OPT & STEM Extension Photo Validator
USCIS Form I-765 Photo Requirements
Don't risk your visa status! Validate your photo meets USCIS specifications for OPT and STEM Extension applications. Instant compliance check for 2x2 inch (600x600px) requirements. 100% secure, client-side processing - your photos never leave your device.
📸 Upload Your Photo
📐 Square Format Required: USCIS requires photos to be exactly 2x2 inches (square). Non-square photos will be automatically center-cropped to 600x600px. For best results, upload a square photo with your face centered.
Why USCIS Photo Rejection Happens
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using passport photos from home country: Different countries have different photo specifications. US passport photos are 2x2 inches, but other countries use different sizes.
Taking selfies with phone: Selfies typically have wrong angle, lighting, and background. Use a proper camera or professional photo service.
Using filtered or edited photos: No Instagram filters, beauty modes, or digital alterations. USCIS requires natural, unedited photos.
Shadows on background: Even slight shadows can cause rejection. Ensure even lighting with no shadows on the white background.
Head too small or too large: Your head (from top of hair to bottom of chin) must be 50-69% of the image height. This is strictly enforced.
How to Use This Validator
Upload Your Photo
Click the upload button and select your 2x2 inch photo file (JPG or PNG format).
Instant Validation
The tool automatically checks dimensions (600-1200px), aspect ratio (1:1 square), and file quality against USCIS specifications.
Review Results
See instant feedback on compliance. If your photo doesn't meet requirements, you'll get specific guidance on what needs to be fixed.
Download & Submit
Download your USCIS-compliant photo and submit it with confidence in your Form I-765 application.
About OPT & STEM Extension
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a period during which international students on F-1 visa can work in the United States in their field of study. OPT is authorized by USCIS through Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization). Students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT after completing their degree.
STEM Extension
Students who graduate with degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) fields may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT Extension, allowing them to work in the US for up to 36 months total (12 months OPT + 24 months STEM extension). This extension also requires Form I-765 submission with proper photo documentation.
Why Photo Compliance Matters
For international students, photo rejection can have serious consequences:
- Delays in EAD processing: Incorrect photos can delay your Employment Authorization Document by weeks or months
- Work authorization gaps: If your OPT expires before receiving your EAD, you cannot legally work
- Visa status concerns: Gaps in employment authorization can affect your F-1 visa status
- Additional fees: Resubmitting applications due to photo rejection means paying filing fees again ($410 as of 2024)
- Job offer complications: Employers may rescind offers if you cannot start work on time
💡 Pro Tip: Always validate your photo before submitting Form I-765. USCIS is strict about photo requirements, and rejection due to incorrect photos is one of the most common and preventable reasons for application delays. Use this free validator to ensure compliance and protect your visa status.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the USCIS photo requirements for OPT/STEM Extension?
USCIS requires photos to be 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) in size. Digital photos must be 600 x 600 pixels (minimum) to 1200 x 1200 pixels (maximum), with a square aspect ratio. The photo must be in color, taken within the last 6 months, with a plain white or off-white background.
Can I use my passport photo for OPT application?
Yes, if your passport photo meets USCIS specifications: 2x2 inches, white background, taken within 6 months, and meets the head size requirement (50-69% of image height). However, passport photos are sometimes 2x2 inches but may have different digital dimensions, so validation is recommended.
What happens if my OPT photo is rejected?
Photo rejection can delay your EAD (Employment Authorization Document) processing, potentially affecting your work authorization timeline. Common reasons include wrong dimensions, incorrect background color, poor quality, or photos older than 6 months. Use this validator to ensure compliance before submission.
Can I wear glasses in my USCIS photo?
No, USCIS does not allow eyeglasses in photos since 2016, unless you have a medical necessity documented by a doctor's statement. This applies to all Form I-765 applications including OPT and STEM Extension.
How recent should my OPT photo be?
USCIS requires photos to be taken within the last 6 months. Some sources recommend within 30 days for EAD applications to ensure your current appearance. The photo must accurately reflect how you look now.
Is this photo validator secure for sensitive visa documents?
Yes, 100% secure. All photo processing happens entirely in your browser (client-side). Your photos never leave your device or get uploaded to any server. No data is stored, tracked, or shared.