INZ is now using new facial recognition technology.
This means the photos we receive with your visa application must meet certain criteria
so we can identify you clearly.
The best way to ensure your photograph meets our new requirements is to use a professional
visa and passport photo outlet.
Camera stores, and some pharmacies and chemists also provide the same service.
However, if you wish to take a photo yourself or have someone take a photo of you this video
will help.
We'll take you through a step-by-step process for taking the photos correctly.
To take a visa photo that meets our requirements your cameras needs to take colour photos,
allow changes to the colour space - we recommend an SRGB setting, have a white balance match
the artificial lighting to avoid an unnatural skin colour, and be able to save photos
as JPEG files.
When it comes to adjusting some of these settings different camera types may have a different
menu.
Check your camera's manual if you're unsure.
The next thing you need to do is make sure the aspect ratio is set to four-to-three.
If the camera's aspect ratio is set in pixels divide the large number by the small number.
If the result is 1.33 your camera is correctly set.
If your camera does not support the four-to-three ratio you will need to crop your image later
using image editing software.
The pixels-per-inch count must be no less than 900 by 1200 pixels, and no larger than
2250 by 3000 pixels to give a good quality visa photo, and to meet our system requirements.
When setting up the shot make sure you or your subject is standing at least one to one-and-a-half
metres from the wall to avoid shadows on the background.
The camera needs to be one to one-and-a-half metres away from the subject so facial features
are not distorted.
The camera needs to be portrait-positioned - usually on its side.
Make sure there is only one person in the photo and nothing in the background.
Make sure all facial features are clearly visible, and no hair is covering the face
or eyes.
If you wear glasses the eyes must be clearly seen through the lenses with no reflections
or glare.
The glasses cannot be thick-rimmed.
If you do get reflections or glare consider removing your glasses for the photo.
Your photo must be in focus, so either use the auto-focus mode or, if using manual focus,
make sure the subject is sharp.
Make sure there is only one person in the photo, and nothing in the background.
Make sure all facial features are clearly visible, with no obstructions.
This means no hair, head coverings, or clothing can be across your face or eyes.
Religious head coverings can be worn but must clearly show the face and the hairline.
The photo must show a clear, unobstructed facial image as explained previously.
There are a few different ways to achieve an evenly-lit portrait without shadows or
red-eye.
If you have a flash, and your flash has a rotating head, tilt it up and bounce the light
off the ceiling.
This will remove any red-eye appearing in your photo as well as harsh shadows.
If you don't have a flash, use natural light and, if necessary, use a white-reflector or
a large piece of white cardboard to bounce the natural light onto the other side of the
subject.
This creates even lighting.
Correctly framing the shot is also very important.
The camera angle needs to be square-on, at eye-level, and preferably on a tripod for
a nice, steady shot.
The subject needs to be looking straight into the camera with a neutral expression and eyes
open.
The head - including hair - must take up 75% of the frame.
In order to achieve this, please ensure that there is a clear gap around the head, ears, and
eyes.
Use an optical zoom to get closer if you need to but do not use a digital zoom as this
will result in a low-quality picture.
Lastly, click the shutter button and take the photo.
In-fact, take a few shots - just to make sure you've got it right.
After you have taken the photo, check the photo and make sure it meets all these requirements.
To upload the photo you have taken, open the Immigration New Zealand page and follow the
links to the visa application page.
Create a RealMe login.
Follow the steps, and complete the form.
At the end of the process, you will be asked to upload your visa photo.
Please check that the photo you upload meets all the technical requirements.
For more information on acceptable photos, error messages you may encounter, and to see
our tips for printing visit our website.