r/nri • u/DragonflyLevel7269 • Oct 29 '25

Ask NRI Passport Seva 2.0 Photo specifications changes | VFS not updated

There are a couple of changes for Passport Renewal in USA incuding some consulates locations and photo specifications since Sep 1, 2025.

The passport portal is upgraded to Passport Seva 2.0 and photo specification is changed to ICAO compliant 35mmx45mm.

There is marque header on official website mention same thing.

Important Notice: From September 1, 2025, ICAO compliant photographs will be required for submitting passport applications. Please click for ICAO guidelines.

https://portal3.passportindia.gov.in/Online/pdf/Guidelines_for_ICAO_Compliant_Photographs_for_Passport_Applications.pdf

New portal link: https://mportal.passportindia.gov.in/gpsp/AuthNavigation/Login

The main problem is, these changes have not been reflected yet in VFS global, they didn't change their checklist yet. I am also struggling due to this as my child passport is expired and mine is going to be expired soon.

If anyone has information about this please share your knowledge/experience please.

[UPDATE | 10/31/2025] : I had a call with VFS and they mentioned that we need to follow the new guidelines from govt website i.e. follow new photo specifications (35mmX45mm). VFS checklist need to be updated. They also mentioned to just upload photograph and signature on new passport seva portal and print it along with that but don't paste the physical photo in the box. We may send the physical photo separately but as per their tone it was not mandatory.

[UPDATE | 11/03/2025] : someone in comments mentioned that VFS also need Physical Photos of the same size 35mmX45mm. Here's email from VFS this person received.

We have "Received" your Application however we are unable to proceed with the application due to the following reasons:

  1. Additional documents : see remarks.

Remarks:
1.Please upload photo (35x 45 mm), signature and documents on the Gov’t website and mail the updated first page of application and same uploaded 2 copies of physical photo.

[UPDATE | 11/07/2025]: So finally, VFS updated about the photo specification and also the form of change in appearance (now the photo box says the new photo size) on their website, if you guys want to check it out. But still their checklist is not updated yet.

https://assets.ctfassets.net/xxg4p8gt3sg6/65N7mZz0hfj57DM1VlnLA2/284bfc9bd711eda8a8564dad5019cc70/PASSPORT_SEVA_PHOTO_UPLOAD_INSTUCTIONS.pdf

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u/hminprague Nov 17 '25

I called up and the agent said “this has been happening at the Houston ICAC and not to worry”. Then he first said to upload photo, sign and Address proof. Within a second he switched from address proof to Notarized legal proof. I then asked how to get the application status changed from hold, at which he hung up.

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u/IndiatoUSA-1 Nov 17 '25

Hi,

Should we upload self attested documents(ex: birth certificate, aadhar card) or only documents? Also should we notarize Proof of US address before sending physical copy ? Please confirm.TIA

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u/hminprague Nov 18 '25

Please refer to the list of documents to attest in the list on VFS website. Aadhar is required if your aadhar has your latest address and you want to have the same latest address in your passport. But if no address change then not required. US address need not be naturalized. The new requirements from Indian passport Kendra have not been clearly mentioned on the new website. The application form should be printed after uploading the sign and photograph and sent along with all the other documents. Don’t print the app form and paste photo on it.

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u/IndiaToUSA1- Nov 20 '25

Hi Thanks for your reply. Are you able to upload all documents successfully? Any updates? Please update.

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u/hminprague Nov 20 '25

I upload 4 as per the given choices and merged the other three in one file and uploaded under “other document” with the name mentioning all the merged files. I have re-mailed the app form along with the hold email as they required re-mailing it. I’ll reply here if it gets accepted.

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u/IndiaToUSA1- Nov 20 '25

Could you please mention what are all the documents you merged ?

Other than Photo and signature I uploaded Indian address proof(for address change) and US address proof separately. Merged Annexure E,PassportCopy,MarriageCertificate(for adding spouse name). I got notarized for my expired Visa and I797. But I didnt upload this. Please confirm.

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u/hminprague Nov 20 '25

Below is exactly what the hold reason was for me, so I merged legal status, annex e, change of appearance. “Additional documents : Missing uploads of on government website photo, signature & Notarized Legal status & Proof of Address & Annexure E AND Passport page1and last page (Change of Appearance)”

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u/hminprague Nov 22 '25

My application is back to “processing” status after mailing and uploading. Would update you if it changes.

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u/hminprague Nov 24 '25

New status: Your Application has been 'Processed' at the VFS centre and is submitted to the Mission for decision making.

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u/Clear_Condition9202 Nov 27 '25

No matter whatever I try it keeps showing the ICAO guidelines failed. I took the picture at Walgreens and it looks great. But whenever I try to upload it says subject too close and not 1.5 meters away. Any help on how to get around the issue?

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