US Visa Photo Requirements
Complete specifications for your DS-160 visa application photo
Quick Reference
What are the US visa photo requirements?
US visa photos must be exactly 2x2 inches (51x51mm), with a plain white background, taken within the last 6 months. Digital photos for DS-160 must be JPEG format, 600-1200 pixels square, and under 240KB. Glasses are NOT allowed. Your face must cover 50-69% of the photo with a neutral expression and eyes open looking at the camera.
Complete Photo Specifications
Dimensions
| Requirement | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Required Photo Size | 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) | Must be exactly square |
| Required Head Height | 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25-35 mm) | From chin to top of head |
| Required Eye Position | 1 1/8 to 1 3/8 inches from bottom | 28-35 mm from photo bottom |
| Face Coverage | 50-69% of photo height | Face should fill most of the frame |
Digital Requirements
| Requirement | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Required File Format | JPEG (.jpg) | Only JPEG accepted for DS-160 |
| Required File Size | Maximum 240 KB | Compress if larger |
| Required Resolution | Minimum 600 x 600 pixels | Maximum 1200 x 1200 pixels |
| Color Depth | 24-bit color | Standard RGB color |
| Compression | JPEG compression acceptable | Avoid excessive compression |
Background & Lighting
| Requirement | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Required Background Color | Plain white or off-white | No patterns, shadows, or other colors |
| Required Lighting | Even, no harsh shadows | Natural or studio lighting |
| Required Shadow on Face | None visible | Both sides of face equally lit |
| Required Shadow on Background | None allowed | Move away from backdrop |
| Red Eye | Not acceptable | Retake or edit to remove |
Appearance
| Requirement | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Required Recency | Within last 6 months | Must reflect current appearance |
| Required Glasses | Not allowed (since 2016) | Exception only for medical reasons |
| Required Expression | Neutral, mouth closed | Natural expression, no smiling |
| Required Eyes | Open, looking directly at camera | Clearly visible |
| Required Head Position | Straight, centered | No tilting or turning |
| Required Face Coverage | Full face visible | No hair covering face |
Attire & Accessories
| Requirement | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Required Headwear | Not allowed | Religious exceptions with documentation |
| Head Covering | Religious only | Face must still be fully visible |
| Headphones | Not allowed | Remove before photo |
| Hair Accessories | Keep minimal | Should not cover face or eyes |
| Uniforms | Not recommended | Casual or formal attire preferred |
Photo Do's and Don'ts
Do's
- White or off-white plain background
- Neutral expression, mouth closed
- Eyes open and looking at camera
- Recent photo (within 6 months)
- Full face visible, hair away from face
- Head centered and straight
- Even lighting, no shadows
- JPEG format, under 240KB
- Square dimensions (600-1200px)
Don'ts
- No glasses (including prescription)
- No hats or headwear (religious exception)
- No shadows on face or background
- No smiling with teeth showing
- No filters or beauty editing
- No headphones or earbuds
- No colored backgrounds
- No old or outdated photos
- No blurry or low resolution images
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Wearing glasses
Wrong background color
Shadows on face or background
Incorrect dimensions
File size too large
Old photo (more than 6 months)
Smiling or unusual expression
Head tilted or turned
Hair covering face or eyes
Low resolution or blurry
Over-edited or filtered
Wearing headphones or earbuds
Where to Get Your Photo
Take Your Own Photo at Home
What You'll Need
- Smartphone with decent camera (8MP+)
- Tripod or stable surface
- White bedsheet or wall for background
- Natural light source (window)
- Photo editing app (free options available)
Step-by-Step Guide
Set up background
Find a plain white or off-white wall. Alternatively, hang a white bedsheet. Ensure no shadows or wrinkles.
Position yourself
Stand 3-4 feet from background to avoid shadows. Face natural light source (window) for even lighting.
Camera setup
Place camera at eye level, 4-5 feet away. Use portrait mode if available. Disable flash.
Take multiple shots
Look directly at camera, neutral expression, eyes open. Take 5-10 photos to choose from.
Edit and crop
Use free apps to crop to square, adjust brightness if needed, and resize to specifications.
Verify specifications
Check dimensions (600x600 to 1200x1200 pixels), file size (<240KB), and format (JPEG).
Recommended Free Apps
Photo AiD
iOS/AndroidAuto crop, verification, printing
FreePassport Photo Maker
iOS/AndroidTemplates, background removal
FreeID Photo
iOS/AndroidSpecifications checker, resize
FreePixlr
Web/MobileGeneral editing, crop, resize
FreePrinted Photos for Interview
Print Specifications
Important Tips
- Print at professional photo shop for best quality
- Carry 2-4 extra copies as backup
- Keep photos in a stiff envelope to prevent damage
- Do not staple, clip, or write on photos
- Photos should be identical to DS-160 uploaded photo
Ready to Apply for Your USA Visa?
Now that you have the perfect photo, get the complete step-by-step guide for your visa application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size photo is needed for US visa DS-160?
US visa photos must be exactly 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) with digital dimensions between 600 x 600 pixels and 1200 x 1200 pixels. The file must be in JPEG format and under 240KB.
Can I wear glasses in US visa photo?
No, glasses are not allowed in US visa photos since November 2016. This includes prescription glasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses. Only medical exceptions are allowed with proper documentation.
What background color is required for US visa photo?
The background must be plain white or off-white. No colored, patterned, or textured backgrounds are accepted. The background should be uniform without any shadows.
How recent should my US visa photo be?
Your photo must be taken within the last 6 months. It should accurately reflect your current appearance. If you have significantly changed your appearance (hair color, facial hair, weight), take a new photo.
Can I smile in my US visa photo?
A neutral expression is required for US visa photos. Keep your mouth closed with a natural expression. A very slight natural smile is acceptable, but no wide smiles showing teeth.
Can I take my own US visa photo at home?
Yes, you can take your own photo at home using a smartphone. Ensure you have proper white background, good lighting without shadows, and use a photo app to crop to correct specifications.
What is the file size limit for DS-160 photo?
The maximum file size for DS-160 photo upload is 240 KB. If your photo is larger, use online compression tools or photo editing software to reduce the file size while maintaining quality.
Can I wear a hijab or turban in US visa photo?
Religious head coverings are allowed in US visa photos. However, your full face from hairline to chin must be clearly visible. The covering should not cast shadows on your face.
Will my visa be rejected for photo issues?
Photos that don't meet specifications will cause DS-160 upload to fail or may be rejected at the consulate. Common issues include wrong dimensions, shadows, glasses, or incorrect background.
How many photos do I need for US visa interview?
You need 2 printed photos (2x2 inches) for the visa interview. These should be identical to the photo uploaded in your DS-160. Carry 2-4 extra copies as backup.
Can I use my old passport photo for US visa?
Only if it was taken within the last 6 months and meets all current US visa photo requirements. Note that glasses were allowed before 2016, so older photos with glasses cannot be used.
What happens if my photo doesn't match at the interview?
If your current appearance significantly differs from your photo (different hair, facial hair, weight), the officer may ask for a new photo or it could delay your application. Keep photos current.