This can be read as the Part 2 guide for the US passport photo requirements as it contains the specifications that especially concerns about the facial expressions, apparels, wearable, ornaments and other objects that must be taken into consideration by the entrants. The photo requirements for the US passports, visas and green card (permanent resident PR) are same but it is different for US electronic Diversity Visa Lottery application. The entrant’s photograph for the submission is strictly validated against the actual appearance of the entrant in many ways. Some ways may include a physical identification at the time the passport is collected, or through internal processes and interviews. The procedures varies from territories to territories but still always requires the validation against an actual and recommended passport requirements regarding about apparels and other attires so it is highly recommended to thoroughly go through these specifications for the acceptance and no later regrets.
1. The pose and expression of the entrant must be a directly facing camera with the full-face view, natural, neutral, relaxed and composed face.
2. Entrant’s teeth must not be visible in the photograph because the biometric scanning and recognition system rejects the validation. So the expression is to be a normally closed mouth.
3. The eyes of the entrants must be wide open and clearly visible. Added makeups and eye lashes like beautifying products which could obscure and reflect the entrant’s eyes in various appearances than the reality are not acceptable at all. Especially female entrants are advised not to use any makeups that could hinder your natural expression and appearance.
4. Alternatively, the entrant can also have a natural smiling facial expression. Although a neutral and natural expression is preferred for the recommendations, a natural smile is also acceptable.
5. The entrant is not allowed to wear any hats, uniforms, or head coverings except for the condition that the entrant is obliged to wear them as a religious beliefs and norms. The head coverings must not cast any type of shadows or reflections over the face of the entrant.
6. The special military uniforms and security authority’s dresses are also not acceptable to be worn by the entrant in the photograph because there are concerns regarding security and dress code measures by the US Bureau of Consular Affairs. So, the apparels are to be casual and representing daily lives of the entrant.
7. The latest requirements that has been accredited from November 1, 2016 is that the entrant are not allowed to wear any types of glasses at all except for rare conditions explained below for the new US Passport Photo submission. This applies to US Visas too.
8. If the entrant is facing a rare medical condition such as a recent ocular surgery where the doctor has advised not to take out the eyeglasses in order to protect the entrant’s eyes then a medical statement describing the entrant’s medical condition and the advisory prescriptions signed by the medical professional/ health practitioner must be provided to the US Dept. – Bureau of Consular Affairs. For this accepted rare medical condition entrants with eyeglasses there are certain requirements to be followed like:
a. Eyeglass frames must not cover the eyes of the entrants.
b. No glares on eyeglasses that may obscure the eyes of the entrants.
c. No shadows or refraction from the eyeglasses that may obscure the eyes of entrants.
9. For entrants following hearing problems and wearing a hearing aid in a daily basis are allowed to take their photograph with their hearing devices worn.
10. Wireless hands-free, wired headphones, earpieces or any such gadgets and electronic devices attached to the eyes, ears, nose, mouth or neck must be removed and the photograph must be taken in plain visible way so that the person to be photographed is recognizable.
11. If the submitted photograph fails to reflect the actual and current appearance of the entrant even if the photograph submitted is not older than 6 months, the US embassy or consular affairs will demand a new photograph to be submitted with your application. In such cases of change in appearance, the typical reasons to be noted by the entrant are:
*. The entrant has gone a significant facial surgery or trauma. Added or removed large portion of facial piercings or tattoos. Or sometimes a significant amount of weight loss or gain. Gender transitions are also one of the reasons.
12. For example, if the entrant has grown a beard or colored his/her hair and still recognizable then the new photograph submission is not asked by the authorities. Similarly in infants, babies and children under the age of 16 years old, a change of appearance due to normal aging process is considered positive. Hence it is generally not necessary to provide a new photograph.
While we recommend you use a professional photo service to ensure your photos meet all the requirements, you may opt to take the photo yourself with this awesome trending mobile app “Passport Photo ID Maker Studio” available in Play Store bundled up with great features. It ensures the acceptance of your passport photo because the app is very comfortable with all of the US Passport photo requirements to adhere to. Please remember that photos must not be digitally enhanced or altered to change your appearance in any way. The acceptance of your photo is always at the discretion of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply for a passport.
