USCIS no longer accepts self-submitted photos: what changed for N-400 and I-90

As of December 12, 2025, USCIS stopped accepting self-submitted passport-style photos with immigration applications, including Form N-400 (naturalization) and Form I-90 (green card renewal or replacement). Instead, your photo is captured in person at a Biometric Services Appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center. For N-400 and I-90 specifically, a brand-new photo must be taken at every appointment; older photos on file cannot be reused, even under the general 3-year photo-reuse rule USCIS allows for some other forms.

What actually happens now

You no longer prepare or print a photo to mail in or upload with an N-400 or I-90. USCIS schedules you for a Biometric Services Appointment (BSA) at an Application Support Center, where staff capture your photograph, fingerprints, and signature in person. This replaces the old process of submitting two passport-style photos with your application.

Why N-400 and I-90 always need a fresh photo

USCIS's December 12, 2025 policy update allows some forms to reuse a biometrics photo already on file for up to 3 years. N-400 and I-90, along with I-485, are named exceptions: they always require a brand new photo captured at that appointment, no reuse of an older image, regardless of how recent it is.

Why the change happened

USCIS states the change is aimed at fraud prevention. A self-submitted photo could not be verified as belonging to the actual applicant, while a photo captured in person at a controlled facility can be matched to the person who showed up for the appointment.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to submit photos with my N-400 application?

No, not as of December 12, 2025. USCIS now captures your photo in person at your biometrics appointment instead of accepting a self-submitted photo with the form.

Do I need to submit photos with my I-90 green card renewal?

No. Like N-400, I-90 now uses a photo captured in person at a Biometric Services Appointment, and that photo can never be reused from an earlier appointment; a fresh one is required every time.

Can USCIS reuse my old biometrics photo for a new application?

For some forms, yes, if the photo is no more than 3 years old. N-400, I-90 and I-485 are exceptions and always require a newly captured photo at the appointment.

Does this same change apply to I-485 green card applications?

Yes. I-485 is named alongside N-400 and I-90 in the same policy: see /guides/green-card-photo-requirements-i-485 for what changed and why a compliant photo is still worth having ready during the transition.

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