The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has swiftly enacted a new policy that significantly alters how applicants' photographs are used in immigration benefit processes. This change directly affects procedures such as status adjustment, green card renewal, and naturalization.
Initially announced through an informational alert and later detailed in an official guide on the agency's website, this update imposes strict limitations on the age of photos that USCIS can reuse for issuing immigration documents. The primary aim is to bolster national security and minimize identity fraud.
From this point forward, USCIS will only reuse facial photographs taken within three years prior to the date a foreign national submits a new form to the agency. If the photo in their system exceeds this timeframe, the applicant must wait to be called in for a new one.
USCIS emphasized this through their official account on X, stating that threats are continually evolving, and thus, so must the selection and verification processes. "Effective immediately, if your photo on file with USCIS is older than three years when submitting a new immigration form, we will schedule an appointment to take a new photo," they reiterated.
This rule is implemented with immediate effect, with no transitional period offered. Another significant change is that USCIS will no longer accept selfies or self-submitted photographs from applicants. Moving forward, only images taken by the agency itself or authorized entities will be utilized.
According to the official statement, this decision ensures that “every photo used in a secure document is recent, accurate, and reliable,” conditions deemed essential for preventing identity theft and other fraud types. This measure reverses the relaxations permitted during the COVID-19 pandemic when USCIS allowed the use of photos up to ten years old, even in cases where the applicant's physical appearance had noticeably changed.
The agency noted that these exceptions lasted longer than necessary, jeopardizing its ability to verify identities and conduct thorough security checks. USCIS emphasized in its communication that rigorous background and security verifications are crucial to maintaining the integrity of the U.S. immigration system.
Furthermore, this adjustment aligns with the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) priorities to modernize control mechanisms and close identity document vulnerabilities. Although the policy applies broadly to immigration benefit applications, USCIS clarified that specific forms will mandatorily require a new photograph, regardless of when the applicant’s last image was taken.
The forms that will necessitate a new photo include:
- Form I-90, to replace the Permanent Resident Card
- Form N-600, to apply for a Certificate of Citizenship
- Form I-485, for status adjustment
- Form N-400, for naturalization
The published guide also states that the agency retains the discretionary power to demand a new photograph in other instances, even if a recent image is on record, and sets forth additional criteria concerning the applicants' age.
Frequently Asked Questions about USCIS Photo Policy Changes
Why has USCIS changed its photo policy?
USCIS updated its photo policy to enhance national security and reduce identity fraud by ensuring that the photos used in immigration documents are recent and accurate.
Which forms require a new photo under the new policy?
The forms that require a new photo include Form I-90, Form N-600, Form I-485, and Form N-400.
What happens if my photo on file is older than three years?
If your photo on file is older than three years, USCIS will schedule an appointment for you to take a new photo.