture they took of you at the biometrics appointment, and your signature turned out too light to reproduce (i.e. - the machine messed up or the machine operator messed up). Did they ask you to submit photographs, or are they saying you will have to return to the ASC for another "photo opportunity"?????

Sukie in NY

[yvy23 11]

Could it be a straightforward an answer as that they usually want the pictures to be no more than 6 months old? I know that was specified for the pictures for the earlier parts of the process (I'm not due to start ROC until July) so if they're sticking to the same rule, a photo taken in October would now be out of date! Not your fault I know when there's such a long wait between biometrics and approval, but I had a similar thing happen with my medical at AOS - it was all of 3 days over the time limit by the time we got to interview, so had been well within date when we sent in the AOS package - but I still had to complete a new medical before they would approve my AOS.

[Sukie 1,460]

Could it be a straightforward an answer as that they usually want the pictures to be no more than 6 months old? I know that was specified for the pictures for the earlier parts of the process (I'm not due to start ROC until July) so if they're sticking to the same rule, a photo taken in October would now be out of date! Not your fault I know when there's such a long wait between biometrics and approval, but I had a similar thing happen with my medical at AOS - it was all of 3 days over the time limit by the time we got to interview, so had been well within date when we sent in the AOS package - but I still had to complete a new medical before they would approve my AOS.

Could be the answer, but if so, then EVERY person who is doing ROC at the Vermont Service Center will have to get new photographs. They are currently taking around 11 months these days!

Sukie in NY

[MmmBlondie 8]

Good point about the 6months. That very well could be it but hopefully it was just the photo didn't come out very well. I don't have to go back to New Orleans for them to take photos, I just have to sign the paper attached and send it back with 2 passport style photos, in a sealed baggie. If they were asking me to drive the 4hrs back to New Orleans for photos again I would have been so angry lol.

[yvy23 11]

Could be the answer, but if so, then EVERY person who is doing ROC at the Vermont Service Center will have to get new photographs. They are currently taking around 11 months these days!

Sukie in NY

Somehow I can't see that stopping them. The rules on the medical changed while my AOS was being processed from it needing to be current at filing date to it needing to be current at interview date. I know I was far from the only person to get caught out by that and have to pay for a second medical for no reason other than the length of time it took them to process my information.

Good point about the 6months. That very well could be it but hopefully it was just the photo didn't come out very well. I don't have to go back to New Orleans for them to take photos, I just have to sign the paper attached and send it back with 2 passport style photos, in a sealed baggie. If they were asking me to drive the 4hrs back to New Orleans for photos again I would have been so angry lol.

Whatever their reason, I'm glad they have an easier fix for you than having to drive 4 hrs each way just to get another photo taken!

[MmmBlondie 8]

Photos taken at Walgreens. Sending them in tomorrow. Lets hope they're ok!

[Rc123rc 528]

Photos taken at Walgreens. Sending them in tomorrow. Lets hope they're ok!

Good Luck! I know we submitted a photo each on the I-129F application. Even though it will be less than 6 months for the medical exam and Consulate Interview, my fiance is going to get new photos. Also, new photos when she applies for AOS. Small price to pay for peace of mind.