USCIS Update: Photo and Biometrics Requirements

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued updated guidance on December 12, 2025 regarding how photographs and biometrics are submitted and reused for immigration benefit applications.

This guidance is effective immediately and applies to applications filed on or after December 12, 2025.

What Is Changing?

• USCIS no longer accepts self-submitted photographs for certain applications
• Photographs must now be taken:
  • At a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) during a Biometrics Services Appointment (BSA), or
  • By a USCIS-authorized provider
• USCIS is limiting the reuse of previously collected photos and biometrics

Biometric Reuse Policy

• For some immigrant and citizenship applications, USCIS will not reuse prior biometrics
• For other benefit requests, including Form I-765 (OPT and STEM OPT):
  • USCIS may reuse a previously collected photo if it is less than 3 years old
  • Reuse is determined at USCIS discretion

What This Means for Students

If you apply for employment authorization (such as OPT or STEM OPT) on or after December 12, 2025:

• You may receive a USCIS notice requiring a Biometrics Services Appointment
• You must follow the instructions in the notice to schedule and attend your appointment

What You Should Do

• Continue to follow current application instructions when submitting your request
• If required, attend your biometrics appointment as scheduled
• Monitor your USCIS account and email for any notices or updates

Until USCIS updates its official form instructions, you should continue to include passport-style photos with your application, as currently required.

Need Help?

If you receive a USCIS notice requesting photographs or biometrics and are unsure how to proceed, contact Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) for guidance.