US Immigration Updates: Old Photos on Applications Will Be Rejected, New Rule Now in Effect

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a critical update for immigration applicants: photos submitted with applications must now be recent, not older than three years. Any older photos, including those submitted directly by applicants, will no longer be accepted. Only photos taken by USCIS or an authorized agency will be valid.

This change affects a range of immigration documents, including:

• Form N-561 – Certificate of Citizenship
• Form I-551 – Green Card
• Form I-766 – Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

Student and worker visa holders relying on EADs should take special note, as submitting outdated photos could result in application rejection.

Previously, USCIS allowed photos up to 10 years old, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, even older photos were accepted. Some applicants had used photos as old as 22 years. However, with evolving verification challenges, USCIS has now reduced this limit to 3 years to ensure accurate identification.

Exemptions:
USCIS clarified that the new rule applies to all immigration benefits requests but provides exceptions for:

• Form N-400 – Application for Naturalization
• Form N-600 – Application for Certificate of Citizenship
• Form I-90 – Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card
• Form I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

For these forms, applicants will still need to provide new biometrics, including updated photos.

The new rule comes as part of USCIS’s ongoing efforts to strengthen identity verification and prevent misuse, ensuring that all applicants are accurately represented in official records.

This update is particularly crucial for international students and workers in the U.S., who must ensure that their immigration documents comply with the three-year photo rule to avoid delays or rejections.