The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented a new policy limiting the age of photos used for immigration documents to three years, aiming to reduce identity fraud and improve security. The guidance, effective immediately, also ends the acceptance of self-submitted photos, requiring that all images be taken by USCIS or authorized entities.
The update addresses risks created during the COVID-19 pandemic, when temporary rules allowed photos to be reused for up to 10 years, even if applicants’ appearances changed. USCIS officials noted that these flexibilities eventually weakened the agency’s ability to verify identities accurately.
The new requirements apply to several key forms, including the Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Green Card); Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status; Form N-400, Application for Naturalization; and Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship. Applicants submitting these forms must provide photos taken within the past three years, regardless of prior submissions.
USCIS emphasized that the policy ensures every photo used in secure documents is recent, accurate, and reliable, supporting stronger fraud prevention and the integrity of the U.S. immigration system.
