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Your photo is a vital part of your visa application. To learn more, review the information below on how to provide a suitable photo. Digital images are required for some visa categories, while photos are required for other visa categories. The acceptance of your digital image or photo is at the discretion of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply.

We recommend you use a professional visa photo service to ensure your photo meets all the requirements.

Your photos or digital images must be:

• Sized such that the head is between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (22 mm and 35 mm) or 50% and 69% of the image's total height from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. View the  Photo Composition Template  for more size requirement details.
• Taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance
• Taken in front of a plain white or off-white background
• Taken in full-face view directly facing the camera
• With a neutral facial expression and both eyes open
• Taken in clothing that you normally wear on a daily basis
• Uniforms should not be worn in your photo, except religious clothing that is worn daily.
• Do not wear a hat or head covering that obscures the hair or hairline, unless worn daily for a religious purpose. Your full face must be visible, and the head covering must not cast any shadows on your face.
• Headphones, wireless hands-free devices, or similar items are not acceptable in your photo.
• The frames of the eyeglasses must not cover the eye(s).
• There must not be glare on eyeglasses that obscures the eye(s).
• There must not be shadows or refraction from the eyeglasses that obscures the eye(s). 
• If you normally wear a hearing device or similar articles, they may be worn in your photo.

Review the  Photo Examples  to see examples of acceptable and unacceptable photos. Photos copied or digitally scanned from driver’s licenses or other official documents are not acceptable. In addition, snapshots, magazine photos, low quality vending machine or mobile phone photos, and full-length photographs are not acceptable.

Please review the additional photo requirements for:

• Nonimmigrant Visas
• Immigrant Visas
• Diversity Visa (DV) Program

Additional Information

• Tips for taking photos yourself

Change of Appearance

Additional requirements for nonimmigrant visas.

Applicants using Form DS-160 or Form DS-1648

If you are applying for a nonimmigrant visa by filling out the DS-160 or DS-1648 online form, the form will instruct you to upload your digital image as part of completing the online visa application form. Review the  Digital Image Requirements , which also provide additional requirements if you are scanning an existing photo.

Some embassies and consulates require visa applicants to bring one (1) photo, which meets requirements, to the interview. Review the  embassy or consulate  instructions where you will apply to learn more.

Additional Requirements for Immigrant Visas

 Applicants using Form DS-260

If you are applying for an immigrant visa, using Form DS-260, you must provide  two (2) identical photos  at your immigrant visa interview. Your photos must be:

• Printed on photo quality paper
• 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) in size

Additional Requirements for the Diversity Visa (DV) Program

Diversity Visa Program Entrants

If you are entering the Diversity Visa (DV) Program online, you must upload your digital image as part of your entry. Your digital image must be:

• In JPEG (.jpg) file format
• Equal to or less than 240 kB (kilobytes) in file size
• In a square aspect ratio (height must equal width)
• 600x600 pixels in dimension

Do you want to scan an existing photo? In addition to the digital image requirements, your existing photo must be:

• 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
• Scanned at a resolution of 300 pixels per inch (12 pixels per millimeter)

Diversity Visa Program Selectees

Each DV applicant will need to bring two (2) identical photos to the interview. Your photos must be:

Do you want to take the photo yourself?

While we recommend you use a professional visa photo service to ensure your photo meets all the requirements, you may take the photo yourself. Photos must not be digitally enhanced or altered to change your appearance in any way. Please review the following technical requirements and references for guidance on taking your own photo.

Use the Department of State’s free photo tool to:

Please note: This tool is intended for photo cropping only. A Department of State employee will make the final decision whether your visa photo is acceptable or not for your application.

Taking photos of your baby or toddler

When taking a photo of your baby or toddler, no other person should be in the photo, and your child should be looking at the camera with his or her eyes open.

If your photo(s) or digital image does not reflect your current appearance, even if it is not older than 6 months, the U.S. embassy or consulate will request that you provide a new photo with your application.

