How Many Passport Photos Do You Need for Green Card Application

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) receives millions of Green Card applications every year. This number provides non-negotiable proof that the United States keeps attracting nationals from all over the world.

Procedures of every official document involve specific steps and supportive documentation—in this article, we will focus specifically on the number of photos applicants need for their Green Card. So, if you are asking yourself, “how many passport photos do I need for a Green Card application?”—look no further.

We are going to cover different circumstances and forms that are necessary to apply for a Green Card. With our structured guide, there should be no more doubts about your Green Card photos.

The number of photos for Green Card application: explained

Non-US citizens and nationals without permanent residency can apply for a Green Card on their own or by a sponsor (usually an immediate relative who is already a US citizen or a permanent resident). This and the location where the forms are submitted influence the number of passport photos necessary for Green Card applications.

For a personal Green Card application, there are 3 (three) different ways which determine how many photos need to be attached:

If the applicant submits the application within the U.S. (adjustment of status), they must provide two identical passport-style photographs.
If the application is completed outside of the US, through the consulate or US embassy, applicants must bring 2 (two) identical passport photos to their Green Card interview.
Certain processes, such as the Diversity Visa entry, require a digital photo upload. Green Card applications (I-485, immigrant visas) usually require printed passport-style photos, not just a single digital image.

For the application to be accepted by the USCIS, providing the proper number of photos is not enough. Applicant’s passport photos must meet all the requirements for a Green Card photo.

American citizens or US permanent residents who wish to apply for a Green Card for their family members—spouses or children—can do so as a so-called “Petitioner for Alien Relative.” This step is essential to show and prove the existing relationship between the petitioner (sponsor) and the beneficiary to USCIS authorities.

Form I-130 does not require passport photos of either the petitioner or the beneficiary; photo requirements apply later during immigrant visa or adjustment of status processing.

When filing Form I-485 (adjustment of status) in the U.S., the applicant must submit two identical passport-style photographs, as required by USCIS.

If the beneficiary is outside the U.S., they must complete Form DS-260 (immigrant visa application) and provide two identical passport-style photos at the visa interview.

GREEN CARD FOR YOUR LOVED ONES? READ MORE HERE:

Passport Photo Online for your Green Card application

Regardless of the application form, each should be accompanied by a passport photo. To ensure that your own photo meets all the requirements stated by USCIS, we propose using Passport Photo Online.

In its database, the Passport Photo Online application provides compliance for the most important official documents, Green Cards included. Thanks to our photo transformation tool, your photo will be cropped appropriately and adjusted to the Green Card photo regulations.

Additionally, we provide both printed and digital versions of your passport photos, which, if reflecting the applicant’s current appearance, can be successfully used for your Green Card application.

Download the Passport Photo Online application for free, take as many photos of yourself and your family members as you want, and enjoy the results in the very comfort of your home!

4 images of a young lady with blonde hair demonstrating a step-by-step process of using the Passport Photo Online app

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How many photographs should I send with Green Card application: FAQ

To help you feel more comfortable with your Green Card application, here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the necessary number of photos.

How many photos do you need for Green Card application?

It depends on your residence status and location. If you apply as a non-US citizen within the US, you need 8 (eight) identical passport photos for the Green Card application. Applications from outside the US require 2 (two) pictures, and online applications require 1 (one) digital image. If you are a US citizen, though, and want to apply for your child’s, spouse’s, or parents’ Green Cards, you need to submit 4 (four) passport photos: 2 (two) of yourself and 2 (two) of a respective family member.

How many passport photos do I need for my mom Green Card application?

If you are a US citizen, first, you need to apply for your mom’s Green Card as a Petitioner. In this way, you need to provide 2 (two) photos of yourself and 2 (two) images of a beneficiary—your mom. Then, as your mom becomes an applicant, she needs to provide an additional 2 (two) passport photos with an I-485 Form (within the US) or DS-260 Form (outside of the US).

How many passport photos do I need for I-485?

Applicants who submit the I-485 Form need 2 (two) identical passport photos attached with their Green Card applications.

How many pictures should I send to USCIS?

The number of pictures USCIS requires depends on the form applicants submit. If the application is sent from within the US for a personal Green Card, 8 (eight) identical passport photos are required. Online applications require 1 (one) digital photo. If you send the I-130 Form as a Petitioner, 4 (four) photos are necessary: 2 (two) photos of yourself and 2 (two) photos of the beneficiary.

Do I need 1 or 2 passport photos?

Applicants submitting the form from outside the US must attach 2 (two) passport photos. 1 (one) photo is only required for online applications. Non-US citizens should submit their passport photos digitally.

Do you need passport photos for I-130?

As a US citizen applying for a Green Card for your immediate relative—a child, spouse, or parent—who is not a US citizen or permanent resident, you need 4 (four) passport photos with your I-130 application. There should be 2 (two) photos of you as a petitioner, and 2 (two) photos of your family member, as a beneficiary.

Is there a fee for the DV Lottery application?

Beginning October 16, 2025, the U.S. Department of State will require a $1 electronic registration fee for each Diversity Visa Lottery entry.

Passport photos for Green Card application—closing thoughts

Depending on the form, location, and the person applying for a Green Card, a different number of passport photos is required by the immigration services. It may vary from 8 (eight) passport photos to just 1 (one) digital image. What is crucial, however, is to double-check that your Green Card photos meet all the requirements stated by the USCIS.

Regardless of the number of photos you need, try Passport Photo Online—featured in Forbes magazine, among others. This mobile app will help you take a perfect passport photo compliant with Green Card requirements.

Roxana Grabowska

Roxana is a writer with 3+ years of experience. As a Master in psycholinguistics, she blends her passion for language and communication with insights from diverse cultures, making her content resonate with a broad audience.