Make a Compliant EAD Photo at Home

What Is an EAD Card？

EAD is an acronym for 'Employment Authorization Document', an identification card issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for certain foreign nationals who are eligible to work in the United States. The EAD may be considered a work permit, while at USCIS the EAD is known as Form I-766. An EAD card contains a picture of the individual who has been authorized to work and may include the individual's fingerprint.

Important 2026 Update: Effective December 12, 2025, USCIS changed its photo submission policy for most EAD (Form I-765) applications. Instead of mailing in your own passport-style photos, most applicants now have their photo taken in person during a scheduled biometrics appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC). This guide is still useful if your specific filing method requires you to submit your own photo — always confirm the current instructions on the photograph section of your I-765 form at uscis.gov before preparing your photo.

Photo Requirements for an EAD Card 

Pictures are required when applying for an EAD card, and the applicant should pay close attention to the following details in their EAD card picture: 

• You should submit two colored photos taken within one month of your application (if your filing method still requires you to submit your own photo — see note above)
• Do not submit a photo used for any previously issued visa
• Your head should be centered in the photo's frame
• Your photo should present you with a neutral facial expression, open eyes and a closed mouth 
• Your full face, with a frontal view, should be featured in the photo
• Everyday casual clothes should be worn in the photo
• Eyeglasses are not permitted apart from reasons of ocular surgery 
• You should be the only object in the photo, without other individuals or items

Tips for Submitting Pictures with Your EAD Application

When you submit photos for an EAD application, write the following information on the back of each photo with a pencil or ballpoint pen: 

• Full name
• Date of birth
• I-94 record number
• SEVIS ID

The photos should be placed within an envelope. 

Note: This step applies only if you are one of the applicants still required to submit a printed photo. If your I-765 photo is being captured at your ASC biometrics appointment, you do not need to prepare or mail a photo separately.

Your Head's Position in the EAD Photograph

• Your head should be at the center of the EAD picture, which will catch people's eyes when they see your picture. A good head position not only conforms to official requirements, but also makes you look good. 
• Your head should be positioned directly facing the camera. 
• Your head, including face and hair, should be visible from the crown of the head to the tip of the chin on the top and bottom, and from the hairline side to side, in the image. 
• Exposed ears are preferred. 
• You should not look up, down, left or right, and your face should cover about half of the photo area.
• No shadows or glare should be visible on your face.

The Do's and Don'ts of Clothing in the EAD Image 

When it comes to EAD photos, you must know what to wear and not wear, or your photo will be rejected due to inappropriate clothing.

Do:

• Wear decent clothes with a collar.
• Make sure that the color of your clothes contrast with the photo's background.

Don't:

• Wear tribal clothing or ethnic costume.
• Wear traditional facemask or veils. 
• Wear uniforms or camouflage costumes.
• Wear hats, caps or any other type of head covering, other than for religious reasons. 

Can I Smile in EAD Pictures?

In EAD photographs, keeping a neutral expression is the best option. While slight, natural smiles are allowed, wide smiling is prohibited. Laughing, frowning, crying, rolling eyes, squinting, narrowing eyes, raising eyebrows and similar extreme expressions are unacceptable. 

Do I Have to Go to the Photo Studio to Have My EAD Picture Taken?

To get your EAD picture taken, your choices are not limited to the photo studio: you can also go to photo booths and photography shops. However, if you are not interested in waiting on long queues, you can also take your EAD photo at home by yourself. This applies if your filing method requires you to submit your own photo; if your photo will be captured at your USCIS ASC biometrics appointment, no home or studio photo is needed. Follow these directions to take your EAD image at home:

• Equipment: Any tools that can capture photos with high resolution are suitable for taking your EAD photo, including your smart phone, digital camera or tablet.
• Assistant: Ask your family or friends to help you take your EAD photo. If they are not available, you can use a tripod to take photos. Remember that selfies are not allowed.
• Lighting: Natural daylight is preferred for your EAD photo. If not, sufficient artificial lighting is acceptable. 
• Position: The distance between your face and the camera should be 1 to 3 meters. Adjust the distance if necessary. 
• Posture: Sit straight and look directly at the camera lens. 

What Can We Do for You?

When taking your EAD photos, your photo may not conform to the required size or have a suitable background, meaning that your picture may be rejected. Not to worry – we will help you!

• All you have to do is take two steps: choose the document and upload your picture.
• We will immediately check whether your photo complies with official requirements.
• If not, we will crop it to the right size and change its background to a white one.
• A few seconds later, you will have the perfect image.

Please note: our tool only adjusts the size, cropping, and background color of your photo — it does not alter your face, apply filters, or otherwise change your appearance, in line with current U.S. government photo standards.

Furthermore, we are not limited to a single device: you can use our web-based service on your mobile phone, computer or tablet. Moreover, we will modify passport, visa and driving license pictures for various countries.