Step-by-Step GB UK Visa 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm) Application Guide

Requirements

• Photo dimensions: 35 × 45 mm (width × height) with the head height between 29 – 34 mm measured from chin to crown
• Background: plain light grey or off-white, evenly lit with no shadows, patterns, textures or objects visible
• Head position & framing: face centered and directly facing the camera, with shoulders square; eyes 15–20 mm from the bottom of the photo
• Facial expression & eyes: neutral expression (no smile or frown), mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible, no hair or glasses frames obscuring eyes
• Eye contact & headgear: direct eye contact required; head coverings permitted only for religious reasons and must not obscure any facial feature
• Glasses & eyewear: avoid tinted or sunglasses; clear prescription glasses allowed if frames do not cover eyes or cast shadows, no flash reflection
• Colour & contrast: natural skin tones with accurate colour reproduction, high contrast between face and background, no red-eye or over/underexposure
• Photo quality & paper: high-resolution print on smooth, matt or semi-matt photographic paper at least 600 dpi, no creases, tears or ink marks
• Recency & validity: taken within the last 6 months to reflect current appearance; do not digitally alter distinctive features
• Digital specifications (if required): JPEG format, minimum 10 KB and maximum 10 MB, resolution at least 600 × 750 pixels, no compression artifacts
• Quantity of prints: submit two identical prints unless your application centre specifies otherwise; avoid cropping or resizing after printing
• Special cases – children & infants: neutral expression not mandatory, eyes should be open and visible, no dolls or toys, head & body fully visible against background

Step-by-Step Process

Content about Step-by-Step GB UK Visa 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm) Application Guide - process

Tips and Best Practices

• Exact 35×45 mm Crop: use a verified template or professional tool to crop precisely to 35×45 mm; why it matters: UKVI rejects any deviation—even by 1 mm—because precise sizing ensures consistent facial measurement.
• Neutral Background Check: confirm a plain, light-grey or off-white background with no shadows or patterns; why it matters: uneven backgrounds trigger automatic rejections in automated identity-check systems.
• Head Position & Size Compliance: position the top of your hair 2 mm below the upper edge and your chin 13 mm above the bottom, with your face covering 70–80% of the frame; why it matters: incorrect proportions prevent proper biometric matching and lead to delays.
• Natural Expression & Eye Visibility: maintain a neutral expression (closed mouth, no smile) and ensure both eyes are fully open and facing the camera; why it matters: UKVI’s facial recognition software requires clear, relaxed features to verify identity.
• Recent & Unaltered Capture: submit a photo taken within the last month without filters, retouching, or red-eye reduction; why it matters: outdated or digitally altered images can invalidate the application and force costly retakes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Step-by-Step GB UK Visa 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm) Application Guide distills two decades of photo-spec expertise into a clear, actionable workflow. By following each stage—from capturing a compliant image to final upload—you minimize rejection risks and speed up your visa approval.

Key Takeaways:

• Photo Size & Composition: 35×45 mm frame, head height at 29–34 mm, even lighting, plain light-grey or cream background
• Facial Expression & Position: Neutral face, eyes open and looking straight at camera, no shadows or obstructions
• Technical Requirements: JPEG format, 600 × 750 px (minimum 300 dpi), max 10 MB, sRGB color profile
• Capture & Crop: Use tripod or stable surface, align head within guide markers, crop precisely at edges of the head and shoulders
• Quality Check: Verify no red-eye, glare, or motion blur; print test if submitting physical photos
• Submission & Timing: Upload via the UKVI portal before appointment booking; retain digital and printed copies for backup

Next Steps:

• Review your final photo against this guide’s checklist
• Upload to the UKVI system and confirm acceptance notification
• Proceed with appointment booking and document submission

By adhering to these standards, you ensure a smooth visa photo approval—keeping your application on track and your travel plans intact.