OCI Card Photo Requirements: Size, Background, Format and Common Issues

The 200 KB limit confused me too. I initially thought that meant the photo had to be very low resolution, but the OCI FAQ actually gives a range for the pixel dimensions: 200 x 200 minimum and 900 x 900 maximum, while the JPEG/JPG file size is capped at 200 KB.

So you can have a properly sized square image and then compress the JPEG enough to meet the file-size requirement. Just check that compression hasn't made the face blurry.

I'd also make sure the photograph has no border, the head and shoulders are visible, the face is centered, and there aren't shadows falling across the face or background. Those details are specifically mentioned in the OCI photo guidance.

For glasses, I wouldn't rely on a general passport-photo rule because requirements can vary depending on the application and circumstances. If possible, having the photo taken without glasses avoids unnecessary uncertainty.

And if you're applying through a particular Indian Mission or outsourced submission center, check its current instructions too. Requirements and submission procedures can change.

My experience was slightly different. I used a photo studio that regularly handles Indian visa and OCI photographs, and I specifically told them it was for an OCI application rather than just asking for a passport photo.

They gave me both a printed 2 x 2 inch photograph and a digital JPEG. The printed photograph specification is also consistent with the OCI guidance: 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) and in color. The official photo document also says the full face should be visible, the eyes should be open, and distracting shadows should be avoided.

One thing I would be careful about is editing. Basic resizing/compression to meet the upload limit is different from retouching the person's appearance. The official photo specification says not to retouch or otherwise enhance/soften the photograph.

I don't think the photographer has to be officially certified or anything like that. What matters is that the final photograph actually complies with the OCI specifications.

If your existing US passport photo has a white background, I wouldn't automatically reuse it. I'd compare it against the current OCI requirements first.

I submitted my OCI application from the US earlier this year and paid more attention to the photograph than I probably needed to. The important thing is to follow the specifications on the official OCI portal rather than relying only on what a regular passport-photo studio says.

For the online OCI application, the photograph needs to be square, with equal height and width. The current OCI FAQ says the minimum physical size is 51 x 51 mm, with about 80% face coverage. For the digital upload, the minimum dimensions are 200 x 200 pixels and maximum dimensions are 900 x 900 pixels, and the JPEG/JPG file should be no more than 200 KB.

My photographer originally gave me a much larger JPEG, so I had it resized and compressed while keeping it sharp. I didn't use a phone selfie.

Also, don't assume that a white background is okay just because US passport photos commonly use one. The OCI specification says the background should be a plain light color, but not white, and the photo should show the full face from the front with the head centered.

I'd download the official OCI photo specification before having the photographer take it.