Short answer: For paper Australian visa forms, use a passport-style photo 35 to 40 mm wide and 45 to 50 mm high, in colour, taken in the last six months, with a plain light background and your face clearly visible. Most visas are now applied for online in ImmiAccount, where you upload a clear digital photo or scan instead of posting a printed one.
| Quick facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Printed photo size | 35-40 mm wide x 45-50 mm high |
| Age of photo | Taken in the last 6 months |
| Background | Plain, light-coloured, no shadows |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open, looking at the camera |
| Online applications | Upload a clear digital photo in ImmiAccount |
What is an Australia visa photo?
It is a recent passport-style photo of your face that the Department of Home Affairs uses to identify you. For most online visas, such as the visitor visa (subclass 600), you upload it as a file with your application. Some paper forms and in-person services still ask for printed photos.
What are the Australia visa photo requirements?
- Size (printed): 35-40 mm wide and 45-50 mm high. A standard 35 x 45 mm photo meets this.
- Head size: your face should fill most of the frame, from chin to top of head roughly 32-36 mm.
- Recent: taken within the last six months.
- Colour: no black-and-white photos, no filters or beauty edits.
- Background: plain and light, such as white or light grey, with no patterns or other people.
- Pose: face the camera directly, neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open.
- Glasses: avoid them if you can. If you must wear them, no glare and no tinted lenses.
- Head coverings: only for religious or medical reasons, and your full face must be visible.
How do you upload a photo in ImmiAccount, step by step?
- Take the photo against a plain wall in good daylight, with no shadows on your face or the background.
- Check it on a computer. Your whole face and the top of your shoulders should be visible and sharp.
- Save it as a JPG under the size limit shown on the upload screen.
- Log in to ImmiAccount, open your application and go to the attachments section.
- Choose the photo document type (for example “Photograph – Passport”) and upload the file.
- Submit and keep a copy of the photo for future applications.
Want more detail on digital photos? Read digital photos for visa and eVisa forms.
What are the most common photo mistakes?
- A selfie taken at arm’s length, which distorts the face
- Shadows behind the head or across the face
- A cropped photo where the chin or hair is cut off
- An old photo that no longer looks like you
- Smiling widely, tilting the head, or wearing sunglasses or a hat
- Uploading a photo of a printed photo, which looks blurry
Do children need the same photo?
Yes, the same rules apply. For babies, a plain light sheet behind them works well. Their eyes should be open if possible, and no hands or toys should be in the shot.
How can Alif Visa help?
We check your photo and documents before you apply, so small problems don’t slow your visa down. See our Australia tourist visa guide and Australia visa overview, or check your route.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 35 x 45 mm photo OK for an Australian visa?
Yes. A standard 35 x 45 mm passport photo fits within the 35-40 mm by 45-50 mm range for printed photos.
Can I take my Australia visa photo with a phone?
Yes, if it’s sharp, evenly lit, against a plain light background, and taken by someone else rather than as a selfie.
Do I need a printed photo for an online visitor visa?
Usually no. For online applications in ImmiAccount you upload a digital photo instead.
Can I wear glasses in my visa photo?
It’s best not to. If you must, the lenses must be clear with no glare, and your eyes fully visible.
Can I use my passport photo again?
Only if it was taken in the last six months and still looks like you.