Applicants will be requested to obtain a new photo if they have:

• Undergone significant facial surgery or trauma
• Added or removed numerous/large facial piercings or tattoos
• Undergone a significant amount of weight loss or gain
• Made a gender transition

Generally, if you can still be identified from the photo in your visa application, you will not need to submit a new photo. For example, growing a beard or coloring your hair would not generally be considered a significant change of appearance.

If the appearance of your child under the age of 16 has changed due to the normal aging process, he or she will generally not have to provide a new photo. However, the acceptance of your photo or digital image is at the discretion of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply.

Already have a photo?

Use our  Photo Tool  to crop your photo so it's the right size.

• This photo tool does not check the quality of your image. 
• This tool is for cropping your photo only when you are applying or renewing using a paper form.
• Do not use this tool if you are renewing online.

After you apply, a U.S. Department of State employee will review your photo and decide if we can accept your photo.

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• US Visa 2x2 inch (600x600 px, 51x51mm) Photo Requirements and Size

US Visa 2x2 inch (600x600 px, 51x51mm) Photo Requirements and Size - official update for 2023

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Official requirements approved by a United States government agency

Last update: 5/1/2024

The official requirements of the United States for the registration of a photo for a US Visa 2x2 inch (600x600 px, 51x51mm), including the size of the photo, background, scale, tilt of the head, contrast, resolution, appearance and composition of the photo.

Be sure to check your photo with the free online photo-check service before printing or submitting it to the United States embassy/appropriate government agency

Checked today: 1024 photos

Source: official website travel.state.gov

What are the Requirements for US Visa 2x2 inch (600x600 px, 51x51mm) Photos in 2024

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but when it comes to photos, it could be worth even more. A photo is a critical component of your application, and there are many things to keep in mind. For example, for a US Visa 2x2 inch photo, size is just one of the many elements that must be taken into account.

The department has specific criteria for photos, and it’s in your best interest to adhere to them. Here they are one by one:

Photo specification:

• Name of document: US Visa 2x2 inch (600x600 px, 51x51mm)
• Country: United States
• Type of document: visa
• Quality: 300
• Back ground color:
• Photo size: "Width": 2inch, "Height": 2inch
• Approve for requiments UAE: Yes
• Image definition parameters: Correct for requiments
• Printable: Yes
• Suitable for online submission: No

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos/photo-composition-template.html

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos.html

Size and Dimensions

What size is a visa photo? Your US Visa 2x2 inch photo size must be 2x2 inch. This means that your head must be between 1.29 and 1.3545 inch from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head.

The photo must be in color, but the colors must be natural and not altered or edited — any filters or effects that change them are forbidden.

Keep in mind that there should only be one subject in the photo, which is you. This means that no relatives, friends, or children should be in the frame. An acceptable US Visa 2x2 inch photo should solely represent the person applying for the visa.

Head Size and Position

Aside from the specific measurements for a visa picture size, there are a couple more things to note. The head must be centered within the frame and take up 50-69% of the image, and the photo should be taken at eye level, i.e., at the same height as the applicant’s eyes.

The photo must be clear and in focus, with no blurriness or distortion. A blurry photo is a sure way to get your application rejected.

Visa photos must have been taken within the last six months. This ensures that the photo accurately represents your current appearance (hairstyle, weight, facial hair, etc.).

Background, Contrast, and Shadows

The background color of the photo should be plain white or off-white, so avoid using any patterned or colored backdrops. Other visa photo rules include sufficient contrast and no shadows on your face or behind your head. Ensure that your face and features stand out clearly in the photo and that the lighting is even.

You can smile, but it must be a natural smile rather than a big, toothy grin. Overall, the face should have a neutral expression, so don’t force a smile if it doesn’t come naturally to you.

Your eyes should be open and visible in the photo, with no hair, clothing, or other objects obstructing them. Remember that your eyes are very important for identification, so no closing, squinting, or hiding in any way. Also, you should be looking directly at the camera lens.

Red-eye will be considered a form of obstruction. To prevent it, avoid using the camera flash if possible because the light can reflect off the back of your retina and create a red reflection in your eyes. If you must use a flash, try looking slightly away from the camera.

