AUSTRALIA - NEW ZWALAND - USA - UK - PHILLIPINES - GERMANY - SOUTH KOREA - HONGKONG - VIETNAM - MALAYSIA - ITALY - SRILANKA - CANADA - CHINA - INDIA - JAPAN - NEPAL - BANGLADESH - IRAQ - IRAN - LEBANON - PAKISTAN
AUSTRALIA - NEW ZWALAND - USA - UK - PHILLIPINES - GERMANY - SOUTH KOREA - HONGKONG - VIETNAM - MALAYSIA - ITALY - SRILANKA - CANADA - CHINA - INDIA - JAPAN - NEPAL - BANGLADESH - IRAQ - IRAN - LEBANON - PAKISTAN
AUSTRALIA - NEW ZWALAND - USA - UK - PHILLIPINES - GERMANY - SOUTH KOREA - HONGKONG - VIETNAM - MALAYSIA - ITALY - SRILANKA - CANADA - CHINA - INDIA - JAPAN - NEPAL - BANGLADESH - IRAQ - IRAN - LEBANON - PAKISTAN
AUSTRALIA - NEW ZWALAND - USA - UK - PHILLIPINES - GERMANY - SOUTH KOREA - HONGKONG - VIETNAM - MALAYSIA - ITALY - SRILANKA - CANADA - CHINA - INDIA - JAPAN - NEPAL - BANGLADESH - IRAQ - IRAN - LEBANON - PAKISTAN
AUSTRALIA - NEW ZWALAND - USA - UK - PHILLIPINES - GERMANY - SOUTH KOREA - HONGKONG - VIETNAM - MALAYSIA - ITALY - SRILANKA - CANADA - CHINA - INDIA - JAPAN - NEPAL - BANGLADESH - IRAQ - IRAN - LEBANON - PAKISTAN
AUSTRALIA - NEW ZWALAND - USA - UK - PHILLIPINES - GERMANY - SOUTH KOREA - HONGKONG - VIETNAM - MALAYSIA - ITALY - SRILANKA - CANADA - CHINA - INDIA - JAPAN - NEPAL - BANGLADESH - IRAQ - IRAN - LEBANON - PAKISTAN
AUSTRALIA - NEW ZWALAND - USA - UK - PHILLIPINES - GERMANY - SOUTH KOREA - HONGKONG - VIETNAM - MALAYSIA - ITALY - SRILANKA - CANADA - CHINA - INDIA - JAPAN - NEPAL - BANGLADESH - IRAQ - IRAN - LEBANON - PAKISTAN
AUSTRALIA - NEW ZWALAND - USA - UK - PHILLIPINES - GERMANY - SOUTH KOREA - HONGKONG - VIETNAM - MALAYSIA - ITALY - SRILANKA - CANADA - CHINA - INDIA - JAPAN - NEPAL - BANGLADESH - IRAQ - IRAN - LEBANON - PAKISTAN
AUSTRALIA - NEW ZWALAND - USA - UK - PHILLIPINES - GERMANY - SOUTH KOREA - HONGKONG - VIETNAM - MALAYSIA - ITALY - SRILANKA - CANADA - CHINA - INDIA - JAPAN - NEPAL - BANGLADESH - IRAQ - IRAN - LEBANON - PAKISTAN
AUSTRALIA - NEW ZWALAND - USA - UK - PHILLIPINES - GERMANY - SOUTH KOREA - HONGKONG - VIETNAM - MALAYSIA - ITALY - SRILANKA - CANADA - CHINA - INDIA - JAPAN - NEPAL - BANGLADESH - IRAQ - IRAN - LEBANON - PAKISTAN
๐ What's in this guide
September 2025 ICAO update โ glasses now banned
From September 1, 2025, glasses are prohibited in all Indian passport applications at embassies and consulates worldwide โ including VFS Global Australia. Previously, non-reflective prescription glasses were conditionally permitted. Any glasses now result in automatic rejection.
