Doc Summary
Getting visa photos wrong is a common cause of application delays or rejections. The most reliable way to get it right is to follow the official government instructions for the country you are applying to. Below you will find the exact places to check for authoritative visa photo requirements, including Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand and the Schengen area, plus global standards and practical tips.
Quick answer: the official places to check #
- Your destination country’s immigration or foreign affairs website (official .gov or equivalent domains)
- That country’s passport photo guidance if the visa relies on the same specifications
- The embassy/consulate page for your application location (often lists visa photo specs)
- Approved visa application centres (VFS Global/TLScontact) when linked from official government pages
- ICAO standards for biometric photos (used as a baseline worldwide)
Official sources by country/region #
Australia #
While many Australian visas are lodged online, photo requirements may apply depending on the visa class and document checklist. Use these official references:
- Australian Passport Office photograph guidelines: https://www.passports.gov.au/guidance/photograph-guidelines (commonly used standards for size, background and quality)
- Department of Home Affairs visa listing (open your visa and check “Gather documents”): https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing
Tip: Always read the specific visa page’s document checklist, as some subclasses specify digital photo dimensions and file sizes.
United States #
Use the U.S. Department of State photo tool and specifications for nonimmigrant and immigrant visas:
- Official visa photo requirements: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos.html
United Kingdom #
UK visa photo requirements generally mirror UK passport photo rules. Always follow GOV.UK guidance:
- Photos for passports (used for visa guidance): https://www.gov.uk/photos-for-passports
Canada #
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) publishes official photograph specifications:
- IRCC photograph requirements: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/photograph-requirements.html
New Zealand #
Immigration New Zealand provides detailed guidance for digital and printed images:
- Official photo requirements: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/tools-and-information/general-information/photo
Schengen area (Europe) #
Schengen visa photos follow EU and ICAO biometric standards. Always check the embassy/consulate of the country where you will apply and consult the EU overview:
- European Commission – Schengen visas: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/schengen-visa_en
- ICAO biometric photo standards: https://www.icao.int/Security/mrtd/Pages/biometrics.aspx
Note: Some Schengen states publish their own consular photo specs. Use the embassy website for the country of main stay or first entry.
How to verify you are reading official instructions #
- Check the domain: government sites usually end in .gov, .gov.au, .gov.uk, .gouv.fr, .gv.at, or the official country code domain.
- Look for HTTPS, a recent update date, and clear references to visa/citizenship processes.
- Avoid relying on third-party blogs or forums. Only use visa centres (e.g., VFS, TLScontact) when they are linked directly from the government site.
Common specifications you will see (always confirm on the official page) #
- Neutral expression, eyes open, mouth closed, no filters
- Plain, light-coloured background with good contrast
- Head centred and facing the camera; no hats or sunglasses
- No heavy shadows, glare, or red-eye
- Digital photos: check pixel dimensions (width/height), file size, and format (usually JPEG)
- Printed photos: common sizes include 35×45 mm or 2×2 inches, but this varies by country
Practical options in Australia for compliant photos #
- Use providers familiar with government standards, such as Australia Post: https://auspost.com.au/id-and-document-services/passport-photos-and-id-photos
- Bring or show the official photo specifications for your destination country to the photographer.
- Before uploading a digital photo, validate it with any official photo checker tool provided by the destination (e.g., U.S. Department of State photo tool).
Need guidance beyond photos? #
If you are preparing to study, migrate, or have your skills recognised in Australia, the team at Skills Campus can help you streamline requirements, avoid errors, and lodge strong applications. Contact us for tailored support.
For personalised assistance, reach out at https://skillscampus.com.au/contact.
About Skills Campus #
Skills Campus is an Australian education, study, recognition of prior learning (RPL), and migration consulting partner. We provide compliant, up-to-date guidance aligned with official government sources to support your move, study plan, and skills recognition pathway.
To speak with an expert, visit https://skillscampus.com.au/contact.
