Immigration New Zealand accepts a 35x45mm photo on a plain light background, following the standard ICAO layout. Most visa applications are lodged online, so a digital file is what you need.
Fit your head inside the guide
Chin to crown should measure 32-36mm.
Center your face on the vertical line
Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression.
Leave a small gap above your head
A little space between hair and the top edge.
The standard 35x45mm ICAO layout Immigration New Zealand uses.
Taken within the last 6 months
The photo must look like you do now.
No glasses
Remove them unless you have a documented medical reason.
Neutral expression
Mouth closed, both eyes open, no smiling.
Plain light background
No patterns, no shadows behind your head.
you cannot manipulate or digitally alter the photo with AI or editing tools, and if your phone filters photos automatically you must turn that off before taking it
Immigration New Zealand uses the standard 35x45mm ICAO layout, and most applications are lodged online.
Remove glasses unless you have a documented medical reason.
Keep a neutral expression with your mouth closed.
White or light grey, evenly lit, no shadows.
Your photo must have been taken within the last 6 months.
Most New Zealand visas are applied for through an online account.
New Zealand visa applications are generally submitted online, where you upload the photo as a digital file rather than posting a print. Save the image this tool produces and attach it with your other supporting documents.
Because the file is uploaded rather than printed, getting the crop and the head size right matters more than the paper size — the 35x45mm proportions are what the system checks against.
Glasses and head coverings follow the usual ICAO rules.
Glasses should be removed. If you must wear them for medical reasons, you will need supporting evidence from a medical professional.
Head coverings are accepted for religious reasons only, and your face must stay fully visible from chin to forehead with no shadow cast by the covering.
A plain white or light grey background with even lighting.
The background must be plain and light — white or light grey — with no patterns, texture, or visible shadows. Even, diffuse lighting keeps shadows off your face and off the wall behind you.
Face the camera directly with a neutral expression.
Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression, mouth closed, and both eyes open and clearly visible. The photo should have been taken within the last 6 months.
Printed at 35 x 45mm, 827 x 1063px, JPG/PNG. Computed from this photo's own specification, not typed by hand.
Requirements verified · Source: immigration.govt.nz
Watch out — Retouched or AI-edited photos are refused — you cannot manipulate or digitally alter the photo with AI or editing tools, and if your phone filters photos automatically you must turn that off before taking it
Create the 35x45mm photo Immigration New Zealand asks for — cropped, sized, and backgrounded to the ICAO standard, free and 100% private.
Choose a clear, recent photo from your phone or computer.
We crop to 35x45mm and check your head size and position automatically.
Save the file and attach it to your online application.
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