Three different photo formats โ know which one you need
Indian passport renewal uses 35ร45mm prints. OCI card and e-Visa applications use 51ร51mm square photos. The Passport Seva Portal digital upload requires exactly 630ร810 pixels. Different applications need different photos โ Miniml applies the correct format automatically.
Miniml applies all 2025 Indian requirements automatically
Select your application type (passport, OCI, or e-Visa), upload your photo. We apply the correct format, size, white background and ICAO-compliant specifications before expert review and printing.
Official specifications
The exact 2025 specs โ ICAO verified.
These are the official requirements from India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Passport Seva portal, updated September 2025 to align with ICAO biometric standards.
๐ Passport Renewal (VFS)
๐ชช OCI Card
๐ป e-Visa / Passport Seva Digital
| Requirement | Official Specification | Important Notes | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Photo size (print) | 35mm wide ร 45mm high Also accepted: 2ร2 inch (51ร51mm) on some forms | VFS Global in Australia accepts 35ร45mm for passport renewal. Some older application forms specify 51ร51mm โ check your specific form before ordering. | REQUIRED |
Face coverage | 80โ85% of photo height Updated from 70โ80% in September 2025 | This is a significant change from previous rules. Your face (chin to top of head) must now fill 80โ85% of the photo โ larger and closer than before. Photos with 70โ80% coverage that were previously accepted will now be rejected. | โก UPDATED 2025 |
Background colour | Plain white ONLY No off-white, cream, or light grey | The Passport Seva portal's automated checker is strict about background uniformity. Even subtle off-white tones or warm casts cause rejection. Different from Australian passports which allow light grey. | INDIA SPECIFIC |
Glasses | Not permitted โ banned Changed September 1, 2025 | Under the 2025 ICAO update, glasses are no longer permitted in any Indian passport photos submitted at embassies or consulates. Previously, non-reflective prescription glasses were conditionally allowed. This has now changed โ glasses of any kind are an automatic rejection. | โก CHANGED 2025 |
Expression | Neutral, mouth closed | Both eyes fully open, looking directly at camera. No smiling, frowning or tilting. Head must be straight. | REQUIRED |
Photo colour | Colour only Black and white not accepted | Natural, accurate skin tones required. No heavy colour casts, unusual tinting or colour manipulation of any kind. | REQUIRED |
Photo age | Within 6 months | Must represent current appearance. If your appearance has changed significantly โ major weight change, facial surgery, new significant facial hair โ new photos required even within 6 months. | REQUIRED |
Shadows | None permitted Face or background | No shadows on the background, face, under the nose or behind the ears. Uniform lighting required. | REQUIRED |
Head coverings | Not permitted Religious coverings accepted | Full face โ forehead to chin, both cheeks โ must be clearly visible. Head coverings for religious reasons (turbans, hijabs) accepted but face must be fully visible. Decorative head accessories are not allowed. | CONDITIONAL |
Print quality | Professional lab print Dye sublimation or equivalent quality | Polaroid photos and home inkjet prints are explicitly not accepted. Must be continuous tone professional quality with good resolution. No marks, folds, tears or damage. | REQUIRED |
Digital editing | Not permitted | Beauty filters, skin smoothing, background replacement, and any AI enhancement are prohibited. The Passport Seva portal and VFS automated systems flag manipulated images. | NOT ALLOWED |
Photos required (VFS) | 2 identical photos | Both photos must be identical โ same session, same clothing and appearance. One is pasted to the application form; one is attached separately. | REQUIRED |
๐ชช OCI card requirements
OCI, e-Visa & Passport โ
three different photo formats.
This is where most Indian expats in Australia go wrong. The same person needs three different photo formats for different Indian government applications. Here's the complete breakdown.
๐ชช OCI Card Photo Requirements
Overseas Citizen of India โ square format
Photo size
51ร51mm (2ร2 inch square) โ not the rectangular passport size
Digital upload
200โ1500px square ยท JPEG ยท under 500KB on ociservices.gov.in
Face coverage
70โ80% of photo area (face from chin to top of head)
Background
Pure white only โ same as passport
Glasses
Not permitted โ OCI guidelines explicitly state "no tinted or dark glasses" and 2025 ICAO update bans all glasses
Same as passport?
