Saturday, April 29, 2017

Eye-glasses are NO longer permitted in US Passport/Visa photos

Since November 1st 2016, eye-glasses are not permitted in US passport/visa photos.

Before 1st November 2016, eye glasses were allowed in US passport or visa photo, as long as there is no glare on glasses or frame doesn't obstruct eyes.

Did you know? Bad photos are the #1 reason passport applications get held up during the application process.

Beginning November 1st, 2016, customers applying for their U.S. passport or U.S visa or renewing their U.S. passport must remove glasses for their photo.
Last year, more than 200,000 U.S. passport customers submitted poor quality photos which we couldn't accept. The #1 problem was glasses. We had to put their passport applications on hold because we couldn't clearly identify them from their photo.  Many U.S. visa applications have been delayed due to the same problem.
If the photo of you in your unexpired U.S. passport or U.S. visa has glasses, don't worry about it. You don't have to get a passport or visa now. Next time you renew your passport or apply for a new visa, though, you'll have to take your glasses off.
This policy change helps us and it helps you. We can see you more clearly now and you will experience fewer U.S. passport and U.S. visa application delays and can move faster through U.S. ports of entry. Don't get us wrong, we love your glasses, but take them off for your U.S. passport or U.S. visa photo.*
*If you must wear eye glasses for medical reasons, you'll need to obtain and submit a signed statement with your U.S. passport or U.S. visa application from a medical professional or health practitioner.

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