Archive · 15 Dec 2025
USCIS Imposes New Biometric and Photo Rules
The US government has announced new rules for immigrants with Green Cards.
Starting in December 2025, any photos used for immigration documents must be taken within the last three years.
Additionally, only photos taken by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or other authorized entities will be accepted.
This means that Green Card holders will need to provide new photos when applying for citizenship, replacing their Green Card, or adjusting their status.
The goal of these new rules is to make sure that all photos used in immigration documents are up-to-date and reliable, which helps prevent fraud and identity theft.
USCIS limits photo age to 3 years for immigration documents starting December 12, 2025.
Only photos taken by USCIS or authorized entities will be accepted.
Forms I-485, I-90, N-400, and N-600 require new biometrics, including a new photograph.
Photos taken within the last 3 years remain valid for other immigration forms.
The policy aims to prevent fraud and identity theft by ensuring recent and accurate photos.
- Who
- Green Card holders and other immigrants in the US
- What
- New biometric and photo rules for immigration documents
- When
- Starting December 12, 2025
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To ensure recent, accurate, and reliable photos for preventing fraud and identity theft
- Effective Date
- December 12, 2025
- Photo Validity
- 3 years
- Forms Requiring New Photo
- I-485, I-90, N-400, N-600
- Photo Source
- USCIS or authorized entities
- Policy Manual Updated
- USCIS Policy Manual