The photographs which you need to provide with your immigration application must be in the format specified to your right. These format requirements meet internationally agreed standards. If the photographs are not in this format, they will be rejected - and in some cases the application will also be rejected as invalid. In particular, the format specified in the first list of requirements below is mandatory where an application for a biometric immigration document is made. At present this means applications on forms FLR(BID), FLR(BUS), FLR(M), Tier 4 (General) Student, Tier 4 (Child) Student, PBS (Dependant) if applying as a dependant of a Tier 4 (General) student, TOC and ICFN(RC). Please note that applications on these forms will be rejected as invalid if any of the photographs provided fail to meet any of the mandatory format requirements. If that happens, you will have to reapply and you may lose appeal rights.

The Biometric photographs must be:

Identical where two photographs of the individual are required in colour, not black and white taken against a light grey or cream background 45 millimetres (mm) high x 35 mm wide able to fit into the template opposite, with the eyes positioned in the shaded area, free from shadows taken with the eyes open and clearly visible (with no sunglasses or tinted spectacles,and no hair across the eyes) with the subject facing forward, looking straight at the camera with a neutral expression with the mouth closed (no grinning, frowning or raised eyebrows) of each person on their own (no objects such as dummies or toys, or other people visible) taken with nothing covering the face in sharp focus and clear with a strong definition between face and background.

The photographs to the right are for guidance only. They provide examples of acceptable photographs. Examples of unacceptable photographs are given on the following page.

The photographs must also be taken within the last month be undamaged (not torn, creased or marked) be free from reflection or glare on spectacles, the frames of which must not cover the eyes - if possible, we recommend photographs without spectacles to avoid the risk of rejection because of glare or reflection, be free from "redeye" be free from airbrushing or similar enhancement be taken of the full head, without any covering unless worn for religious or medical reasons be printed professionally or taken in a passport photo booth. Photos printed at home are unlikely to be of an acceptable standard have the person's full name on the back of each photograph.

Biometric Photography for children

Photographs of children aged six and over must meet the full format requirements set out in this guidance.Photographs of children aged five and under must show a clear image that is a true likeness of the child. As young children can be difficult to photograph, children aged five and under do not need to have a neutral expression or to look directly at the camera, but they must face forward and meet all other format requirements.In addition, babies under one year old do not need to have their eyes open even though this is preferable. All other requirements must be met. If the baby's head needs to be supported, the supporting hand must not be in the picture. If you have difficulty in meeting these conditions, you should use a photographer instead of a photo booth.

Biometric Photographs Good Examples

Biometric Photographs Bad Examples