Planning to visit the US? Here’s the USCIS rule on photo validity for immigration applications

USCIS restricts immigration photos to three years

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued new guidance limiting the age of photographs that can be used for immigration documents to a maximum of three years. The policy is aimed at enhancing national security and preventing identity fraud.

Under the updated rule, only photos taken within three years of filing a USCIS form will be accepted. Self-submitted photos are no longer allowed; only photographs taken by USCIS or other authorised entities will be used.

“This ensures every photo used in a secure document is recent, accurate, and reliable—key requirements to preventing fraud and identity theft,” USCIS said in its policy guidance.

The change comes after COVID-19-era flexibilities allowed applicants to reuse photos up to ten years old, even when appearances had changed significantly. USCIS noted that this practice compromised its ability to verify, identify, and properly screen foreign nationals.

Certain forms will continue to require a new photograph regardless of the age of previously submitted photos. These include:

USCIS also retains the discretion to request a new photograph from applicants instead of reusing an existing one.

The policy is effective immediately and aligns with Department of Homeland Security priorities to modernise screening and vetting processes while addressing vulnerabilities in identity documents.