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OCI photo size: pixels, KB and background requirements

Quick answer

For an OCI digital photo, the central FAQ specifies a square JPEG/JPG, between 200 and 900 pixels on each side, no larger than 200 KB, with a plain light background that is not white. Check your live portal and mission instructions before uploading.

Prepare my OCI photo Guide me through it

Last checked 15 Sep 2026 against ociservices.gov.in FAQ — photograph specifications · India requirements

In this guide
  1. Official screenshots and examples
  2. OCI needs a light background that is not white
  3. Official file limit and preparation target
  4. Every requirement
  5. Questions

Visual guide · reviewed 9 Oct 2026

Official screenshots and examples

The current central OCI FAQ supplies the digital upload requirements. The current mission page supplies its photo example; where local caps differ, follow the central FAQ and your live upload instructions.

  1. 1. Check the current OCI photo upload limits

    Open Question 9 in the official OCI FAQ. Prepare a square JPEG/JPG within its pixel and file limits. The FAQ asks for a light background that is not white.

    Public guidance / blank form · 8 Oct 2026.

    Full image Official source

  2. 2. Compare the current mission photo example

    This Auckland page includes a square portrait example and local photo/signature specifications. Its 500 KB maximum differs from the central FAQ’s 200 KB. Use the central limits and your live upload instructions.

    Public guidance / blank form · 8 Oct 2026.

    Full image Official source

OCI needs a light background that is not white

The OCI photograph guidance differs from the India e-Visa and Indian passport guidance. Use a plain light-coloured background that is not white. Changing the file size alone does not correct the background; review both the backdrop and the square crop.

TravelPrepKit prepares an even light cream background for OCI photos. Cropping, resizing, background preparation and compression happen on your device. Review hair edges and face detail, and use a new photo if the original cannot produce a clear result.

Official file limit and preparation target

TravelPrepKit uses a 10–200 KB preparation target. The central FAQ publishes a maximum of 200 KB; it does not publish a 10 KB minimum. This tool target is separate from the official requirement.

Every requirement

OCI digital photo, as last checked on 15 Sep 2026. Each rule says how to fix a file that fails it. Preparation ranges used by TravelPrepKit are tool targets; follow your live portal’s upload limits.

JPEG format

image/jpeg

The portal accepts JPEG only.

If it fails: Export as JPEG. PNG and HEIC will be rejected.

Preparation size target

10.0 KB – 200.0 KB

TravelPrepKit uses this preparation range. The central OCI FAQ publishes a maximum of 200 KB, without a 10 KB minimum. Follow your live portal and mission instructions.

If it fails: Drop the photo again — TravelPrepKit will recompress into the window.

200–900 pixels, square

200–900 px on both sides

Width and height each between 200 and 900 pixels, and equal.

If it fails: Drop the photo — it will be cropped and resized automatically.

Square aspect ratio

1:1 (square)

Width must equal height.

If it fails: Will be cropped to square on drop.

Plain light background (not white)

Official FAQ: plain light colour background, not white, no border. Do not reuse an e-Visa white-background file.

If it fails: Stand against a plain light wall. TravelPrepKit evens it to a very light cream backdrop rather than the pure white OCI excludes.

No shadows or patterns

Background must be near-uniform.

If it fails: Retake on a plain wall, away from the surface to reduce shadow.

Single face

exactly 1

Exactly one person in the frame.

If it fails: Crop to the applicant only.

Head-and-shoulders, face centred

Head from top of hair to bottom of chin measures 1–1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) of the 2-inch (51 mm) frame — about 49–69% of its height — with the eyes 1⅛–1⅜ inches from the bottom. Children under ten are allowed some latitude.

If it fails: Auto-crop to a 2×2 ID photo. Retake if hair or chin is cut off.

Eyes open and looking forward

Eyes should be open and looking at the camera. The official OCI photograph sheet makes this optional for babies under one.

If it fails: Use a front-facing photo with open eyes, unless the applicant is a baby under one.

Questions

What size is an OCI photo in pixels?

Square, with each side between 200 and 900 pixels. Printed, it is 51×51 mm.

Can an OCI photo have a white background?

No. The official FAQ asks for a plain light-coloured background that is not white, with no border. Do not reuse a white-background e-Visa or passport photo.

What is the maximum OCI photo file size?

The central OCI FAQ publishes a maximum of 200 KB and no 10 KB minimum. TravelPrepKit uses a 10–200 KB preparation target; follow your live portal and mission instructions.

Does OCI also need a signature?

Yes, as a separate image upload. See the OCI signature guide for its shape and size.

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