CEAC document checker
Make each document one PDF under 2 MB for your CEAC upload, and check it before you upload - on your own device.
- 1Select
- 2Configure
- 3Process
- 4Download
Your photos and PDFs are processed on your device and never uploaded.
Accepts Camera photos, JPG, PNG, WebP, PDFUp to 20 photos and PDFsUpload limit
Your PDF will be made 2 MB or smaller.
If your upload page shows a different limit, follow the page.
Add photos and PDF files in any mix. Each photo becomes one page; each PDF keeps all its pages.
On a computer, the photo buttons open your files.
Official sources for these rules
Rules last checked on 20 October 2026.
SentrueFile is an independent tool and isn't affiliated with any government. It prepares files; it doesn't give immigration advice.
The CEAC upload rules
The State Department's instructions for uploading to CEAC accept JPG, JPEG or PDF files, ask for each document to be uploaded as its own file, and set a limit of 2 MB per file, with an error message for anything larger. Some CEAC guidance also mentions 4 MB as the point at which to compress a file; a file of 2 MB or less passes either way, so that's the size this checker makes.
A birth certificate, a police certificate or a tax transcript often has several pages, and photos of each page quickly add up to more than 2 MB. Putting the pages into one PDF and shrinking the pictures inside solves both problems at once.
Preparing civil and financial documents
The checker re-saves only the pictures inside the PDF, from the best quality down, until the file is at or under 2,000,000 bytes. After saving it checks the finished file again: a PDF, within 2 MB, not encrypted, and every page in one file.
- One document, one file. Make a separate PDF for each document CEAC asks for, rather than combining different documents.
- Keep translations with their document. When a translation is needed, add its pages right after the original so they travel together.
- Photograph flat and in daylight. Clear, evenly lit photos stay readable after compression; shadows and glare don't.
- Look at stamps and seals. Zoom into official stamps, seals and signatures in the finished PDF before uploading.
How to prepare a document for CEAC
- Add the pages of one document: photos you take, photos you already have, or PDF files.
- Put the pages in order and turn any that are sideways. Add the translation pages after the original if your instructions ask for one.
- Press Create PDF. The pages become one PDF of 2 MB or less.
- Read the upload check, tick the points only you can confirm, and upload the file to the matching document in CEAC.
How your files stay private
Your browser reads the photos and PDFs, builds the document, numbers it and shrinks it, all in memory on your phone or computer. The page is locked so it cannot send data to any other website. When you press Start over or close the tab, everything is cleared.
Limits
- Up to 20 photos and PDF files per document
- Photos up to 25 MB each; PDFs up to 50 MB each and 200 MB in total
- Password-protected or restricted PDFs can't be added
- Photos aren't cropped or straightened automatically yet
Questions
What is the CEAC file size limit?
The official CEAC upload instructions give 2 MB per file. Some guidance mentions 4 MB as the point to compress, so a 2 MB file is safe under both. Follow the limit shown on your upload page if it differs.
Which file types does CEAC accept?
The upload instructions list JPG, JPEG and PDF. This checker always produces a PDF.
Is this an official State Department tool?
No. SentrueFile is independent and not affiliated with the U.S. government; it helps with the file, not with your case.
Are my documents sent anywhere?
No. Your certificates and statements are combined and compressed in your browser and never leave your device.
Do I still need the original documents?
Uploading a scan doesn't replace any originals you're asked to bring later. Check your own instructions for what to bring to an interview.
What does PDF Maker do that the other tools don't?
It does several jobs in one go: photos and PDFs become one document, page numbers run across all of it, and the finished file is brought under the size you choose. With separate tools you would upload the file again for each step.