No โ must be a different photo from your passport application
Signature image
1:3 aspect ratio (width:height), 200ร67 to 1500ร500px, under 500KB, black ink on white paper
Processing via
ociservices.gov.in (online) then VFS Global (in person)
๐ All Three Formats โ Side by Side
Specification
Passport
OCI Card
Print size
35ร45mm
Portrait
51ร51mm
Square
Digital size
630ร810px
7:9 ratio <250KB
200โ1500pxยฒ
Square <500KB
Face coverage
80โ85%
Updated 2025
70โ80%
Pre-2025 standard
Photos needed
2 prints
Identical
1 print + 1 digital
+ signature upload
Background
White only
White only
Glasses
โ Banned
Sep 2025
โ Banned
Explicitly stated
Submit via
VFS Global
ociservices.gov.in + VFS
Order the right type from Miniml
When you order from Miniml, select your application type โ Passport Renewal, OCI Card, or e-Visa. We automatically apply the correct dimensions, digital specs, and requirements. No confusion, no wrong size.
Detailed requirements
Every rule, explained clearly.
These requirements apply to Indian passport renewal through VFS Global in Australia. Updated for the September 2025 ICAO changes that affect all Indian expats worldwide.
Photo Size โ 35 ร 45mm
Indian passport renewal via VFS Global in Australia uses 35ร45mm prints โ a standard portrait format. Note that some older Indian application forms specify 2ร2 inch (51ร51mm) square photos. Always check your specific VFS form requirements before ordering. OCI cards use 51ร51mm square โ a completely different size.
Always confirm the size with your specific VFS form. The most common size for passport renewal in Australia is 35ร45mm.
โก Updated Sep 2025
Face Coverage โ 80โ85% (Updated)
The September 2025 ICAO update increased required face coverage from 70โ80% to 80โ85% of the photo height. This means your face needs to fill a significantly larger portion of the frame than before. Photos that were accepted at 70% coverage before September 2025 may now be rejected.
Your face from chin to top of head must fill 80โ85% of the photo height. Move closer to the camera than you would for older requirements.
Pure White Background
The background must be pure white โ no off-white, cream, warm tones, or light grey. The Passport Seva portal and VFS automated systems use colour analysis to verify background purity. This is stricter than Australian passport requirements which accept light grey. Even very subtle warmth or grey cast will be flagged.
Test in daylight on a white wall or paper. If it looks even slightly grey or warm on screen, it will fail automated detection.
โก Changed Sep 2025
Glasses โ Now Completely Banned
As of September 1, 2025, glasses are not permitted in Indian passport photos โ a change from previous rules that conditionally allowed non-reflective prescription glasses. The Passport Seva portal now flags any glasses as an automatic rejection, regardless of whether there is glare. Even clear, thin-framed prescription glasses are rejected.
Remove all glasses before taking your passport photo. No exceptions exist under the 2025 ICAO rules โ not even for medical necessity under the current implementation.
Neutral Expression
Completely neutral expression โ no smiling, no frowning, no raised eyebrows, no exaggerated expressions. Mouth must be gently closed. Both eyes must be fully open and looking directly at the camera lens. Head must be straight โ no tilt, no turn to either side, no looking up or down.
Look at the camera lens, not the preview screen. The lens and screen are in slightly different positions โ looking at the screen means your eyes aren't directly aimed at the lens.
Clothing โ No Uniforms
Civilian, everyday clothing only. Uniforms of any kind โ military, police, government, school, sports โ are not permitted. Casual attire such as a plain shirt, kurta, or blouse is appropriate. Avoid white or very light coloured clothing which blends with the white background and causes shoulder detection issues in automated systems.
Wear dark or clearly contrasting clothing. No uniforms, no white tops, no large graphics or logos near the collar area.
Hair โ Full Face Visible
Your entire face from forehead to chin must be visible. Hair covering the forehead, falling across the cheeks, or obscuring the outline of the face will cause rejection. Long hair should be pinned back or worn behind the shoulders so it does not obscure the face outline against the white background.
