EAD Card Photo: Size and Standards [And a Hassle-Free Visa Photo Tool]

Requirements for an Employment Authorization Document photo

The full name of the document is Form I-766 employment authorization document. It is issued in the form of a plastic card, similar to e.g. credit cards. EAD card contains basic information about its holder: name, place and date of birth, sex, immigrant category, A-number (immigrant registration number, card number, restrictive terms and conditions, dates of validity and photograph of the holder. The latter one may be confusing due to various requirements a proper EAD card photo should meet.

You will find the requirements for the Employment Authorization Document photo in the bottom of the page

Employment Authorization Document photo requirements

• Neutral facial expression
• One should directly face the camera with full face in view
• Normal clothing. Extravagant outfit or uniforms might cause a photo rejection. Religious clothing, however, is allowed
• Background should be white or off-white in color.
• Glasses, headphones and other items should not be worn
• The EAD photo should be taken within the 30 days

Employment Authorization Document photo has similar requirements to other biometric photos, i.e. those that allow us to download our individual features that allow for quick and reliable identification. However, contrary to a US passport photo, EAD card photo should be taken within the days 30 from the moment of its submission. In the photography we should be positioned facing the camera and look straight ahead. Visibility of the other person is always excluded, and the background requirements vary, but in most cases it should be uniform, one-color (usually light, but it also happens that e.g. the background must be blue or dark blue). Records regarding glasses and headgear are also usually the same, i.e. we photograph ourselves without a hat and without glasses (although they are allowed, even if the sight is impaired, you can take off the glasses - then we minimize the chance of rejecting the composite photo, because the risk is that glare will be visible on the glasses or the frame will cover our pupils).

How long does one have to wait for Employment Authorization Document?

USCIS usually processes work permit applications for 150-210 days from the moment of application submission.

However, you can get the digital photo for Employment Authorization Document on our website in no time!

Last update: 9/22/23