USCIS Ends Self-Submitted Photos for Immigration Applications, Requires Biometric Appointments

Effective December 12, 2025, USCIS stopped accepting self-submitted photographs with immigration benefit applications. All photos must now be taken at an Application Support Center (ASC) during a Biometrics Services Appointment, or by another USCIS-authorized entity. USCIS also imposed a 36-month limit on reusing previously collected biometric photos. Immigration lawyers warned the policy would dramatically increase appointment backlogs and processing delays for visa applicants, green card holders, and naturalization seekers.