Passport Photos & Certificates of Translation

To ensure photos are recent, accurate, and reliable, USCIS has issued new guidance affecting foreign nationals who file USCIS forms and need a photo used to create an immigration document.  Since December 12, 2025, USCIS uses only photos that were taken within three years of the date the form is filed.  Self-submitted photos are no longer accepted for this purpose. Instead, only photos taken by USCIS or other authorized entities are used. USCIS takes the photo at the biometrics appointment and will not use a photo the applicant supplies. For filings other than the four listed below, USCIS may reuse a photo taken at a biometrics appointment within the past three years, although it may still require a new photo at its discretion. 

Certain forms will require a new photo regardless of when the applicant’s or petitioner’s last photograph was taken, including:

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

COVID-era flexibilities had allowed reuse of photos for up to 10 years, even when a person's appearance changed significantly. USCIS concluded that this reduced its ability to verify identity and properly screen applicants. The agency says the new policy aligns with DHS priorities to modernize screening and vetting and address vulnerabilities in identity documents.