If you normally wear glasses, you should wear them in your visa photo, too. Make sure that there is no glare or reflection on the lenses; it’ll be better if your glasses have an anti-reflective coating. The frames shouldn’t cover any part of your eyes, especially your pupils.

In case you have a medical condition that requires you to wear dark glasses or other eyewear, you’ll need a statement from your doctor.

Your entire face, including your forehead and eyebrows, should be visible in the photo. Therefore, most types of headgear, like hats or head scarves, aren’t permitted.

However, if you wear a head covering for religious reasons, it’ll be allowed in the visa photo as long as your face is still fully visible. For hats or head scarves worn for medical reasons, ask your doctor for an official statement.

Resolution and File Size

The ideal resolution for a visa photo is 600 x 600 pixels, and the acceptable size for the file is anything less than 240 kilobytes. For the right US Visa 2x2 inch size, make sure to use a high-quality camera or smartphone — you’ll be able to crop it and still maintain the required resolution.

Attire, Clothing, and Dress Code

Wear everyday clothing that you would normally wear in public. This means you should avoid uniforms, costumes, or clothing that looks like a disguise. Also, choose clothing with a plain, solid-colored background over busy patterns or prints.

A beard or other facial hair is acceptable if it doesn’t prevent identification, but you should have roughly the same facial hair at the time you travel internationally.

A natural, everyday look is best for visa photos. Consider sticking to just a light foundation or concealer, little mascara, and a touch of lip color.

Studs or small hoops are a good choice, as they won’t detract from your face or hair.

The last thing worth mentioning about the main US Visa 2x2 inch photo requirements is quantity. That’s simple enough — you’ll typically need to provide two identical photos.

Where Can I Get My visa Photo Taken?

One convenient option is our photo tool! PhotoGov will digitally process your visa photo to ensure it meets all of the department requirements.

Alternatively, if you prefer to have your photos taken offline, you can go to:

• Photo studios
• Post offices
• Print and copy stores that offer visa photo services as well

Costco used to offer photo services, but unfortunately, they have closed their photo centers.

Get photo for: US Visa 2x2 inch (600x600 px, 51x51mm)

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US Visa 2x2 inch Photo Examples

In this section, let’s analyze some examples of acceptable and unacceptable visa photos.

Sample photos:

Below are examples of correct and incorrect photos

Requirements for Adults

For adults, the photo size must be 2inch x 2inch, with your head measuring between 1.29inch and 1.3545inch from chin to crown. The background must be plain white or light gray, with no patterns, shadows, or unevenness. Your facial expression must be neutral with both eyes open and looking directly at the camera, and you cannot wear glasses or headwear except for medical or religious reasons. Your clothing should be plain and non-reflective, without any logos or slogans.

Photos of Babies and Children

Here are the steps to help you get a successful photo of your child:

• Find a plain, light-colored backdrop to create a neutral background.
• Position the child facing the camera. Make sure the child is facing the camera directly, with their head straight and eyes open.
• Get down to their eye level.
• Get the right distance. The child should be about 4 feet (more than 1 meter) away from the camera so that you can capture their full face.

Specifics according to the Religious Situation

If you have religious or cultural reasons for wearing headwear, it is allowed as long as it does not cover any part of your face. However, you should ensure that your face is clearly visible, and that the headwear does not cast any shadows on your face.

Can I Take a visa Photo with My Phone?

If you’re taking the photo yourself, here’s what you need to do:

• Find a plain background with no harsh shadows.
• Set up a tripod or stand for your phone.
• Stand or sit straight with your shoulders back and look directly at the camera.
• Make sure your face, from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head, takes up around 50% of the photo. Having a little extra space will make it easier to adjust the dimensions.
• Set up a timer ( iPhone or Android ) or use a remote control to take the photo.

Do I Need a New visa If My Appearance Has Changed

It depends. If your appearance has changed significantly enough that you can’t be identified from your current photo, you’ll need to get a new visa with the correct photo. For example, if you dyed your hair a completely different color, a photo with your natural hair color won’t do. But if you got a slightly different haircut, your current photo should still accurately represent your face.

