Photo requirements
US Visa 2x2 inch (600x600 px, 51x51mm)
A guide to U.S. visa photographs: compare DS-160 digital uploads with interview prints, prepare within the 240 kB file limit, and avoid common rejection causes.
- Printed size
- 51 × 51 mm (printed)
- Background
- White or off-white
- Official reference
- U.S. Department of State
- Source verified
Glasses: a clear lens is not enough
Teaching scenario: an applicant keeps everyday spectacles on because there is no visible reflection. For a U.S. visa, clear lenses alone do not resolve the rule: remove glasses before retaking the photograph. Do not erase frames with an editor.
Make this photo now
Use the selected format in the passport photo tool.
Photo requirements
Photo specification
Use these values as a preparation guide and confirm current official instructions.
| Printed size | 51 × 51 mm (printed) |
|---|---|
| Digital dimensions | Check the application channel below |
| Background | White or off-white |
| Head height | 25–35 mm |
| File and resolution | Check the application channel below |
Lighting setup: what to change
A ceiling light can darken the eyes. Move to face a broad window and check the original photograph for shadows.
Original teaching diagram, not an accepted/rejected applicant photograph. Even lighting still needs checking in your actual image.
More photo requirements for United States
- US Citizenship (naturalization) 2x2 inch (51x51 mm)
- USA CCHI ID badge 3x3 inch
- US Employment Authorization 2x2 inch (51x51 mm)
- USA bar examination online 300x300 pixels
- USA FOID 1.25x1.5 inch
- US NY MTA Metrocard for Seniors - 38.1x50.8 mm
- US NFA ATF form 2x2 inch
- USA Nursing License 2x2 inch
- US NY Gun License 1.5x1.5 inch
- USA PADI certification card 45x57 mm (1.75x2.25 inch)
- USA SAT 2x2 inch
- US Veteran ID Card 2x2 inch
- USA welding certificate 2x2 inch
- US passport card 2x2 inch
- US Passport 2x2 inch (51х51 mm)
- US Green Card (Permanent Resident) 2x2"
- USA advance parole 2x2 inch
- USA crew visa 2x2 inch
- US Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery - 600x600 px
- USA Form I-130 2x2 inch
- USA Re-entry Permit 2x2 inch
- USCIS 2x2 inch
A visa photo is not a passport photo
| Application | Format | File limit |
|---|---|---|
| DS-160 visa upload | 600–1200 px square, JPEG | 240 kB max |
| Interview print | 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) | Photo-quality paper |
| U.S. passport | Different workflow | See passport page |
- U.S. Department of State · Photo requirements for U.S. visastravel.state.govSource verified
- U.S. Department of State · DS-160 photo tooltravel.state.govSource verified
Remove glasses before photographing — no exceptions for clear lenses
"Since November 2016, the Department of State requires all applicants to remove eyeglasses for visa photos. Clear prescription lenses do not qualify as an exemption. The only exception is a documented medical condition that prevents removal, supported by a signed physician statement."
"Do not edit the glasses out of a photograph. If the image shows any eyewear, retake the photo without them. Tinted lenses, sunglasses and transition lenses are never permitted."
- U.S. Department of State · Photo requirements for U.S. visastravel.state.govSource verified
Lighting and background setup for a visa-compliant photo
Choose a plain white wall or backdrop
Patterned wallpaper, coloured walls and outdoor backgrounds are not acceptable. A portable white poster board works for home setups.
Position the subject 30–60 cm from the wall
This gap prevents body shadow from falling on the background. If you see a shadow outline behind the head, increase the distance.
Light from the front, not above
A ceiling lamp alone darkens the eye sockets. Face a large window or place a soft light source at eye level in front of the subject.
Take a test shot and check at full size
Zoom into the eyes, check for reflections, uneven brightness, and motion blur. Retake rather than correct with editing tools.
- U.S. Department of State · Photo requirements for U.S. visastravel.state.govSource verified
DS-160 digital upload: format, size and crop
"The DS-160 online system accepts square JPEG photographs between 600 × 600 and 1200 × 1200 pixels, with a maximum file size of 240 kB. The head should occupy 50–69% of the image height, measured from chin to crown."
"Crop the photograph so the head is centred horizontally and vertically positioned according to the DS-160 photo tool guide. Do not add borders, watermarks, or date stamps. Save as baseline JPEG (not progressive) for maximum compatibility."
"If the upload fails, check the file type, dimensions, and file size before reshooting. A JPEG saved at quality 80–85 typically meets the 240 kB limit without visible degradation."
- U.S. Department of State · DS-160 digital image requirementstravel.state.govSource verified
Neutral expression, both eyes open, face centred
"Look directly at the camera with a natural, neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and visible. A broad smile that changes the shape of the face is not acceptable; a slight, relaxed expression is fine."
"The head should not be tilted or rotated. Hair should not cover the forehead, eyebrows or eyes. Head coverings are not permitted unless worn daily for religious belief, and even then, the full face from chin to forehead must remain visible."
- U.S. Department of State · Photo requirements for U.S. visastravel.state.govSource verified
Children and infants: same requirements, different challenges
"Children need their own visa and their own photo. The requirements — white background, neutral expression, eyes open, no glasses — apply equally to minors. No other person should appear in the photograph."
"For infants, lay them on a plain white surface and photograph from above. Some consulates accept photos where a very young infant's eyes are partially closed, but the face must be clearly identifiable. Do not use props, toys, or pacifiers in the frame."
- U.S. Department of State · Photo requirements for U.S. visastravel.state.govSource verified
Common rejection reasons and how to avoid them
File too large or wrong format
Must be JPEG ≤ 240 kB. Convert from PNG or HEIC before uploading.
Glasses still on
All eyewear must be removed since the 2016 policy change.
Shadows on face or background
Relight from the front; move subject away from the wall.
Head too small or too large
Head should be 50–69% of the image height. Reshoot if cropping cannot fix it.
Photo is too old
Must be taken within the last 6 months and match your current appearance.
Digital manipulation
No retouching, beauty filters, background replacement, or AI enhancement.
- U.S. Department of State · Photo requirements for U.S. visastravel.state.govSource verified
- U.S. Department of State · DS-160 digital image requirementstravel.state.govSource verified
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about creating and submitting this document photo.
Is a U.S. visa photo the same as a U.S. passport photo?
Both are 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm), but the submission channels differ. DS-160 requires a digital upload within 240 KB; passport renewal has its own upload screen with different file limits. Do not interchange specifications.
Can I wear glasses in my U.S. visa photo?
Since November 2016, the Department of State no longer accepts photos with glasses for visa applications, except for rare documented medical exemptions.
Does a successful tool check guarantee acceptance?
No. A tool check or successful upload is not an official acceptance decision. Keep the original portrait, avoid changing your appearance and retake unsuitable lighting or blur. The receiving authority decides whether the photograph is acceptable.
Official reference
- U.S. Department of State · Photo requirements for U.S. visastravel.state.govSource verified
- U.S. Department of State · DS-160 digital image requirementstravel.state.govSource verified