Why CropPass can't make this photo
CropPass works on a photo you took yourself, inside your browser. Since 12 December 2025, USCIS uses only photos taken by USCIS or another authorised entity for green cards and other immigration documents, and it will not use or reuse a photo you send in. You are photographed at a biometric services appointment instead, so there is nothing for CropPass to make for this document.
What to do instead
- Go to your biometric services appointment. USCIS takes your photo at an Application Support Center or through another process USCIS allows, so there is no need to send photos with your form.
- Replacing or renewing a green card, or adjusting status? Form I-90 and Form I-485 always need a new photo, even if USCIS photographed you recently. The same applies to naturalisation (N-400) and a certificate of citizenship (N-600).
- Entering the Diversity Visa lottery? The DV entry, often called the green card lottery, is run by the State Department and still takes a digital photo that you upload yourself. CropPass can make that one. DV lottery photo →
What the photo must look like
The photographer or the office takes care of this, but these are the rules it follows:
| Format | Taken by USCIS at a biometric services appointment |
|---|---|
| Background | Set by USCIS at the biometric services appointment |
| Digital editing | Not allowed |
Last verified 16 October 2026 against the source: uscis.gov ↗
Questions and answers
Do I still need to send passport photos with my green card application?
No. USCIS says self-submitted photos are no longer accepted and that only photos taken by USCIS or other authorised entities are used. Your photo is taken when you attend your biometric services appointment.
Can USCIS reuse the photo from my last biometrics appointment?
Sometimes. Under the December 2025 policy USCIS may reuse a photo it took if no more than 3 years have passed since it was collected, and it can still ask for a new one. Forms I-90, I-485, N-400 and N-600 always need a new photo.
Why did USCIS stop accepting my own photos?
USCIS says the change helps prevent identity fraud by making sure the photo on a secure document is recent and accurate. Older pandemic-era rules had let it reuse photos for up to 10 years.
What can CropPass make for a US immigration case?
Not the green card photo itself. CropPass can make the photo for a Diversity Visa lottery entry and US visa and passport photos, which are handled by the State Department rather than USCIS.