Advance parole photos for Form I-131, checked first

The Form I-131 instructions ask for two identical color passport-style photos, taken recently, 2 by 2 inches, with a full face and frontal view, on a white to off-white background, printed on thin glossy paper, unmounted and unretouched. Head height should be 1 to 1⅜ inches from the top of your hair to the bottom of your chin.

Not for your card or document. Since December 12, 2025, USCIS says self-submitted photos will no longer be accepted and only photos taken by USCIS or other authorized entities will be used. The Form I-131 instructions still list two photos as required evidence, so many advisers recommend including them so your application is complete.

Not all of them. The instructions list the cases that need photos under Required Evidence, "8. Photographs", depending on the document and whether you are in the United States. Read that section for your case on uscis.gov before you print.

Two identical photos. Our 4×6 print sheet has two, so one print is enough.

Yes, and it is separate from the two photos. The Form I-131 instructions say all applications must include a copy of an official photo identity document showing your photo, name and date of birth, for example your Employment Authorization Document, driver's license, passport identity page or green card. They also say Form I-94 is not acceptable as a photo identity document.

The instructions say that if you submit a digital photo, it must come from a high-resolution camera with at least 3.5 megapixels. Most phone cameras today have far more than that. The photos you send are still the two 2×2 prints.

USCIS asks you to lightly print your name and A-Number (if you have one) on the back of each photo, using a pencil or felt pen.

The Form I-131 instructions don't mention glasses. Take them off to be safe: U.S. passport photos don't allow them, and our check can't see glasses yet.

No. The U.S. Department of State says not to change your photo using computer software, phone apps or filters. We only check your photo and crop it to the official size. We never smooth skin, change the background or alter your face.

No. Your photo is checked and prepared on your own phone or computer. It is never uploaded to our servers.