Quick answer
What size is an Australian visa photo?
The Department of Home Affairs asks for a recent 45 × 35 mm passport photograph of your head and shoulders on a plain background, less than 6 months old. For online ImmiAccount applications, upload a JPEG of 70 KB to 3.5 MB, ideally 1200 × 1600 pixels.
An Australian visa photo is a recent passport photograph, 45 mm × 35 mm, of your head and shoulders, facing the camera against a plain background and less than six months old. If you apply online in ImmiAccount, upload a JPEG of 70 KB to 3.5 MB, ideally 1200 × 1600 pixels.
Printed visa photo requirements
| Size | 45 mm high × 35 mm wide (passport size) |
|---|---|
| Framing | Head and shoulders only, facing the camera |
| Background | Plain |
| Photo age | Less than 6 months old |
| On the back | Print the person's name |
| Number | Depends on the form: for example, two for form 47SV and four for form 47OF |
Digital photo for ImmiAccount
| File | JPEG, between 70 KB and 3.5 MB |
|---|---|
| Preferred resolution | 1200 × 1600 pixels |
| Photo age | No more than 6 months old |
| Framing | Full face, head and shoulders |
| Not accepted | A scan of a photo or a photograph of a photo |
| Attachment limit | ImmiAccount accepts files up to 5 MB each |
Follow your own checklist
Home Affairs' general visa photo guidance only covers size, framing, background and age. Many applicants follow the more detailed citizenship rules as well: neutral expression, eyes open, glasses removed and head coverings only for religious reasons. These are not stated for visas, but meeting them avoids any doubt.
How to prepare your Australian visa photo
- Check your form or checklist. The number of photos depends on the form: for example, two for form 47SV and four for form 47OF. Online, follow your ImmiAccount checklist.
- Take a recent photo. Head and shoulders only, facing the camera, against a plain background, and less than 6 months old.
- Print it or save it. For a paper application, print it at 45 mm × 35 mm and print the person's name on the back. For ImmiAccount, save a JPEG of 70 KB to 3.5 MB, ideally 1200 × 1600 pixels. If the file is not a JPG, such as a HEIC photo from an iPhone, convert it with the free 123PhotoTool JPEG converter.
- Upload the original photo. A scan of a photo, or a photograph of a photo, is not acceptable as a digital photo.
Sample photos
Biometrics instead of photos
If you apply from one of the countries on Home Affairs' biometrics list, you will receive a biometrics request letter after you lodge your application. You then attend an Australian Biometrics Collection Centre, where staff take a facial image and 10 fingerprints. In a growing number of countries, applicants whose letter shows a Visa Lodgement Number starting with "AUI" can instead use the Australian Immi App, which scans their passport and captures a live facial image.
Visiting on an ETA or eVisitor?
Short-stay visitors from eligible countries apply for an Electronic Travel Authority in the AustralianETA app, which takes a live photo of your face instead of using a printed photo. European passport holders can apply for a free eVisitor (subclass 651) in ImmiAccount.
Australian visa photo FAQ
Home Affairs asks for a recent passport photograph of 45 mm × 35 mm, showing your head and shoulders against a plain background. For online applications, upload a JPEG between 70 KB and 3.5 MB, ideally 1200 × 1600 pixels.
Less than 6 months old.
No. Home Affairs says a scan of a photo, or a photograph of a photo, is not acceptable for a digital photo.
Applicants in some countries are asked to attend an Australian Biometrics Collection Centre after lodging, where staff take a facial image and fingerprints. Still provide any photo your visa form or ImmiAccount checklist asks for.
Official sources
- Home Affairs: Passport photograph requirements (help text)
- Home Affairs: Digital photograph requirements (help text)
- Home Affairs: Attach documents to your application
- Home Affairs: Biometrics
- Home Affairs: Australian Immi App
- Home Affairs: eVisitor (subclass 651)
Last checked . Requirements and fees can change, so always confirm with the issuing agency before you apply. This site is independent and not affiliated with any government agency.