Does anyone know at what point in this process for a new application a photo would be rejected (I'm concerned that it may be too blurry) and if it would be, would it require restarting the whole process again or significantly delay it?
My friend's renewal was rejected for photo -- they only used 3 staples and it looks like the photo bent in the scanner.
The State Dept sent back the whole application along with the uncashed check. So, pretty sure it happens before they cash the check.
Friend was able to staple a new photo to the app and send it in again.
If you're doing a new application in person at an acceptance facility, they definitely look at the photo before accepting it -- but it's possible they would think it's ok and the State Dept would reject it once they received the app.
But at any rate I'm pretty sure it happens fairly early on in the process, and yes you have to start again.