US Passport Photo Size: Closing Thoughts

When it comes to taking visa photos, it’s easy to overlook the specific requirements. But these guidelines exist for a reason, and they will save you a lot of hassle and delay down the line. So, make sure you look directly into the camera with a full face and open eyes, wear normal clothes, and double-check the visa photo size requirements before sending off your application.

Also, avoid taking a selfie, wearing glasses or a uniform, using a colored background, retouching the photo or adding filters, having other people there, or using a damaged photo.

There is a way to ensure your photo is up to scratch - PhotoGov. The AI technology will accurately analyze and edit your photo and help you avoid the pitfalls of submitting an incorrect or low-quality image. With our photo service, you will take the guesswork out of the process and confidently submit your application with the perfect photo.

Instructions for Photography

How to Get Your US Visa 2x2 inch Photos Taken

Before you snap that selfie and upload it onto our visa photo maker, there are a few things you need to know. From choosing the right backdrop to perfecting your pose, you should consider everything.

Option 1: Visit a Professional Photographer

When you can make a visa photo online for free, there isn’t much equipment needed for the task. If you have a camera, great, but a smartphone with good photo quality will also do. Just take selfies in a well-lit room or ask someone to take your picture.

Option 2: Take Your Own visa Photos

A light solid scene helps keep your face the focus of the photo. It also makes it easier for facial recognition technology to identify you. Sure, our tool can adjust a few things here and there, but it’s always better to start with a good foundation of a white background right away.

Option 3: Use online-service

Ideally, you should use natural light for a visa photo at home. Take your photo near a window or outside on a sunny day but watch out for the shadows that come from direct sunlight. If natural light isn’t available, create a well-lit environment with artificial light sources like lamps or a ring light. When positioning your sources, experiment with different placements to achieve a flattering diffused effect.

Tips for Taking the Perfect US Visa 2x2 inch Photo

Obviously, choosing the right outfit is important for a US Visa 2x2 inch (600x600 px, 51x51mm) photo and any other official document. You want to look your best, but you also need to make sure that you follow the guidelines. Don’t worry; just follow these do’s and don’t’s:

Tip 1: Use Proper Lighting

Solid-colored clothing works best, preferably in a shade of blue or white. Keep your outfit simple and avoid patterns, logos, or graphics.Wear something that you’re comfortable in, and that fits you well. Dress appropriately for the purpose of your visit, such as business attire for a business visa.

Tip 2: Background and facial scale

Solid-colored clothing works best, preferably in a shade of blue or white. Keep your outfit simple and avoid patterns, logos, or graphics.Wear something that you’re comfortable in, and that fits you well.

Tip 3: Follow the Facial Expression and Clothing Requirements

Tip 4: Special Requirements for children

• It's crucial to adhere to specific guidelines when taking visa photos of children.
• The child should be the only person in the photo, and babies must not be holding toys or pacifiers.
• For children under six years old, they don't have to look directly at the camera or have a plain facial expression.
• If the child is under one year old, they should be positioned on a plain light-colored sheet and their head should be supported by an adult's hand, but the hand should not be visible in the photo.

Tip 5: Don't Forget the Details

How to get your photos online.

Quick instruction on how to easily get your visa photo online at home and without professional equipment. You do not need to know Photoshop or any other program. Follow these 3 steps and you will get a photo that will meet all the official requirements of the document.

1. Take a picture of yourself

Take a photo of yourself on your phone without foreign objects (glasses, hat, accessories). Don’t smile, look at the camera. Try to take a photo in a well-lit room, otherwise the quality will be low.

Clean background. More light. Not a blurry photo. Watch "How to take a photo" (00:46)

2. Upload your photo to PhotoGov AI

Upload a photo to this area of the site to the form above and click "process photo".

3. Receive your Passport Photo

Everything is ready! Download the finished photo, which fully complies with the requirements of the state document United States. The photo is suitable for printing or use the digital photo. The photo is guaranteed to meet the necessary conditions.

