🇦🇺 Australia visa photo requirements
35 x 45 mm, head 32–36 mm chin to crown, Plain light grey or white background — and the details that get photographs bounced before an officer ever opens the file.
Check my photo freeThe Australia specification
Photo size
35 x 45 mm
Head height
32–36 mm chin to crown
Background
Plain light grey or white
- No shadows on face or background
- Both edges of the face visible
Last reviewed 12/08/2026 · Source: Australian Home Affairs. Confirm against the official Australia guidance before printing.
Routes this specification covers
Australia applies one biometric photo standard across its visa routes. The same compliant photo is accepted for every route below — only the supporting documents differ.
Why Australia visa photos get rejected
- Background is off-white, textured or shadowed instead of the plain light grey or white tone Australia requires.
- Head is outside the 32–36 mm chin to crown window — the single most common mechanical failure.
- Smiling, open mouth, or eyes partially closed.
- Glare on glasses, tinted lenses, or frames crossing the eyes.
- Digital retouching, beauty filters or a photo cropped out of a group picture.
- Printed at the wrong dimensions — Australia expects 35 x 45 mm exactly, with no border.
- Low resolution or heavy JPEG compression once uploaded.
Frequently asked questions
What size photo is needed for a Australia visa?
35 x 45 mm. Head height must be 32–36 mm chin to crown, taken against a Plain light grey or white background. Australia applies this specification across its visa routes, so the same photo works for a visitor, student or work application.
Can I wear glasses in a Australia visa photo?
Assume no. Almost every authority now rejects glasses because of glare and frame obstruction. If you must wear them for a medical reason, carry the supporting letter to your appointment.
How recent does a Australia visa photo have to be?
Within the last six months, and it must reflect your current appearance — beard, hair length and glasses status included.
Can I use the same photo for every Australia visa route?
Yes. Australia publishes one biometric photo standard, so a compliant photo is accepted across the routes listed on this page. Only the surrounding documents change.
More for Australia
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