USCIS Changes Key Rules and Complicates Immigration Applications

• USCIS Photo Policy Change
• End of Self-Submitted Photos
• Change Takes Immediate Effect

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a change in its policy regarding the use and submission of photographs associated with immigration documents.

The agency reported that it issued new guidance limiting the age of photos of foreign nationals used to create immigration documents to a maximum of three years.

USCIS Photo Policy Change Impacts Immigration Applications

Threats are evolving, and so are our screening and vetting. Effective immediately, if your photo on file with USCIS is more than three years old when you file a new immigration form, we will schedule you for an appointment to take a new photo. More: https://t.co/PiGslbZ0Gr pic.twitter.com/XVp4uOe7gx

— USCIS (@USCIS) December 12, 2025

According to USCIS, this photo rule change aims to enhance national security and prevent identity fraud within the immigration system.

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The announcement was published on the agency’s official website and takes effect immediately for all applications submitted under this new rule.

What Changes in the Use of Photographs?

Watch out for changes in ‘appearance’: USCIS imposes a new rule on immigrants with ‘immediate effect.’ https://t.co/xfIOPTE7Oq @MaykelGonz53593 pic.twitter.com/4T31p45gSg

— el Nuevo Herald (@elnuevoherald) December 13, 2025

The new guidelines in the USCIS Policy Manual establish that only photographs taken within the three years prior to filing a form with the agency may be reused.

This represents a significant shift from previous practices that allowed older images to be used in certain immigration procedures.

USCIS also announced that self-submitted photos will no longer be accepted under any circumstances.

From now on, only photographs taken directly by USCIS or by other authorized entities will be used, according to Telemundo.

The agency explained that this measure ensures that each photo used on a secure document is recent, accurate, and reliable.

According to the statement, these requirements are considered essential to preventing fraud and identity theft—central goals of the USCIS photo rule change for immigration applications.

USCIS Ends COVID-19 Era Flexibilities Regarding Photos

USCIS acknowledged that during the COVID-19 pandemic, temporary flexibilities were implemented regarding photo usage.

These measures allowed photos up to 10 years old to be used, even when a person’s appearance had changed significantly.

According to the agency, those flexibilities remained in effect longer than necessary.

USCIS stated that this situation affected its ability to properly verify identities and conduct adequate security investigations.

“The integrity of the U.S. immigration system depends on rigorous security screening and background check processes,” the agency said.

In that context, USCIS noted that prolonged use of outdated photographs compromised its ability to accurately identify foreign nationals.

Forms That Will Require a New Photograph

The policy change establishes that certain forms will require a new photograph regardless of when the applicant’s last image was taken.

These include Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.

Also included are Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.

The list further includes Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, and Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship.

USCIS confirmed that this update took effect immediately and is already being applied to the corresponding immigration applications under the USCIS photo rule change.