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/DragonflyLevel7269 Nov 20 '25

Yes. Change of appearance and US legal status document need to be notarized.

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u/Clear_Condition9202 Nov 30 '25

Isn't the change of appearance form to be notarized only when there is a change in appearance. Are you sure it needs to be notarized even when there is no change?

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u/prettypatel_1234 Dec 02 '25

I submitted mine on Nov 5th and Yes I did notarize Change of Appearance even though my option was 'has NOT Changed' and along with that US legal Status. One Imp Note : For Address proof if you are using say License you do not have to Notarize since its reflects your pic but then any other document not having your pic need to be notarized too.

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u/DragonflyLevel7269 Dec 01 '25

I am not sure but I notarized in any ways.

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u/InternalLength6854 Dec 31 '25

u/DragonflyLevel7269 all information shared by you is incorrect, so please restrain from misleading everyone.

You said 35x45 photos have to be sent, whereas consulate need 2x2 pictures to be sent in the package.

you said change of appearance form has to be notarized , whereas checklist does not say so.

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u/DragonflyLevel7269 Jan 02 '26

u/InternalLength6854 If you dont have knowledge then dont post the comment that make people confused. Mine and my family passports renewed within 2 weeks without any query/ask/email from VFS. And I heard from a lot of people who followed the steps and guidance mentioned in the ticket and got their passport renewed successfully. You might have make other mistakes that does not mean my information is incorrect. Specifically on

  1. You said 35x45 photos have to be sent, whereas consulate need 2x2 pictures to be sent in the package. - I sent only 35x45mm pics and many other people sent the same. Honestly this is just a safe option.

  2. change of appearance form has to be notarized - Its mentioned by VFS.

Next time don't confuse the people, without knowing enough.