Pull hair away from the face fully. Both eyebrows, both cheeks, and the full forehead must be clearly visible against the background.
No Digital Manipulation
Photos must be completely unedited. The Passport Seva portal and VFS systems use automated image analysis to detect skin smoothing, background replacement, red-eye correction, brightness adjustment, and AI enhancements. Any detected manipulation causes automatic rejection. Modern smartphones apply many of these adjustments automatically.
Turn off all phone camera enhancements: beauty mode, portrait mode, Smart HDR, skin smoothing, and AI scene detection. Use plain Photo mode only.
Lighting โ Uniform, No Shadows
Lighting must be completely uniform across your face and background. No shadows on the background, under the nose, under the chin, or beside the face. Single overhead lights, direct flash, and being too close to the background wall all cause shadows. The VFS automated system flags even subtle shadow patterns.
Stand 1 metre from the wall behind you. Use two light sources at equal distance on each side, or shoot facing a large window on an overcast day.
Side by side comparison
Indian vs Australian โ
key differences.
Both countries use portrait format photos, but several requirements differ โ particularly the background colour and the September 2025 glasses rule change.
๐ฎ๐ณ
Indian Passport Photo (2025)
For VFS Global & Indian Consulate
Photo size (print)35 ร 45 mm
Face coverage80โ85% (updated Sep 2025)
BackgroundPure white ONLY
Glassesโ Banned since Sep 2025
Black & whiteโ Not accepted
Photos required2 identical prints
OCI format51ร51mm (square โ different)
UniformsNot permitted
๐ฆ๐บ
Australian Passport Photo
For Australian Passport Office
Photo size (print)Similar โ 35โ40 ร 45โ50mm
Face coverage70โ80% Different
BackgroundWhite OR light grey Different
GlassesBanned entirely Same โ
Black & whiteโ Not accepted Same โ
Photos requiredUsually 2 Same โ
OCI formatN/A โ AU only N/A
UniformsNot permitted
Can I use my Australian passport photo for my Indian passport renewal?
Not reliably. Australian photos may use light grey backgrounds which Indian consulates reject. The face coverage requirement also differs (80โ85% for India vs 70โ80% for Australia). While the photo size is similar, the specific Indian requirements mean you should always order photos specifically formatted for Indian specifications. Miniml applies the Indian-specific requirements automatically.
Quick reference
Do's & Don'ts โ 2025 rules.
โ
You MUST do this
โPhoto size: 35ร45mm for passport renewal, 51ร51mm for OCI
โFace fills 80โ85% of the photo (updated September 2025)
โPure white background โ not grey, not cream, not off-white
โRemove all glasses before taking the photo (changed September 2025)
โNeutral expression, mouth closed, eyes fully open
โLook directly at the camera lens (not the preview screen)
โUniform, shadow-free lighting across face and background
โColour photo only โ black and white not accepted
โTaken within the last 6 months
โProfessional print quality โ continuous tone, no inkjet
โProvide 2 identical photos for VFS passport renewal
โYou must NEVER do this
โWear glasses of any kind (banned since September 2025)
โUse a grey or off-white background โ must be pure white
โUse face fill less than 80% of the photo (old standard rejected)
โWear a uniform โ military, police, school or otherwise
โSmile or have any non-neutral expression
โHave shadows on your face or the background
โEdit, filter or retouch the photo in any way
โUse the same OCI photo as your passport photo
โUse a 35ร45mm photo for an OCI application (needs 51ร51mm)
โPrint on an inkjet home printer
โWear white or very light clothing (blends with background)
Avoid rejection
Why Indian passport photos
get rejected in Australia.
These are the most common rejection causes at VFS Global Sydney and Melbourne, including the new 2025 ICAO-related rejections.
1
Glasses โ now automatic rejection NEW 2025
Previously the most debated rule โ prescription glasses without glare were conditionally permitted. Since September 1, 2025, glasses of any kind are now an automatic rejection under the new ICAO enforcement. The Passport Seva portal flags them before a human reviewer even sees the application.
