Passport Photo for OCI Application for Minor

For OCI applications made outside India, typically there is a requirement for physical photo print submission along with online application. There are the specifications for physical photo print:

• Size – 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
• Head height – Should cover 70-80% of the frame
• Background – Plain and light-colored
• Pose – Full frontal face view with shoulders clearly visible
• Facial Expressions – Keep eyes open and mouth closed (Exception: For applications for minor under 1 years of age, eyes are not required to be completely open)
• Quantity: You should provide two identical photos for physical submission

The photo for digital submission must be identical to the print photo.

• File Format: JPEG or JPG
• Dimensions: Between 200 x 200 pixels and 900 x 900 pixels.
• Quality: High-resolution, continuous tone colored photo

For OCI application for minor, children under the age of 10 years have some relaxations to the specific guidelines for photo submissions. There are relaxed rules regarding the precise eye positioning and facial expressions. However, the face must still be clearly visible and centered in the photo.

• Children Under 10 Years: Relaxed rules regarding exact head positioning, eye level, and facial expressions. However, the face must be clearly visible and must be in the center of the frame.
• Children Under 1 Years: Significantly relaxed rules. Eyes do not have to be open for the photo. However, the face must be visible and in the center of the photo.
• Accessories & Coverings: Not hats, caps or head coverings allowed (Unless specifically for religious reasons in which case the face from chin to head should be visible). No toys, pacifiers, or objects should be visible in the photo.
• Hands: No hands of the child or parent's supportive hand should be visible in the photo.
• Background: Plain light-colored background with no shadows or elements in the background.
• Attire: Dark colored clothing that clearly contrasts the background. Avoid same colored clothes as the background.

Follow these tips to successfully take photo at home for OCI card applications for minor:

• Plain Background: Whether your child is an infant or toddler, you should use a plain white or light-colored background for the photo. If the child can sit, then take the photo against a light-colored plain wall. If the child cannot sit, make them lie on a bedspread.
• Eye Level: Although there are some relaxations for eye positioning for children under the age of 10. However, it is always better if you can take the photo with the child directly looking at the camera.
• Clothes: Dress the minor in dark colored clothes that contrast the background. Ensure that the clothes are not the same color as the background.
• Accessories: Make sure there are no toys, pacifiers, bottles, or any objects in the photo.
• Several Photos: Take several photos of the kid. Then select the one that is the clearest and of highest quality.

Need help preparing your OCI application for minor photograph? Upload the photo on our portal and let us resize, refine and professionally format the photo according to the applicable OCI guidelines.