United States visa Photo Guide

Explore our comprehensive guide and streamline your passport application process. Instead of spending time locating Approved United States visa photo studios, take advantage of our AI-based service to capture a compliant photo at home. Gain insight into common United States visa photo pitfalls to sidestep and follow our DIY advice for the ideal snapshot. Utilize our suggested United States visa photo enhancement tools to guarantee top-quality results in line with official regulations. With our expert guidance and AI-supported service, you'll enjoy a smooth and successful passport application experience.

Is it acceptable for my child’s eye to be closed in the photo?

No, both eyes must be open and visible in the photo; otherwise, you’ll have to go through the whole process all over again, which will likely cause delays and additional expenses.

Are photos that are copied from recent driver’s licenses or other official documents acceptable?

No, the department has a requirement saying that it must be a new color photograph. A license photo, permit photo, or one from any other document doesn’t meet this requirement, regardless of how recent it is.

Do you have to wear something specific for a US Visa 2x2 inch photo?

There isn’t a specific article of clothing that you must wear for a US Visa 2x2 inch photo. As long as your clothing meets the color and pattern requirements outlined by the department, you’re good to go. That means no flashy colors, bold patterns, or clothing with text or logos.

Can I take a Photo at home?

Yes, you can Photo at home, as long as you follow the official requirements and guidelines. Use a PhotoGov AI service for make US Visa 2x2 inch Photo.

How recent must my US Visa 2x2 inch photo be?

Your US Visa 2x2 inch photo should be taken within the past six months to accurately reflect your current appearance. Photos older than six months might be rejected by the authorities.

Can I alter my US Visa 2x2 inch photo digitally?

No, you must not digitally modify or manipulate your US Visa 2x2 inch photo in any way, as it may result in rejection. The photo should accurately portray your appearance without enhancements or alterations.

United States 27 doc.

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• CIBTvisas visa photo (any country)
• Travisa visa photo (any country)
• US Electronic Diversity Visa Lottery (600x600 px, 2x2 inches, white bg)
• US Green Card (Permanent Resident) 2x2
• US Visa 2x2 inch (600x600 px, 51x51mm)
• USA Form I-130 2x2 inch
• USA Re-entry Permit 2x2 inch
• USA advance parole 2x2 inch
• USA crew visa 2x2 inch
• Visa Headquarters visa photo (any country)
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• VisaHQ visa photo (any country)
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• USA SAT 2x2 inch
• USA bar examination 300x300 pixels
• USA PADI certification card 45x57 mm (1.75x2.25 inch)
• US Citizenship (naturalization) 2x2 inch (51x51 mm)
• US Employment Authorization 2x2 inch (51x51 mm)
• USA CCHI ID badge 3x3 inch
• US NY Gun License 1.5x1.5 inch
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• US visa photo online: detailed requirements and guidelines

U.S.A Visa Photo Online Tool

Applying for a U.S. visa is a serious process that must be handled responsibly.

The basic document package must be accompanied by USA visa photos that meet a number of requirements. You will need both a digital photo for the online application process and a printed one for the interview at the embassy.

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Documents required for USA visa application

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• How to print out my digital USA visa photo?

USA visa photo: matte or glossy?

In this article, we will tell you what requirements you need to meet and how you can get a photo for a U.S. visa cheaply and quickly.

The basic process of the USA visa application is described in this article .

Different types of U.S. visas require different sets of documents. However, in every case you will need the following package:

• Passport valid at the time of the interview, with at least one free page for the visa. If you then change your passport and at the time of the trip you received a new one — no big deal: just carry the old one with you;
• Confirmation of an invitation to an interview;
• Printout with confirmation of the completed form DS-160 that must be submitted electronically in advance (a digital ID picture of 600x600 pixels will be required for the application);
• Receipt of consular fee payment;
• Printed passport-sized picture (however, U.S. consulates in some countries no longer require printed photos. Check in advance if a photo is needed).

