head 49–69 %no glasses
Free: cropping, background replacement, check
14-day refund if the authority rejects the photo
SourceUSCIS
Verified
Quick answer: A USA work authorization (EAD) photo must be 51 × 51 mm. White or off-white background. Head occupies 49–69% of photo height. Neutral expression, glasses prohibited. Last verified .
Requirements
| Format | 51 × 51 mmICAO 9303: 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Head height | 49–69% of photo heightICAO 9303: 70–80% |
| Background | White or off-white background. Make photo background white — USA work authorization (EAD) → |
| 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 |
| Millimetres | 51 × 51 mm |
|---|---|
| Centimetres | 5.1 × 5.1 cm |
| Inches | 2 × 2″ |
| Pixels at 300 dpi | 602 × 602 px |
| Pixels at 600 dpi | 1205 × 1205 px |
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. For Ukrainians the EAD is reached through the re-parole process. USCIS runs a page — published in Ukrainian as well as English — called «Re-Parole Process for Certain Ukrainian Citizens and Their Immediate Family Members».
It states that if re-parole is granted you can apply for an Employment Authorization Document by submitting Form I-765, online or on paper, and that you must not file Form I-765 before you receive an approval notice for your Form I-131. The re-parole request itself is filed no earlier than 180 days before the current period of parole expires.
The photograph rules do not change: the I-765 instructions never mention Ukraine and apply the same way to everyone.
Examples and mistakes
A photo that will be accepted, next to the six most common reasons USA work authorization (EAD) photos get rejected.
Common reasons a document photo is rejected, checked against the requirements USCIS publishes: what is wrong and what to change.
| Reason | Fix |
|---|---|
| Self-submitted photo after Dec 12, 2025 | Attend ASC for biometrics-captured photo |
| Photo not 2×2 inch square | Re-crop to USCIS spec |
| Background not white or off-white | Re-shoot against plain backdrop |
| Glasses worn (forbidden for I-765) | Remove glasses before capture |
| Photo older than 6 months | Re-shoot |
How to take it
Background: white or off-white
The tool puts in the required background. Stand half a metre from a plain light wall, face a window and shoot without flash — then there are no shadows on your face or on the wall.
Head: 49–69 % of the photo height
Camera at eye level, about a metre away; head and shoulders in the shot. The tool crops it to 51 × 51 mm.
Glasses prohibited
Take them off before the shot.
Neutral expression, eyes open
Look straight into the lens with your head level; keep hair away from your eyes and eyebrows.
An ordinary selfie will do: we fix the background, light and framing ourselves — to this document's rules. The preview is free.
Head straightHold the phone at eye level and your head straightens by itself.
Face uncoveredMove your hair away so your eyes and eyebrows show.
No glassesTake your glasses off — this document's rules require it.Printing and submission
| 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) 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 page| Authority | USCIS |
|---|---|
| Source | USCIS — Form I-765 instructions |
| Verified |
Questions
The USA work authorization (EAD) photo must be 51 × 51 mm. The head must occupy 49–69% of the photo height. For digital upload, use 600 × 600 px.
Yes, if it was taken within the last six months and meets the size and background rules of the work permit. If not, take a new one.
White or off-white background. A plain, evenly lit wall without shadows or pattern is enough — the tool sets the required background colour.
Most offices accept a photo taken within the last six months. Use one that shows how you look now.
No. For USA work permit photos, wear ordinary clothes: no uniform or camouflage, nothing that hides your neck or shoulders. Religious head coverings are usually allowed if the face is fully visible.
We refund the payment in full. Email us within 14 days of purchase with your order number and the rejection notice from the USA authority.
51 × 51 mm = 5.1 × 5.1 cm = 2 × 2 inches. At 300 dpi that is 602 × 602 pixels; at 600 dpi, 1205 × 1205 pixels.
Religious reasons only; must not cover the facial oval. The face must stay fully visible from chin to forehead and on both sides, with no shadow across it.
Yes. The same 51 × 51 mm format and head size apply to: green card, naturalization certificate, passport.