Complete Guide to Taking an ImmiCard Passport Photo

An ImmiCard is a unique identification card issued by the Australian Department of Home Affairs to non-citizens, providing evidence of a visa or migration status. When applying for an ImmiCard, you may need to provide a passport-style photo. This guide will walk you through the requirements and steps to take the perfect ImmiCard passport photo.

The passport photo for the IMI card must adhere to specific guidelines to ensure it is accepted. Below are the general requirements:

The ImmiCard Photo Requirements

Before taking your photo, it’s essential to understand the specific requirements:

Size

Photos have to be 35mm to 40mm wide and 45mm to 50mm high. The size of the face from chin to crown can be up to a maximum of 36mm, with a minimum of 32mm

Format

Typically, JPEG is the preferred format. The photo should be printed on high-quality photo paper.

Head Position

 The head should be centered and take up 70-80% of the photo. Eyes should be level with the camera lens.

Background

 The background should be plain white or light grey with no shadows.

Facial Expression

A neutral expression with eyes open and mouth closed is required.

Attire

 Avoid wearing uniforms or attire resembling a uniform. Religious attire is permitted if it does not obscure the face.

Glasses

 Glasses are generally discouraged. If necessary, ensure there is no glare on the lenses and that the eyes are clearly visible.

Lighting

 The photo should be evenly lit with no shadows, reflections, or red-eye.

Quality

The photo must be high-resolution and not pixelated or blurry.

Récent

The photo should be taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance.

Hair

 Ensure your hair does not cover your face, especially your eyes. If you have long hair, tuck it behind your ears or shoulders. Hair should not create shadows on your face.

Accessories

 Remove all accessories, including headbands, hats, or large earrings, unless they are worn for religious or medical reasons. If head coverings are worn, ensure your face is fully visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead.

Makeup

 Keep makeup minimal and natural. Avoid heavy or reflective makeup that could alter your natural appearance. Ensure your face remains clearly visible, and no makeup causes glare or shines under the lighting.

Headwear:

  • Headwear is generally not allowed, unless it is worn for religious reasons.
  • If you wear headwear, it must not cover your face or eyes.
  • If you wear a head covering for religious reasons, you may be required to provide additional documentation.

Requirements for Babies and Young Children

The requirements for Australian baby or infant immicard photos are largely the same except for:

  • Eyes Open: The baby’s eyes should be open and looking towards the camera. However, for newborns, partially closed eyes may be acceptable.
  • Neutral Expression: Ensure the baby has a neutral expression, with no smiling, frowning, or crying.For infants (under three years of age), a photo with an open mouth is acceptable
  • No Support Visible: The child should be photographed alone, with no toys, hands, or other objects visible. If necessary, a parent can hold the baby from behind, but their hands must not be visible in the photo.
  • Background: Use a plain, light-colored blanket or sheet as the background. Lay the baby on their back if photographing from above.
  • Head Position: The baby’s head should be centered and facing the camera directly. Avoid tilting the head too much.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Incorrect Background: Make sure the background is plain and light-colored.
  • Shadows: Avoid shadows on your face or background.
  • Glare on Glasses: Ensure no glare or reflections on your glasses if worn.
  • Overexposed/Underexposed: Ensure the photo is not too bright or too dark.
  • Wrong Size: Verify the dimensions of your photo and your face within the photo.

DIY ImmiCard Passport Photos: A Convenient Alternative at Home!

Some people don’t have the time to visit an on-site location to have their passport photo taken. This problem is easily solved by using the Smartphone iD app.

Tips for a successful Australian Permanent Resident Evidence passport photo

Here are five tips to help you take a successful Australian Permanent Resident Evidence passport photo:

  1. Choose the right clothing: Wear solid-colored clothing that contrasts with the background. Avoid white or pale colors that blend in with the background. Also, avoid hats, sunglasses, or any other accessories that may obstruct your face.
  2. Ensure proper lighting: The photo should be evenly lit, with no shadows or glare on your face. Natural light is best, so consider taking the photo near a window or outside on a cloudy day.
  3. Maintain a neutral expression: Keep a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed and eyes open. Don’t smile, frown, or make any other exaggerated expressions.
  4. Position yourself correctly: Face the camera directly, with your head centered and straight. Your face should take up about 70-80% of the frame.
  5. Double-check the photo requirements: Before submitting your photo, make sure it meets all the specific requirements outlined by the Australian government, such as size, background, and resolution.

Step-by-step guide on how to use our service

Use our online passport photo tool Smartphone iD from the Apple or Google Play Store, or conveniently use our online web app by clicking the ‘Take a Photo’ button

  1. Select the country “Australia” and the document “ImmiCard.”
  2. Place your smartphone on a stable stand and make sure the lighting is even. A plain white wall can serve as the background for your photo.
  3. Follow the instructions of the app to position your face correctly. The app will guide you through its advanced real-time artificial intelligence system to center your face, adjust your expression, and check that your hair and ears are visible.
  4. Take your ID photo yourself with your phone’s camera. You can take as many tries as needed to get the right shot.
  5. The app automatically removes the background and allows you to preview it.
  6. Once you are satisfied with your photo, order it directly from the app.
  7. Our experts and our artificial intelligence system will examine your photo to ensure that it meets the criteria required by the Australian authorities.
  8. Once your photo is validated, it is 100% guaranteed. You will receive it instantly by email to your address.