The list of supporting documents varies depending on the visa type. For your convenience, we have collected detailed info in several articles:

• Questions and answers about getting USA visa
• Getting U.S. student visa
• Obtaining U.S. work visa
• Getting USA H2B visa
• USA fiancee visa
• USA transit visa and how to get it
• How to successfully pass a US visa interview

Use the box below to instantly get your US visa photo

Image Upload Error

The photo requirements for a U.S. visa are strict. Failure to comply with these criteria may result in a visa denial. Note, that if you are denied a visa you will not receive a refund for your visa fees.

Your photograph must meet the following requirements:

• It must be taken within the last six months;
• It must be a color photo without strong shadows;
• The photo background must be plain white;
• The USA visa application photo size must be 2 inches by 2 inches (51mm x 51mm);
• The required online visa application photo size should be a minimum of 600 x 600 pixels and a maximum of 1200 x 1200 pixels;
• Digital photo requirements include that the file should be no more than 240 kb (kilobytes);
• You should have a neutral facial expression with both eyes open;
• USA visa photo specifications include that the face should occupy from 50 to 69% of the image. Ideally, your head in the photo should be 1 to 1 3 / 8 inches (22mm and 35mm).

Here is an example of a USA visa photo:

What to wear for a U.S. visa photo? Choose your normal daily clothes. No uniforms are allowed, except for religious clothing worn daily. You can take a photo with hijab or other religious headwear, but the face must be clearly visible. Other kinds of headgear are prohibited.

No electronic devices (such as headphones) must be on the head or neck, although hearing aids and other similar devices are allowed.

The makeup should be neutral and not misrepresent your facial features.

You must not cover your eyes anyhow. USA visa photo with glasses will be accepted only if you are wearing them for medical reasons (e.g., you recently had eye surgery). If you have a medical reason, then you need a confirmation statement from your doctor.

As photos for visa applications must meet quite strict requirements, it’s preferable to entrust this task to professionals. But there is still no need to go out of home as you can easily get your visa photo online!

Visafoto has specialized in making ID photos since 2013. We instantly adjust an image so that it meets all the requirements: from size to eye position. Just upload your portrait taken against any background to our USA visa photo tool (make sure it complies with the dress code criteria mentioned above).

For the best result, follow this guideline to take a correct USA visa photo at home. Your source photo (selfie) should look like this one:

Then you can get a correct US visa photo out of your selfie with our online tool here .

You will get 2 files:

• A digital image for DS-160 form submission;
• A template with 4 individual photos that you can print and bring to the interview.

Here are samples:

A photo should be attached to your application form. Head to the Consular Electronic Application Center website and start filling your application. Do not test your photo at the beginning with an official photo tool as it may operate with errors.

Complete your application form and press the Upload Your Photo button. Then press the Browse button, and select your photo file. Continue to the Upload Selected Photo button at the end of the page. If everything is ok with your file, you will see the notification: "Photo passed quality standards". Press the Next: Continue Using This Photo. You are done!

How to make sure that your photo qualifies before the submission? The USA visa photo editing tool provided by travel.state.gov used to be one of the most popular ways to crop an American visa picture and to check if it meets official requirements. However, on December 31, 2020, Adobe ended support for Flash. The functionality was affected and the photo tool had become temporarily unavailable.

You can check your image via a free US passport photo checker . The requirements for a USA visa photo and DV Lottery photo are the same.

Besides, support staff at Visafoto.com can always verify if the photo meets official standards via the Department of State website. The link is not yet available to the general public. Just contact us in case of any question, and we will answer asap.

If for some reason your photo purchased at Visafoto doesn’t qualify, we will fix a photo for free or provide a 100% refund.

How to print out my digital visa photo?

First of all, check if a printed photo is needed. U.S. embassies in some countries don’t require a picture in paper form anymore, and a digital file is enough.

Visafoto provides customers with a printable template containing 4 photos with the size of 2x2” (that’s the required USA visa application picture size). All you need is to print it out on high-quality paper or order a print at the nearest copy center. Check our Printing passport photo guidelines to learn more.

A photo can be printed both on matte or glossy paper, but if you can choose, then matte is preferred.

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Temporary Resident Visa application photograph specifications

Photograph and head size specifications.

Please review the brochure ( PDF , 494  KB ) ( PDF , 505.82 KB ) for further photo examples.