Remove all glasses
2
Face coverage too small โ 80% now minimum UPDATED 2025
The updated ICAO standard requires 80โ85% face coverage. Many applicants use photos taken under the old 70โ80% standard โ even if those photos were accepted before September 2025, they now fail. The automated portal check detects photos where the face-to-frame ratio is below 80%.
80โ85% face coverage required
3
Grey or off-white background
Australian photo studios typically use light grey backgrounds which pass for Australian passports. Indian consulates and the Passport Seva portal require pure white. The automated colour-checking system flags any background that deviates from pure white โ including very subtle grey casts from studio lighting.
Pure white background only
4
Wrong size โ 35ร45mm submitted for OCI (needs 51ร51mm)
This is the most common confusion for applicants who need both a passport renewal and an OCI card. The two applications need different sized photos. Submitting a 35ร45mm photo to an OCI application (which requires 51ร51mm square) will result in rejection of the OCI application.
Match size to application type
5
Shadows on face or background
Single-source lighting, standing too close to the background wall, or overhead lighting all create shadows. The VFS and Passport Seva automated systems flag shadow patterns even if they are subtle. Shadows under the chin, nose, or beside the head outline on the background are common rejection causes.
Stand 1m from wall, use two light sources
6
Wrong digital file specs for Passport Seva Portal
The September 2025 update changed the Passport Seva Portal digital upload requirement to exactly 630ร810 pixels โ a non-square 7:9 ratio โ under 250KB JPEG. Photos that were accepted under the old flexible range (350ร350 to 1000ร1000) no longer pass the automated portal checker.
Exactly 630ร810px, JPEG, <250KB
7
Digital editing detected
Skin smoothing, beauty filters, background replacement, brightness adjustments and AI enhancements are all flagged by the automated detection system. Modern phones apply these automatically unless specifically disabled. Even apps that promise "passport photo" quality often apply background removal or skin smoothing that causes rejection.
Turn off all phone beauty modes
8
Uniform or inappropriate clothing
Indian passport photo guidelines explicitly prohibit uniforms. This includes military, police, government, school and sports uniforms. Applicants who wear their work uniform for a "quick photo" frequently have their applications rejected. Casual everyday clothing is required โ a plain shirt, kurta, or blouse is appropriate.
Wear civilian everyday clothing
Step by step
How to take your Indian
passport photo at home.
The 2025 ICAO update means closer framing is now required. Follow these steps for a VFS-compliant result that passes automated checking at the portal and in person.
1
Set up a pure white background
Use a white wall, hang a white bedsheet, or tape white poster board behind you. The background must be pure white โ not cream, not off-white, not warm-tinted from incandescent lights. Check it looks pure white in your phone camera's preview. Even subtle warmth makes the background appear off-white to the automated system.
Pro tip: Shoot near a large north-facing window during daylight. Natural daylight gives the truest white. Warm incandescent bulbs add a yellow cast that makes white walls appear cream โ always rejected by Indian consulates.
2
Stand exactly 1 metre from the wall โ eliminate shadows
Shadows on the background are one of the most common rejection causes. Stand or sit at least 1 metre from the wall behind you so your body doesn't cast shadows. Use two light sources โ one on each side of your face at 45ยฐ angles and equal distance. This eliminates facial shadows and creates even, uniform lighting.
Pro tip: On an overcast day, the soft diffused light from a large window creates perfect shadow-free lighting on its own. Harsh direct sunlight creates strong shadows โ use it only when the sun is behind a cloud layer.
3
Remove glasses โ no exceptions under 2025 rules
Since September 2025, glasses are automatically rejected regardless of glare or frame type. Remove all glasses before taking the photo. If you wear contact lenses, clear non-tinted lenses are acceptable. Coloured contact lenses that change eye colour should also be removed.
2025 change: Previously, non-reflective prescription glasses were conditionally permitted. This has changed completely. The Passport Seva portal's automated checker now flags any glasses as non-compliant, even in photos with no visible glare or reflection.
