USCIS Implements New Photo Policy for Immigration Applications

The Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced a new photo policy affecting foreigners seeking Green Cards, naturalization, and citizenship in the United States. According to the guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual, any photo submitted for immigration documents must have been taken within three years of the application date.

This policy mandates that only photos captured by USCIS or authorized entities will be accepted, eliminating the option for applicants to submit their own photographs. The change is driven by the need to improve screening and vetting processes, which had been compromised by pandemic-era flexibilities allowing reused photos for up to 10 years.

The policy specifically applies to four forms: Form I-90, Form I-485, Form N-400, and Form N-600. For Nigerians and other Africans in the U.S. pursuing permanent residency or citizenship, this means ensuring that submitted photos are recent and obtained through official channels.

The Department of Homeland Security has framed this update as part of a broader modernization effort to enhance identity verification and reduce vulnerabilities to fraud.