USCIS is advising that, starting Monday, August 1, 2004, USCIS will begin accepting photographs in the Department of State (DOS) standard style (frontal view) for all benefits applications. There will be a transitional period during which the 3/4 profile style photos will continue to be accepted by USCIS for those cases currently requiring that format. USCIS will also announce a cut-off date after which only the DOS standard style photos will be accepted, expected to be September 1. USCIS will not send Requests For Evidence for DOS-style photographs on pending caes. USCIS also advised that it will issue a public notice regarding the new photos and applicable deadlines, and that it expects to generate new photo specs in approximately another six months, as DHS develops them to deal with new facial recognition software.

The Nebraska Service Center (NSC) will accept either ADIT-style or passport-style photographs until the expected target date of August 1, 2004.  After the target date passes, NSC will only accept passport-style photos.

The California Service Center (CSC) requests that all new applications and petitions that require be submitted with passport-style photographs.  For any pending applications and petitions, new photos are not to be submitted unless requested to do so by the CSC.