Quick answer: This USA work authorization (ead) preset uses 51 × 51 mm with white or off-white background. Head occupies 49–69% of photo height. Neutral expression, glasses prohibited. It is based on official general guidance; verify the final submission route on the authority portal. Last verified .
No registration · result in 60 seconds
| Format | 51 × 51 mm |
|---|---|
| Head height | 49–69% of photo height |
| Background | White or off-white background. |
| Pose | Strictly full face, no tilt. |
| Expression | Neutral expression, eyes open. |
| Glasses | Очки запрещены USCIS, кроме редких документально подтверждённых медицинских случаев. Self-submitted очки по любой причине отклоняются с 2016 правилом. 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 |
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: As of December 12, 2025, USCIS no longer accepts self-submitted photos for I-765 (and most immigration forms) — photos are now captured at USCIS Application Support Centers (ASCs) during scheduled biometrics appointments. Historical practice required 2 photos with name + A-number written on back in pencil/felt-tip.
| Authority | USCIS |
|---|---|
| Source | USCIS passport-style photo guidance |
| Verified | |
| Confidence | Official — general |
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.
Очки запрещены USCIS, кроме редких документально подтверждённых медицинских случаев. Self-submitted очки по любой причине отклоняются с 2016 правилом 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. Photo capture is now done at ASC biometrics appointments since December 12, 2025.
uscis.gov/i-765
Self-submitted photos NOT accepted since Dec 12, 2025. USCIS captures the photo at the ASC biometric appointment. Glasses must be removed.
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.
This USA work authorization (ead) preset uses 51 × 51 mm based on the official guidance available for this route. Use the 49–69% head-height profile unless the authority portal gives a more specific instruction. 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. The refund covers the €4.99 download fee.
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.