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 naturalization certificate 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 naturalization certificate → |
| 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 Naturalization Certificate / Certificate of Citizenship photos are administered by USCIS for Form N-400 (naturalization) and Form N-600 (citizenship). The format is 2×2 inches (51×51mm square) with head 25-35mm, plain white/off-white background.
Since December 12, 2025, USCIS policy alert PA-2025-29 provides that USCIS will not use or reuse self-submitted photographs, and that Forms N-400 and N-600 always require new biometrics including a new photograph, taken at an Application Support Center (ASC). The Form N-400 instructions still ask for two enclosed photographs, but only from applicants residing outside the United States — serving and former members of the US armed forces, their spouses, and spouses of US citizens working abroad for a qualified employer.
The naturalization certificate is the printed document evidencing US citizenship via the naturalization process; the certificate of citizenship documents citizenship acquired by birth or derivation.
Examples and mistakes
A photo that will be accepted, next to the six most common reasons USA naturalization certificate 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 biometrics appointment |
| Photo not 2×2 inch square | Re-crop to USCIS spec (if self-submitted before deadline) |
| Background not white or off-white | Re-shoot against plain backdrop |
| Glasses worn | Remove glasses before capture |
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.
| Authority | USCIS |
|---|---|
| Source | USCIS — Form N-400 instructions |
| Verified |
Questions
The USA naturalization certificate photo must be 51 × 51 mm. The head must occupy 49–69% of the photo height. For digital upload, use 600 × 600 px.
Usually no older than three to six months. A USA citizenship document is issued once and kept for years, so use a photo that shows how you look now.
White or off-white background. A plain, evenly lit wall without shadows or pattern is enough — the tool sets the required background colour.
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.
It doesn’t have to be the same photo, but it must clearly show the same person. If your appearance has changed a lot, the office may ask for a new photo.
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, passport, work authorization (EAD).