USCIS ends self-submitted photos, requires biometric appointments

USCIS issued Policy Alert PA-2025-29 on Dec. 12, 2025. The policy took effect immediately for all benefit requests filed on or after that date. No advance notice was given to applicants or immigration attorneys.

Self-submitted photos are no longer accepted for any immigration benefit. Applicants must have photos taken at Application Support Centers during biometric appointments. This includes photos for Employment Authorization Documents, green cards, and travel documents.

Photos can only be reused if taken within the past three years. Previously, USCIS reused photos taken up to 10 years ago. During COVID-19 pandemic flexibilities, the agency reused photos as old as 22 years.

The policy affects OPT and STEM OPT applicants who previously submitted their own photos with Form I-765. These students must now schedule ASC appointments before their work authorization can be processed. Processing timelines will increase.

Application Support Centers are the only locations where USCIS collects biometrics. There are approximately 130 ASCs across the United States. Some applicants must travel hundreds of miles to reach the nearest center.

USCIS justified the change as preventing identity fraud. The agency says older photos make it harder to verify applicants' identities. No specific fraud statistics or incidents were cited in the policy alert.

Immigration attorneys criticized the policy for adding barriers without evidence of a fraud problem. The American Immigration Lawyers Association noted that self-submitted photos worked for years without documented issues. The policy adds weeks to processing times.