The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced new rules about the photos used in immigration applications, including work permit (EAD/OPT) requests. These changes took effect on December 12, 2025, and may affect anyone submitting an application on or after that date.
Under the new guidance, USCIS will no longer accept photos that applicants take and submit themselves. Instead, only photos taken directly by USCIS or at an approved Application Support Center (ASC) during a Biometrics Services Appointment (BSA), will be allowed. USCIS is also limiting when it can reuse a photo it previously took for a past application.
This means that applicants filing for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or OPT after December 12, 2025 should expect to receive a notice requiring them to attend a biometrics appointment at an ASC. The notice will include instructions on how to schedule the appointment.
For applicants living near Ohio State’s Columbus campus, the closest ASC is located in Westerville. Applicants who live elsewhere should go to the ASC closest to where they live.
Even though USCIS plans to use photos taken at biometrics appointments going forward, EAD applicants should still include two passport-style photos with their application until USCIS officially updates its instructions.
If students receive any communication from USCIS about photos or a biometrics appointment and you are unsure what it means, please contact an immigration specialist for guidance.