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

Requirements

• Dimensions: Photo must measure exactly 35 mm wide by 45 mm high (5×5 cm) with no borders
• Head size: Crown-to-chin height must be between 29 mm and 34 mm to ensure proper framing
• Eye position: Eye line must sit 20 mm–30 mm from the bottom edge of the photo for correct alignment
• Background: Plain light grey or cream background with no patterns, shadows, textures or objects
• Image quality: High-resolution color print on matte or glossy paper, free of creases, ink marks or pixelation
• Lighting: Even frontal lighting to avoid shadows on face or background; no red-eye, flash glare or reflections
• Expression: Neutral facial expression with mouth closed, eyes open and looking directly at the camera
• Glasses: If worn, frames must be thin, lenses clear (no tint) and must not produce glare or obscure eyes
• Head coverings: Allowed only for religious reasons; must not cast shadows or obscure any facial features
• Clothing: Wear everyday attire (no uniforms, camouflage or colors matching the background)
• Recent photo: Taken within the last six months to reflect current appearance accurately
• Digital format: JPEG file, 600–1200 dpi resolution, file size between 50 KB and 10 MB, exact 35×45 mm pixel dimensions

Step-by-Step Process

• Determine your visa category: review the UKVI website to confirm which visa type (e.g., Standard Visitor, Work, Student) applies, noting specific document and photo requirements for that category.
• Check eligibility and gather basic documents: verify passport validity (minimum six months beyond travel date) and collect proof of funds, travel itinerary, invitation letters or sponsorship documents as required.
• Understand the photo specification: the UK 35 × 45 mm digital and print photo must show a neutral expression, full face, front view, 29–34 mm head height, clear light grey or cream background, no shadows, and no spectacles or headgear (unless for religious reasons).
• Capture a compliant digital photo: use a high-resolution camera or smartphone; position subject 5 m from a uniform background under soft diffused lighting; center the head and shoulders; save as JPEG (minimum 600×750 px, maximum 1200×1500 px) with 90–100% quality and file size under 10 MB.
• Edit and measure digitally: open the JPEG in photo-editing software, crop to 35 × 45 mm (300 dpi), ensure head height occupies 29–34 mm of the frame and the top margin above the hair is 2–5 mm; save adjustments and confirm pixel dimensions (413×531 px at 300 dpi).
• Print physical photos: send the digitally approved image to a professional print lab or use a high-end color printer with photo paper (matte or glossy, ≥ 240 g/m²); print two identical 35 × 45 mm copies, ensuring color accuracy and no ink streaks.
• Inspect the printed photos: lay prints on a flat surface under bright natural light; verify size with a ruler, check for even lighting, sharp focus, correct colors, no creases, and consistent background tone; discard any subpar prints.
• Complete the online application form: create a UKVI account, fill in personal details, travel history, purpose of visit, and contact information; double-check spelling and consistency with your passport data to avoid mismatches.
• Upload your digital photo and supporting documents: follow the portal instructions to upload the 35 × 45 mm JPEG (as per file size and format limits) plus scanned copies of your passport bio-data page, financial statements, invitation letters and any additional evidence.
• Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (if applicable): use a valid credit/debit card online, keep screenshots or confirmation emails of every transaction, and note the reference number for future tracking.
• Book and attend your UKVCAS appointment: select a nearby visa application center, schedule your biometric capture and document scan, bring your printed photos, original documents, application reference, and payment receipts; arrive 15 minutes early.
• Track your application and collect your passport: monitor status via the UKVI portal or VFS Global SMS/email updates; once approved, collect your passport and visa vignette in person or receive it by courier—verify visa details immediately to confirm correctness.

Tips and Best Practices

• Exact Dimensions & Head Sizing: ensure the final print is precisely 35×45 mm with your head height between 29–34 mm and 3–5 mm of space above the crown, because incorrect sizing is the #1 cause of automatic rejection.
• Plain Background Consistency: shoot against a uniform light grey or cream backdrop without shadows, patterns or textures, because any background variation can invalidate the biometric scan.
• Neutral Expression & Frontal Pose: keep a straight-on shot, eyes open, mouth closed, no tilt or smile, because even slight head rotations or grins disrupt facial-recognition algorithms.
• Even, Diffused Lighting: use soft, balanced light sources to eliminate shadows, glare or red-eye, because harsh lighting hides critical facial features and fails automated checks.
• No Glasses or Obstructions: remove spectacles and hats (unless for genuine religious reasons) and ensure no hair or accessories cover your face, because any obstruction around eyes or forehead will trigger a manual rejection.

Conclusion

In conclusion, following the Step-by-Step GB UK Visa 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm) Application Guide ensures your photo meets every official requirement and minimizes the risk of delays or rejection.

Key Points:

• Photo dimensions: exactly 35×45 mm (5×5 cm) with a 32–36 mm head height
• Background: plain light grey or off-white, no patterns or shadows
• Head position & expression: face straight, eyes open, neutral expression, mouth closed
• Lighting & focus: even, natural lighting; no red-eye or reflections on glasses
• Digital file: JPEG format, 600×750 px minimum, 300 dpi, 10–25 KB file size
• Print quality: high-resolution, matte or glossy finish on non-gloss paper
• Final checks: verify alignment grid, color accuracy, and absence of filters or edits
• Submission: attach correctly named file in your online application or include physical copies as specified

By carefully measuring, capturing, and verifying your photo against these standards, you’ll streamline your UK visa application and avoid costly re-submissions.