• The face must be square to the camera with a neutral expression, neither frowning nor smiling, with the mouth closed.
• If the photographs do not meet the specifications, you will have to provide new photographs before your application can be processed.

Requirements

• Provide two photographs of yourself with your application.
• Your photographs must comply with the specifications below. If the photographs do not meet the specifications, you will have to provide new photographs before your application can be processed.
• Photographs must be printed on quality photographic paper.

Specifications

• The photographs must be identical and taken within the last six months. They may be either black and white or colour.
• The photographs must be clear, well defined and taken against a plain white or light-coloured background.
• If the photographs are digital, they must not be altered in any way.
• Your face must be square to the camera with a neutral expression, neither frowning nor smiling, and with your mouth closed.
• You may wear non-tinted prescription glasses as long as your eyes are clearly visible. Make sure that the frame does not cover any part of your eyes. Sunglasses are not acceptable.
• A hairpiece or other cosmetic accessory is acceptable if it does not disguise your normal appearance.
• If you must wear a head covering for religious reasons, make sure your full facial features are not obscured.
• The frame size must be at least 35 mm x 45 mm (1 3/8″ x 1 3/4″).
• The photographs must show the full front view of the head, with the face in the middle of the photograph, and include the top of the shoulders.
• The size of the head, from chin to crown, must be between 31 mm (1 1/4″) and 36 mm (1 7/16″).
• Crown means the top of the head or (if obscured by hair or a head covering) where the top of the head or skull would be if it could be seen.

Photograph Specifications ( PDF , 494  KB ) ( PDF , 505.82 KB ) You may print this and bring it with you to the photographer.

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Photo Requirements

More information.

When applying for a nonimmigrant visa, you are required to upload a digital photograph taken within the last six months as part of completing and submitting the DS-160 visa application form . You should also bring a printed copy of your photograph to the U.S. Embassy/Consulate on the day of your interview. You will also be fingerprinted when you arrive for your interview at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate.

 Fingerprinting

Visa applicants are fingerprinted by the U.S. Embassy/Consulate as part of the visa interview. During the visa application process, usually at the interview, an ink-free, digital fingerprint scan will be quickly taken. There are some applicants whose fingerprints are not required, including:

• Applicants traveling on official government business
• Applicants under the age of 14 or over the age of 79

Your visa application photo must meet certain criteria regarding size and content. Submitting photos that do not meet these criteria can delay the visa application process. To reflect your current appearance, your photo must be taken within the last six months. If you are renewing a previous visa, this generally means your photo must not be the same one that appeared on your old visa.

Head Size You photo must show your entire head , from the top of your hair to the bottom of your chin. In a good photo, the height of your head will measure 1-1-3/8 inches (25 to 35mm), or fill between 50%-70% of the photo, like this:

Photo Dimensions Your photo must be 5cm x 5cm and square-shaped, meaning the photo's height must be the same as its width. The minimum dimensions for your photo are 600 pixels x 600 pixels (height x width). The maximum dimensions are 1200 pixels x 1200 pixels (height x width).

  Head Orientation Head orientation is important when taking your visa photo. Frame yourself within the photo so that your full face shows. Face directly toward the camera and make sure your eyes are open.

Background The area behind you in the photo should be uncluttered and either white or off-white. Sit in front of a plain white or off-white background for best results.

Your photo or digital image must be:

• Taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance
• With a neutral facial expression and both eyes open
• Uniforms should not be worn in your photo, except religious clothing that is worn daily.
• Do not wear a hat or head covering that obscures the hair or hairline, unless worn daily for a religious purpose. Your full face must be visible, and the head covering must not cast any shadows on your face.
• Headphones, wireless hands-free devices, or similar items are not acceptable in your photo
• Eyeglasses : Starting November 1, 2016, eye glasses will no longer be allowed in visa photos. For further details on photo requirements please visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos.html .
• If you normally wear a hearing device, or similar articles, they may be worn in your photo.

 For more information about visa application photo specifications, visit the Department of State's website .

The Department of State also has a photo FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) here .

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