4
Frame tightly โ 80โ85% face coverage required (updated)
The 2025 update increased face coverage from 70โ80% to 80โ85%. This means you need to stand or sit closer to the camera than before, or zoom in so your face fills more of the frame. Your face (chin to the top of your head) should fill approximately 80โ85% of the photo height. This is more than most people intuitively think.
Quick check: Take a test shot and look at it on a large screen. If your face seems small in the frame with lots of background above your head and below your chin, you're too far away. Move 20โ30cm closer and retake.
5
Disable all phone camera enhancements
Before shooting, turn off: Portrait Mode, Beauty/Skin Smooth mode, Smart HDR, Scene Optimiser (Samsung), AI Camera, and any automatic face enhancement. These are all detected as digital manipulation. Use plain Photo mode with default settings only.
iPhone specific: Settings โ Camera โ Photographic Styles โ set to Standard or None. Turn off Smart HDR in Settings โ Camera โ Smart HDR. For Samsung: Camera settings โ turn off Scene Optimiser and Shooting Methods that use AI.
6
Take the photo โ check expression, coverage, shadows
Neutral expression โ relax your face completely, mouth gently closed, eyes fully open. Look at the camera lens, not the screen. Head perfectly straight โ no tilt in any direction. Take 20+ photos. Review on a large screen: face fills 80โ85% of frame โ, pure white background โ, no shadows โ, no glasses โ, wearing civilian clothing โ.
2025 ICAO checklist: No glasses โ | 80โ85% face coverage โ | Pure white background โ | No shadows โ | Neutral expression โ | Civilian clothing โ | Taken within 6 months โ | No editing โ
7
Upload to Miniml โ we apply the exact 2025 ICAO spec
Upload your photo to Miniml and select India (and your application type: Passport/OCI/e-Visa). We apply the correct dimensions (35ร45mm for passport, 51ร51mm for OCI), adjust for the 80โ85% face coverage standard, ensure pure white background, and produce the exact 630ร810px digital file if needed. Expert human review before printing.
Why Miniml for Indian photos: The 2025 ICAO update changes many things simultaneously. Miniml applies all September 2025 standards automatically โ โ correct size for your application type, correct face coverage percentage, pure white background, and compliant digital file specs.
VFS Global centres
Indian Passport Services in Australia.
Indian passport renewals in Australia are processed through VFS Global (India Passport and Visa Services Centre). All VFS centres require ICAO-compliant photos meeting the September 2025 standards.
๐ Sydney
VFS Global โ NSW / ACT
VFS Address
Level 5, 6 O'Connell Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Services
Passport renewal, OCI card, visas, PCC, attestation
Hours
MonโFri ยท 9:00โ17:30 AEST (closed AU/IN public holidays)
Appointment
Required โ book online at vfsglobal.com/india/australia
Processing time
Passport renewal: 6โ8 weeks. OCI: 8โ12 weeks
Serves
NSW, ACT and surrounding areas
๐๏ธ Melbourne
VFS Global โ VIC / TAS / SA
VFS Address
Suite 4, Level 12, 55 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Also by post to
PO Box 23057, Docklands VIC 3008
Hours
MonโFri ยท 9:00โ17:30 AEST (closed AU/IN public holidays)
Helpline
03 8593 9124 ยท 9:00โ15:30 AEST business days
Processing time
Passport renewal: 6โ8 weeks. Peak periods may be longer
Serves
VIC, TAS, SA and surrounding areas
๐ Brisbane
Indian Consulate โ QLD / NT
Consulate Address
12th Floor, 301 Coronation Drive, Milton QLD 4064
Important
Most services (passport, OCI, visa) are handled by VFS. Visit consulate only for life/death certificates and emergency documents
Consulate hours (Misc only)
MonโFri ยท 10:30โ12:30 (life certs & attestation only)
Helpline
03 9956 3830 ยท 9:00โ15:30 AEST
Miniml tip
Order ICAO-compliant Indian passport photos from Miniml, delivered to your Brisbane address in 1โ2 days
Serves
QLD, NT (passport/OCI via VFS online)
VFS Global provides photo services on-site โ but verify specs first
Unlike Japanese and Chinese consulates, Indian VFS Global centres offer ICAO-compliant photo-taking services on-site at some locations. However, the on-site photos are chargeable and appointment slots are limited. Many applicants prefer to arrive with pre-ordered Miniml photos to avoid any uncertainty about photo compliance on the day of their appointment.
