USCIS has issued new guidance, effective immediately, tightening photo requirements for immigration documents to strengthen national security and reduce identity fraud. Under the updated Policy Manual, only photos taken within three years of filing a USCIS form may be used, and self-submitted photos are no longer accepted. Instead, USCIS will rely solely on photos taken by the agency or other authorized entities to ensure images are current, accurate, and reliable for identity verification. The change rolls back COVID-era flexibilities that allowed photo reuse for up to ten years, a practice USCIS determined weakened its ability to properly verify and screen applicants when appearances changed significantly. The policy aligns with DHS priorities to modernize vetting processes and close document security gaps. Certain applications will now always require a new photo, including Forms I-90, I-485, N-400, and N-600, regardless of when a prior photo was taken.