Make Your OCI Photo Online for Free in Under 30 Seconds

Upload a recent selfie to PhotoGov’s OCI photo tool, wait about 30 seconds, and download the file. During processing, the tool crops the photo to a square, sets it to 200x200 to 900x900 pixels, and saves a JPEG under 200 KB, within the OCI Services portal limits. After processing, your photo is ready to be uploaded with your OCI application.

Upload a photo, select OCI Card Photo as the document type, and the tool resizes your original image to 200x200 to 900x900 pixels. Download a square JPEG and upload it to the portal yourself.

Yes, depending on your location: PhotoGov offers two free ID photos per day where a free option is available. The prices and additional services for your location are shown before download. The OCI photo maker works with your selfie, right in a browser — you can make OCI photos online without a studio visit.

It converts a suitable portrait into the OCI upload format: square crop, face position, pixel size, JPEG/JPG, and the 200 KB limit. It doesn’t retouch or alter your facial features. The tool only provides a photo-making service and doesn’t fill in or submit your OCI application.

Yes. The tool works in Safari, Chrome, and other mobile browsers on iPhone and Android. Upload the original camera file (not a compressed copy from a messaging app or a scan), and the tool adjusts it to the OCI Services portal format.

Yes, you can use it as an OCI photo checker for the photo’s technical parameters. The built-in template checks your photo for square crop, face position, pixel size, file format, and size, and applies each of them in the final file. The approval of your photo or application is solely at the discretion of the Indian mission handling your application.

Yes, where the free option is available. Upload a selfie, select India as the country and OCI photo as the document type, and PhotoGov converts it to OCI size — 200x200 to 900x900 pixels, JPEG under 200 KB, in under 30 seconds.

The OCI Services portal FAQ requires a square photo from 200x200 to 900x900 pixels, JPEG/JPG, up to 200 KB. VFS Global USA allows files up to 1500x1500 pixels and 500 KB, so a file saved within the OCI portal limits fits both. The requirements table above lists all other required parameters and specs.

No. The tool on this page prepares the applicant’s portrait only. The signature file is a separate image with its own specification: VFS Global USA lists a 1:3 aspect ratio, from 200x67 to 1500x500 pixels, signed in blue or black ink. Don’t place a signature on the main application photo or run it through the portrait tool.

You can take your passport photo for the OCI card at home with a phone. Stand in front of a plain, light wall with even lighting, with no shadows on your face or the background. Ask someone to hold the phone or use a tripod — a rear camera produces a sharper image than the front one. Face the camera with your eyes open and a natural expression, and keep your head and shoulders square in the shot. Take a few shots and upload the sharpest original file.

No. PhotoGov’s OCI photo maker runs in your browser; you don’t need to install anything. You can upload the source image and download the finished file on your phone, tablet, or computer.

Download the JPEG/JPG at PhotoGov, open the OCI Services portal, select the file for the applicant’s photograph, and upload your photo. Then upload your signature as a separate image file and check the preview if one is available.

No. For minors, the Consulate General of India in Seattle requires a thumb impression instead of a signature. Like the signature, it must be uploaded as a separate image, not on the back of your portrait.

Along with the photo and signature, the mission (the Indian consulate in Seattle used as the example) requires your current passport and proof of Indian origin in the list of supporting documents. VFS Global USA publishes different checklists of required documents for each applicant category (for example, for adult foreign nationals). Always double-check the official source of your application channel before submission.

Yes, if you file through VFS Global USA. Its official checklist requires a physical photo identical to the uploaded one on the printed form. Check the Printed photo section on this page for the exact dimensions and specs.

No. PhotoGov only prepares the online OCI photo. If you are eligible for an OCI card, you apply yourself: complete the form, upload the required documents, pay the government fee, and submit the application through the relevant OCI Service.

A PhotoGov specialist checks your source portrait and final file against the current official OCI photo specs and provides expert feedback. If either photo isn’t eligible, a retake is recommended. The review covers the photo’s technical properties only, not your OCI eligibility or your application documents.

Save the error message or email and check your file against the requirements in the table. According to the VFS Global USA checklist, if your photo did not upload correctly, you can use the “Re-upload image” option on the application website to try again. If the issue is caused by a technical error in a file created with PhotoGov, contact our Support team.

According to the Embassy of India in Washington, OCI cardholders must upload a copy of their new passport and a recent photo each time they receive a new passport up to the age of 20, and once after turning 50.

No. PhotoGov produces the photo, but you’ll need to upload it to the OCI portal yourself as part of your application.

No. PhotoGov is an independent OCI photo service and is not affiliated with the Government of India, the Ministry of Home Affairs, or any other government agency. Check our Non-Affiliation disclaimer for more information, and the next section for the official sources.