๐ฎ๐ณ
2025 ICAO Compliant
September 2025 standards applied โ correct face coverage, no glasses, exact pixel dimensions.
๐ชช
Passport, OCI & e-Visa
All three Indian photo formats covered โ correct size and spec for each application type.
โ
VFS Acceptance Guarantee
Free reprint if your photo is rejected at VFS Global for any compliance reason.
๐ฆ
Delivered Australia-Wide
Free tracked delivery to any Australian address. Digital file emailed same day.
Frequently asked questions
Indian passport photo questions answered.
What changed for Indian passport photos in September 2025?
+
From September 1, 2025, all Indian embassies and consulates worldwide mandated ICAO-compliant passport photos. Key changes: glasses are now completely prohibited (previously conditionally permitted), face must cover 80โ85% of the photo (previously 70โ80%), and Passport Seva Portal digital uploads must be exactly 630ร810 pixels (JPEG, under 250KB). Photos not meeting these standards are automatically rejected at the portal upload stage without manual review.
Can I still wear glasses in my Indian passport photo in 2025?
+
No. As of September 1, 2025, glasses are completely prohibited in Indian passport photos submitted at any embassy or consulate worldwide, including VFS Global Australia. Previously, non-reflective prescription glasses without glare were conditionally permitted. This has changed completely โ the Passport Seva portal automated system flags any glasses as an automatic rejection, regardless of whether glare is visible.
What is the difference between Indian passport, OCI card, and e-Visa photos?
+
Three different formats are required: Passport renewal (VFS Global): 35ร45mm print, 2 copies, 80โ85% face coverage. OCI card: 51ร51mm square print (different shape), 70โ80% face coverage, plus digital upload (200โ1500px square, JPEG, under 500KB). e-Visa: Square digital photo, 350ร350px minimum, 10KBโ1MB. Using the wrong size for any of these applications causes rejection. Select your application type when ordering from Miniml โ we apply the correct format automatically.
How do I renew my Indian passport in Australia?
+
Indian passport renewals are processed through VFS Global (India Passport and Visa Services Centre). Apply online at passportindia.gov.in first, then book an appointment at your local VFS centre โ Sydney (Level 5, 6 O'Connell Street), Melbourne (Level 12, 55 Swanston Street), or Perth. You'll need: current passport, completed application form, 2 ICAO-compliant 35ร45mm photos (white background, no glasses, 80โ85% face), and proof of Australian residence. Processing takes 6โ8 weeks. Fees vary by passport type (36-page approximately AUD $103, 60-page approximately AUD $137).
Why can't I use the same photo for my passport and OCI card?
+
OCI card guidelines explicitly state that the photo must be different from the one used in the passport application. Even if the photos are taken on the same day, they must be distinct images โ different expressions, slight angle variation, or taken at different times. Additionally, OCI uses a different photo format (51ร51mm square vs 35ร45mm portrait for passport), so identical sizing isn't possible anyway. Order separate photos for each application from Miniml.
What is the exact digital photo size for the Passport Seva Portal?
+
As of the September 2025 update, the Passport Seva Portal requires photos to be exactly 630ร810 pixels (JPEG format, under 250KB). This is a non-square 7:9 aspect ratio โ different from OCI applications which use a square format. Photos outside these exact dimensions are automatically rejected by the portal. A separate digital signature upload is also required (140ร60 pixels minimum, 1:3 aspect ratio, under 250KB). Miniml provides the correct 630ร810px digital file with all Indian passport orders.
Can VFS Global take my passport photo on the day of my appointment?
+
Some VFS Global centres offer on-site ICAO-compliant photo services, but this varies by location and availability. If photos are available on-site, they are chargeable. It is generally safer to arrive with your photos already prepared so you don't risk being turned away if the on-site photo service is unavailable or busy. Order from Miniml before your appointment โ ICAO-compliant photos delivered to your door in 1โ2 days.
