USCIS Narrows Photo Reuse to 3 Years

Foreign nationals may now have to update their photographs more often. On December 12, the federal agency updated its picture reuse policies, limiting when immigration officers can rely on previously collected images taken at an Application Support Center (ASC).

Now, for almost any application filed on or after this date, USCIS cannot reuse photographs taken more than 3 years ago.

What changed in the photo reuse policy

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, USCIS policy was changed to allow the usage of far older photographs, with some as old as 22 years. In 2024, the federal agency narrowed this threshold to 10 years for those 26 or older. Requestors under 26 faced stricter deadlines, as their pictures were only valid for 30 months.

The new policy says that federal agents may only use existing images collected within 36 months at an ASC. It does not apply to photographs sent as supporting evidence.

In addition, the memo adds that self-submitted images will no longer be accepted or re-used. Now, petitioners must get their photos taken during a biometrics appointment instead.

This update applies to all immigrant and nonimmigrant petitions except:

• Form N-400
• Form N-600
• Form I-90
• Form I-485

These forms are excluded because they already require new biometrics, so the photo reuse policy doesn’t apply to them.

USCIS can still request new photographs

The new rule also gives immigration officers the power to request new photographs at their discretion. That means that even if you submitted images at a biometric screening less than three years ago, you may still need to provide updated pictures.

Manifest immigration lawyer Ana Gabriela Urizar says the latest update could require foreign nationals to attend more biometrics appointments with USCIS. “Even if your last photo was taken less than three years ago at the time of filing, an immigration officer can still ask you to get your photograph taken,” she says. “Those who are filing should assume they will attend a biometrics appointment at some point in the application process.”