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Form I-131A photo requirements

Form I-131A photo: size and rules

As of November 3, 2026, Form I-131A, for green card holders stuck abroad without a valid card, takes 2 x 2 in passport-style photos on white to off-white, head 1 to 1 3/8 in (per uscis.gov, checked on Nov 3, 2026).

The USCIS page for Form I-131A lists one passport-style photo, taken within 30 days of filing, among the items to bring to the embassy or consulate.

The written I-131A instructions, edition 01/20/25, ask instead for two identical color passport-style photos taken recently.

Updated Rules checked against uscis.govHow we check

Measured drawing: Form I-131A photo2 in2 in1 3/8 in1 inchin1.2 in, our target
Form I-131A photo. Printed size 2 x 2 in. Head 1 to 1 3/8 in, measured from the chin to the top of the hair. The coral dot is where our tool places the top of the head (60% of the height).

Form I-131A photo at a glance

Printed size
2 x 2 inuscis.gov
Head height
1 to 1 3/8 inuscis.gov
Background
White to off-whiteuscis.gov

Questions people ask

How many photos does Form I-131A need, and how recent?

The two USCIS sources differ. The I-131A web page, updated in June 2026, lists one passport-style photo taken within 30 days of filing; the form instructions (edition 01/20/25) ask for two identical color photos taken recently.

Whichever applies at your embassy or consulate, the photo is handed over in person there, after the filing fee has been paid online. The consular office’s own instructions settle what to bring.

Sources: uscis.gov (pages 1, 2)

What are the I-131A photo measurements?

A 2 x 2 inch print with the full face toward the camera and a white to off-white backdrop. From hair to chin the head measures 1 to 1 3/8 inches; the top of the eyes falls 1 1/8 to 1 3/8 inches from the bottom.

Use thin glossy photo paper with no mounting or retouching, keep the head bare unless your religious denomination requires headwear, and pencil your name and any A-Number on the back.

Source: uscis.gov

Every rule, with its source

Size and head position

  • Carrier documentation photos are 2 inches square, with the whole face turned to the camera. uscis.gov
  • On an I-131A photo, hair top to chin bottom should come to between 1 and 1 3/8 inches. uscis.gov
  • The I-131A instructions place the top of the eyes 1 1/8 to 1 3/8 inches over the photo’s bottom edge. uscis.gov

Background

  • A white to off-white background is required in I-131A photos. uscis.gov

Glasses, head coverings and clothing

  • Headwear is left off for the I-131A photo unless a religious denomination requires it. uscis.gov

Editing and filters

  • I-131A photos are printed on thin, glossy paper and handed in unmounted, with no retouching. uscis.gov

Printed photo

  • The written I-131A instructions, edition 01/20/25, ask instead for two identical color passport-style photos taken recently. uscis.gov
  • Name and A-Number, when the applicant has one, are penciled or felt-penned lightly on the back of each I-131A photo. uscis.gov

Where photos come from

  • The USCIS page for Form I-131A lists one passport-style photo, taken within 30 days of filing, among the items to bring to the embassy or consulate. uscis.gov
  • Carrier documentation is requested in person abroad: applicants contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, or its website, for filing instructions. uscis.gov
  • The I-131A fee is paid through the USCIS online filing system before the applicant goes to the embassy or consulate. uscis.gov

Who reviews the photo

  • Form I-131A exists because carriers such as airlines face penalties for bringing travelers to the United States without valid documents. uscis.gov

FAQ

Who files Form I-131A?

A lawful permanent resident who traveled abroad temporarily and no longer has a valid, unexpired green card or reentry permit, for example because it was lost, stolen, destroyed or damaged. Source: official page "Instructions for Form I-131A (edition 01/20/25) › What Evidence Must You Submit?", checked on Nov 3, 2026.

Where do I hand in my I-131A photos?

At the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you file the application in person. Pay the fee online with USCIS first, then follow that office’s instructions. Source: official page "Instructions for Form I-131A (edition 01/20/25) › What Evidence Must You Submit?", checked on Nov 3, 2026.

Is SelfieToPassport U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services?

No. SelfieToPassport is not affiliated with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or any other government agency. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services publishes the photo rules for free at uscis.gov; this page links to each one.

Does SelfieToPassport replace the background of a Form I-131A photo?

For U.S. documents we crop and resize your original photo. We do not replace the background: the State Department lists photos with a background cut out by software as unacceptable.

Ready? Free preview with the measurements drawn on your photo; $6.95 for the digital file and both print sheets.

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Where this information comes from

Every rule on this page comes from a page published by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, read on the date shown. We rewrite each rule in plain words and link to the page it came from. Each rule has a review deadline; one that passes it without a new check comes off the page.

Something here out of date? Tell us and we will check it against the official page.