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If you are applying for an H4 EAD (Employment Authorization Document), you must include two recent passport-size photos with your I-765 application.
Many applicants face delays or RFEs because their photos do not meet USCIS standards.
Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you get your photos right the first time as per USCIS photo guidelines for H4 EAD.
This article will discuss:
Official USCIS Photo Requirements
To avoid delays and rejections, your application photos must strictly follow the official U.S. government photo specifications.
- Size: 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
- Head Position: Head height must be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25–35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the hair.
- Background: A plain white or off-white background is required, with no patterns or shadows.
- Expression: Maintain a neutral facial expression or a natural, subtle smile. Both eyes must be open and visible.
- Eyewear: Glasses are not permitted in the photo, except in rare instances of medical necessity with a signed doctor’s statement.
- Print Quality: Photos must be high-resolution, printed on photo-quality paper (matte or glossy), and free of smudges or creases.
- Quantity: Unless specified otherwise on your form, you must submit two identical photos.
Where to Get H4 EAD photo Clicked?
You can visit Walmart, CVS or Walgreens to get your photos clicked for H4 EAD.
At some locations, even Costco and Sams club also offer reasonably proced passport size photos. They can also edit the photo as per USCIS requirements.
They usually charge upwards of $14.99 for two pictures.
The other option is to click the photo yourself using the mobile phone camera or your digital camera. There are softwares and websites available online which can help you edit your photos to exact specifications.
You should remember that editing is complex as the final edited image should print to exact measurements of 2 inch x 2 inch on paper. The image’s DPI (dots per inch) also matter as they control the quality of the final printed output.
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See how our AI transforms your phone photo into an embassy-ready passport picture!USCIS requires the image to be high resolution which can be attained if you click the image by your iPhone and then edit it to at least 300 DPI. AM22Tech’s AI photo editor takes care of checking the photo resolution and edits it to minimum 300 Dots per inch thereby making it extremely easy to satisfy government requirements.
If you would like to click them yourself to save money, here is how to take H4 EAD photo at home.
How to Take Your Passport or Visa Photo at Home
Save time and money by capturing a professional-quality photo right from home. All you need is a smartphone and a few minutes. Follow these steps for the perfect shot.
1 Right Lighting
Stand against a plain white or off-white wall. Face a window for natural daylight to ensure even lighting and avoid harsh shadows.
2 Set Up Your Camera
Use a tripod or ask a friend. Keep the lens at eye level and about 2 to 4 feet away. Always use the back camera for sharper quality.
3 Strike the Correct Pose
Look directly at the camera with a neutral expression. Keep your head straight, shoulders relaxed, and ensure your full head and shoulders are visible.
4 Capture & Upload
Take the shot and upload it to an AI photo editor. It will adjust background, crop correctly, and produce a high-resolution photo that matches government standards.
Expert Tip
Avoid using a flash. It creates glare on skin and glasses. Natural light is your best friend!
Making Your Photo USCIS-Ready
Even with a perfect shot, technical details like resizing, cropping, and cleaning the background can be a headache. USCIS is very strict and will reject photos if the head ratio or dimensions are even slightly off, leading to frustrating delays.
The Final Editing Steps
- Crop and center the head to the exact specifications.
- Ensure precise 2x2 inch (51x51 mm) dimensions.
- Professionally remove background shadows and ensure a pure white background.
- Generate print-ready files (JPEG/PNG/PDF) for easy printing at home or a store.
Your Final Checklist Before Submitting
You've got this! Use this final checklist to be 100% confident before you submit your application.
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Timeliness: Is the photo taken within the last 6 months?
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Identity Match: Does it look exactly like you?
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Correct Quantity: Have you included two identical photos with your application?
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Print Quality: Is it printed on high-quality photo paper with no smudges or creases?
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No Obstructions: Are there any shadows, glasses, or head coverings (unless for religious/medical reasons with documentation)?
Ready to Create Your Perfect Photo?
Our AI tool takes the guesswork out of the process, guaranteeing a USCIS-compliant photo every time.
Get Your USCIS-Ready Photos NowFAQ
Yes, if the photo is less than 6 months old and meets USCIS requirements.
But it’s always better to take a fresh photo for your EAD application.
If you are not comfortable editing the photo yourself, you can use AM22Tech's AI photo editing app. You just click the photo and app takes care of everything else.
Yes. USCIS requires two printed photos with your paper based I-765 application.
Digital copies alone are not accepted.
If you are filing EAD online on the myUSCIS website, then they may allow uploading the digital photo. But, again, the digital file should also meet the USCIS guidelines as listed above.
USCIS may send you a Request for Evidence (RFE) or reject your application. This delays your work authorization or EAD card approval.
That’s why correct photos are very important.
USCIS requires the photo to be 2 inch x 2 inch in size when printed on paper.
If you are uploading the file digital photo online on USCIS website, the photo should still be 2x2 inch when they print on paper.
The size requirements are mandatory.
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Passport Photo Assistance
We professionally edit your photos to meet all US visa requirements, including background removal and proper alignment. Photo printing is included.
It is recommended to write Name and A-number or I-94 number at the back side of the paper photo.
Some applicants have reported receiving RFEs because they forgot to lightly write their names (and I-94 or A number, if known) on the back of each photo.
Yes. Even subtle tilts or angles can trigger an RFE—even if the photo initially "validated" online.
Ensure your face is straight, both ears are visible and eyes are fully facing the camera.
Yes—photos must be in color.
Black-and-white prints are not acceptable for U.S. immigration applications.
