Why does CEAC keep rejecting my photo?
The three most common causes we see: file over 240 KB (phone cameras default to 3–8 MB), head too small in the frame (arm's-length selfies), and off-white or shadowed backgrounds. The free check tests all three and tells you which one is failing.
Why don't you fix the background with AI like other services?
Because the U.S. State Department now scans photos for AI manipulation and rejects edited photos (internal policy 8 FAM 402.1, enforced since late 2025). Services that digitally replace backgrounds put your application at risk. We check, crop, resize and compress — your photo stays exactly as shot, which is what passes.
My phone has 'AI enhancement' on by default. Is that a problem?
Yes, for U.S. documents — default AI sharpening/beauty modes count as digital alteration and are a growing cause of rejections. Turn off AI enhancement / beauty mode, retake, and run the free check again.
What exactly do I get for $9.95?
A ZIP with: (1) a digital file cropped and compressed to the exact portal spec, ready to upload; (2) a 4×6-inch print sheet — order one standard $0.39 print at Walgreens (or ~$0.42 at CVS), choose “do not crop”, and cut along the guides for multiple physical photos; (3) plain instructions. Compare: in-store passport photos run $16.99–17.99.
The free check said my photo fails. Do I have to pay?
No — the check is free and unlimited. Fix what the report flags (usually background or framing), re-upload, and only pay when your photo can actually pass. We don't sell processing for photos we believe will be rejected.
Is my photo kept private?
Photos are processed on our servers, never used for AI training, and auto-deleted within 30 days. The free check stores your upload only so you can complete an order; you can request earlier deletion any time.