The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has set a strict new rule for photos in immigration documents. The agency will no longer accept photos older than three years. This move aims to stop identity theft. Previously, photos as old as 10 years were allowed. Self-submitted photos are now banned. Only photos taken by USCIS or authorized groups will be accepted. These changes apply to documents not needing new biometrics or photos. During the Covid pandemic, USCIS allowed very old photos, even 22 years old. Later, the limit was cut to 10 years. USCIS said that after 10 years, looks change so much that old photos made it hard to check identities and screen applicants properly. The new rule means "USCIS may only reuse a previously collected photograph if, at the time of filing, no more than 36 months (3 years) have passed since the date the photograph was collected at a BSA," the agency explained. Exceptions include forms needing new biometrics, like Application for Naturalization (N-400) and Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (I-90). USCIS can also ask for new photos instead of reusing old ones. This update comes amid wider immigration rule shifts. New policies include pausing immigration requests from 19 countries like Afghanistan and Iran, stopping all asylum applications for review, re-checking those granted asylum under Biden, mandatory biometrics at entry and exit for non-citizens, cutting work permit validity to 18 months from 5 years, and social media checks for H-1B and H-4 visa applicants.