Can I use an Australian passport photo for my Indian passport renewal?
+
Not reliably. Australian passport photos often use light grey backgrounds which Indian consulates reject. The face coverage requirement also differs โ Australia accepts 70โ80% while India now requires 80โ85%. While the physical size is similar (both approximately 35ร45mm), specific Indian requirements mean you should always order photos specifically formatted for Indian specifications and the September 2025 ICAO standards. Miniml applies these automatically when you select India.
My Indian passport photo was rejected at VFS โ what do I do?
+
First, get the specific rejection reason from VFS in writing. Most common causes in Australia: glasses (post-September 2025 rule), face too small in frame (below 80% coverage), grey or off-white background, digital editing detected, wrong size for the application type. If you ordered through Miniml and our photo was rejected for a compliance reason, we will reprint and redeliver at zero cost under our 100% acceptance guarantee. Email us the rejection notice and we'll process a free reprint immediately.
Where can I get Indian passport photos in Sydney or Melbourne?
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Miniml delivers expert-reviewed, September 2025 ICAO-compliant Indian passport photos to any Sydney or Melbourne address. Digital file same day from $8, printed photos in 1โ2 business days from $10. The correct format (35ร45mm for passport renewal, 51ร51mm for OCI) is applied automatically. The September 2025 ICAO rules โ including no glasses, 80โ85% face coverage, and exact digital dimensions โ are built into every Indian order.
Understanding Indian Passport Photo Requirements in Australia โ 2025 ICAO Update
India is home to the largest diaspora in Australia โ with over 700,000 Indian-born residents, the demand for Indian passport renewal and OCI card services is significant. From September 1, 2025, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs implemented mandatory ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) compliant photo requirements at all Indian embassies and consulates worldwide, including through VFS Global in Australia. These changes affect every Indian expat with a passport renewal or OCI application due on or after that date.
The most significant change is the complete prohibition on glasses. Previously, the Indian passport photo guidelines allowed non-reflective prescription glasses without glare, provided frames did not obstruct the eyes. This created a nuanced middle ground that many applicants navigated with varying success. The September 2025 ICAO update eliminates this nuance entirely โ the Passport Seva portal's automated checker now flags any glasses as non-compliant, regardless of transparency, glare, or frame type. Applications are automatically rejected before reaching a human reviewer.
The second major change is face coverage โ now 80โ85% of the photo height, up from the previous 70โ80%. This affects how closely the photo must be framed. Many applicants used photos where the face filled approximately 72โ75% of the frame, which passed under old rules. These same photos now fail the automated portal detection. The effect is that thousands of NRIs across Australia with recently taken photos find themselves needing to retake them, as photos that were compliant before September 2025 no longer meet the new standard.
The three-format complexity of Indian government photo requirements โ 35ร45mm portrait for passport renewal, 51ร51mm square for OCI cards, and a 630ร810 pixel non-square digital file for the Passport Seva portal โ creates genuine confusion for applicants. Submitting the wrong format to any of these applications results in rejection. OCI applications compound this by requiring a completely different photo from the one used in the passport application, and by needing a separate signature image in a 1:3 aspect ratio format.
Miniml's Indian passport photo service applies all of these requirements automatically. When you select India and your application type โ Passport Renewal, OCI Card, or e-Visa โ the system applies the correct dimensions, face coverage standard, white background requirement, and digital file specifications for that specific application. Every photo is reviewed by a trained human expert against the September 2025 ICAO standards before printing. Professional dye-sublimation prints are delivered to any Australian address in 1โ2 business days. For Indian expats in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and regional Australia, Miniml eliminates the uncertainty of whether your photos will meet the latest, most strictly enforced standards.
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2025 ICAO compliant.
2025 ICAO compliant.
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Upload your photo. We apply every September 2025 rule โ correct format, 80โ85% face coverage, no glasses, pure white background. Expert review, professional print, free delivery to your Australian door.