Quick answer: A USA work authorization (EAD) photo must be 51 × 51 mm with white or off-white background. Head occupies 49–69% of photo height. Neutral expression, see glasses rule. Last verified .
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| Format | 51 × 51 mmICAO 9303: 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Head height | 49–69% of photo heightICAO 9303: 70–80% |
| Background | White or off-white background. |
| Pose | Strictly full face, no tilt. |
| Expression | Neutral expression, eyes open. |
| Glasses | USCIS does not accept glasses, apart from rare medical cases confirmed by documents; under the 2016 rule a photo the applicant submits in glasses is rejected. See full rules → |
| Lighting | Shadows and reflections not permitted. |
| Head covering | Religious reasons only; must not cover the facial oval. |
| Attire | Neutral everyday clothing. |
| Digital resolution | 600 × 600 px |
| File format | JPEG · sRGB / 24-bit |
| File size | Check the authority portal before upload |
| 10 × 15 cm · 4×6″ | 4 (2 × 2) |
|---|---|
| A4 · 21 × 29.7 cm | 20 (4 × 5) |
Print at 100% scale, borderless, and turn off fit-to-page so each photo keeps its exact size.
US Employment Authorization Document (EAD) photos are administered by USCIS for Form I-765 applications. The format is 2×2 inches (51×51mm SQUARE) with head 25-35mm.
Background plain white or off-white. Photo must be color, high-resolution, even soft lighting. CRITICAL UPDATE: USCIS policy alert PA-2025-29 of 12 December 2025 provides that USCIS will not use or reuse self-submitted photographs.
Form I-765 is not on that alert’s exception list, so USCIS may reuse a photograph collected at a biometrics appointment within the last 36 months, and otherwise schedules a new appointment at an Application Support Center (ASC). The Form I-765 instructions have not been amended and still require 2 photos with name + A-number written on the back in pencil or felt-tip.
| Authority | USCIS |
|---|---|
| Source | USCIS — Form I-765 instructions |
| Verified | |
| Confidence | Official — exact |
One compliant example next to the six most common rejection causes for USA work authorization (EAD) applications. The final decision always belongs to USCIS, but these are the differences that most often determine whether a document photo is accepted.
Upload a portrait — the tool crops, removes the background and checks compliance against the 51 × 51 mm rule automatically.
White or off-white background. Use a flat, evenly lit light-coloured wall. Work permit applications typically pass through both automated and manual review — inconsistent backgrounds fail the automated stage and slow the entire process.
Even frontal daylight from a window. Avoid mixed light sources (window + ceiling light) — they create colour casts that the automated colour-check stage rejects.
Camera at eye level, head straight, eyes looking directly at the lens. Work permit photos use the same alignment standard as passports — a 5° head tilt fails automated screening.
Square shoulders, both visible. Head and upper shoulders centred in the frame. Work permits are often reused across border crossings — proportional consistency with your passport photo helps verification.
USCIS does not accept glasses, apart from rare medical cases confirmed by documents; under the 2016 rule a photo the applicant submits in glasses is rejected Remove glasses for the shoot. Work permit photos are used at workplace verification and border control over the permit's validity — any glare risk compounds over time.
Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open. Work permit biometric data is compared against passport biometric data at border control — match the same neutral expression you used (or would use) for your passport photo.
Civilian clothing only — no work uniforms, military or law-enforcement clothing, branded company attire, or any clothing that obscures the neckline. Religious head covering is allowed only where it is permanently worn.
Submit a photo taken within the last six months. Many work permit authorities also accept a recent passport photo for the application — verify the dimensions match 51 × 51 mm before reusing.
USCIS publishes the following rejection codes. Knowing the exact code on your notice tells you precisely what to fix in the reshoot.
| Code | Reason | Fix |
|---|---|---|
US-EAD-01 |
Self-submitted photo after Dec 12, 2025 | Attend ASC for biometrics-captured photo |
US-EAD-02 |
Photo not 2×2 inch square | Re-crop to USCIS spec |
US-EAD-03 |
Background not white or off-white | Re-shoot against plain backdrop |
US-EAD-04 |
Glasses worn (forbidden for I-765) | Remove glasses before capture |
US-EAD-05 |
Photo older than 6 months | Re-shoot |
US Employment Authorization Document (EAD) applications are administered by USCIS through Form I-765. Since December 12, 2025 the portrait printed on the document is captured at an ASC biometrics appointment, while the Form I-765 instructions in force (edition 08/21/25) still require two 2×2 inch photographs with the filing.
uscis.gov/i-765
USCIS captures the portrait at the ASC biometric appointment and does not reuse a self-submitted photograph; the Form I-765 instructions still require two 2×2 inch photographs in the package. Glasses must be removed at the ASC.
Authority pageWork permit photos must show you in civilian clothing. Uniforms (military, law-enforcement, medical, hospitality), branded company attire, or any work-specific accessories are routinely rejected.
White or off-white background is required. Work permit applications pass through both automated and manual review — inconsistent backgrounds fail the automated stage and slow the entire application timeline.
Head must be straight and centred. Work permit photos use the same ICAO biometric standard as passports — head tilt above 3–5° fails automated screening.
Both eyes must be fully visible with no lens glare. Tinted lenses, hair across the eye area, or shadow under the brow ridge all cause automated rejection.
Smile, raised eyebrows or parted lips cause rejection. Work permit biometric data is checked at border crossings against your passport biometric template — match the same neutral expression.
Most work permit authorities require a photo taken within the last six months. Reusing a passport photo from a previous year, even if it technically meets the dimension rule, is grounds for rejection.
Blur, overexposure, low resolution or visible compression artefacts cause rejection. The submission system requires minimum resolution and file size limits — see the spec table above for exact values.
The USA work authorization (EAD) photo must be 51 × 51 mm. The head must occupy 49–69% of the photo height. Work permit applications typically use the same biometric standard as passports for the USA authority.
Sometimes. If your visa or passport photo was taken within the last six months and matches the work permit profile, reusing it may be acceptable. Check the spec table above and the source authority page for any work-permit-specific differences.
White or off-white background. Even, shadow-free lighting is critical because work permits often go through both automated and manual review stages, and any inconsistency between them slows the application.
Most work permit applications accept photos taken within the last six months. Submit a photo that reflects your current appearance because the permit card is checked at workplaces and border crossings throughout its validity period.
No. Uniforms, military or law-enforcement clothing, religious headwear (except for permanent religious exception), or any clothing that obscures the neckline is typically rejected for USA work permit photos.
Anfas.Pro provides a 14-day full refund if the USA work permit authority rejects the photo and you supply the rejection notice.
Anfas.Pro is an independent tool and is not affiliated with any government authority. The final decision to accept or reject a document photo rests solely with the issuing authority. Requirements change — always verify on the official authority portal before submitting.