When making an application for a US visa, you will be required to submit at least one photograph to prove your identity. Your photograph will have to meet a number of specific requirements. Failure to observe these rules will result in a delayed application. Given what is at stake, it really is worth checking to ensure you have got it right.

US Embassies and Consulates have different rules for applicant specifications, with some requiring digital images while others require applicants to provide physical photographs. You will need to check when you make your application which you will need to submit, for example uploading a digital image when you complete your Form DS-160.

Digital images are stored electronically by US immigration authorities, along with your biometric information, and referred to each time you try to gain entry into the US.

 

US Visa Photo Requirements

 

US visa photo requirements are a set of standards that applicants must meet when submitting a photograph as part of their visa application. These specifications ensure consistency and enable accurate identity verification during the visa process. Photos must adhere to precise guidelines regarding size, background, resolution, and facial visibility.

Failure to meet the outlined requirements can lead to application delays or rejection. Common risks include submitting a photo with incorrect dimensions, poor lighting, or an unsuitable background. Photos with shadows, obstructions, or outdated representations of the applicant are also frequently rejected. Careful attention to the specified standards is essential to avoid such setbacks.

Applicants should ensure that their photo is in color, measures 2 x 2 inches, and has a plain white or off-white background. The head size must fall between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches, with the face clearly visible and unobstructed. Additional considerations include maintaining a neutral expression, keeping both eyes open, and avoiding glasses unless medically necessary. Religious head coverings are allowed if the face remains fully visible.

Following these guidelines and verifying the photo’s compliance before submission can help applicants avoid unnecessary delays, ensuring a smoother visa application process. Professional photo services or online tools are valuable resources for achieving a compliant photo.

 

US visa photo size

 

Your US visa photo has to be 51 mm x 51 mm (2 inches x 2 inches). Note that this is different to standard UK and European photo requirements.

 

US visa photo requirements checklist

 

Before submitting your photograph, you should check the following:

 

• The photo is sized 51 x 51 mm.
• Your head is between 1 and 1 3/8 inches (22 mm and 35 mm) or 50% and 69% of the image’s total height from the bottom of your chin to the top of the head.
• The photo was taken within the last six months.
• The photo is in full color.
• The background is plain white.
• There are no shadows in the photo.
• You are facing the camera straight-on, and not at an angle.
• Your facial expression is neutral.
• Your eyes are open.
• You are not wearing eyewear, unless required for medical reasons. Glasses that are permitted for medical reasons must not have any glare or shadows.
• You are not wearing any electronic devices such as headphones. Hearing devices or similar required for medical reasons are allowed.
• You are wearing ‘everyday clothing’ and not for exmaple a uniform.
• Your hairline is visible and your head is not covered, unless it is a headdress for religious reasons. Headdresses must not cover the face.

 

 

What are the US visa digital photo requirements?

 

• Dimensions: 1200 x 1200 pixels.
• Full color (24 bits per pixel, sRGB color space).
• JPEG format.
• File size: Equal to or less than 240 kilobytes.

 

 

Can you smile in your US visa photo?

 

You will need to have a neutral expression on your face for your photo to comply with the US visa photo regulations.

 

Can I take my own picture?

 

US visa photo requirements are strict, so most applicants will use a professional set up for example within a store, to ensure they have a photo that complies and to avoid any issues with their photo.

However, if you have access to the equipment and conditions required to produce a photo that is compliant, you should be able to take your own picture. ‘Selfies’ however would not usually meet the requirements.

Be aware that printed photos must be of sufficiently high quality. The printed image must be high resolution, in-focus and printed on high quality photographic paper.

 

Do I need a printed or digital photo?

 

This will depend on where you are filing your petition and the visa you are applying for. It is best to check with the Embassy you are applying to as to the specific requirements on the format of photographs.

US immigrant visa applications, for example, require two printed photos on photo quality paper that comply to the standard US visa photo requirements. For nonimmigrant visa applications using Form DS-160 applicants typically need to submit a compliant digital photo and are recommended to take a physical print out of the photograph to their interview.

 

Do I upload a photo for form DS 160?

 

As well as the standard photo requirements, specific US visa classifications stipulate additional requirements. Nonimmigrant visa applications using form DS-160 will in most cases be required to submit a digital photo which must meet the digital photo requirements, in addition to the printed photo.

 

What if my appearance has changed since the photo was taken?

 

Given the importance of the image in verifying your identity, and to avoid issues with immigration officials at the port of entry, it is crucial that your photo is an accurate image of how you look at the present time.

While your photo must have been taken within the six months prior to filing your application, if your appearance has changed significantly during this time, you will need to take and submit a new photo that reflects your current appearance.

Reasons for a sudden change of appearance could include:

 

• Transition to a different gender
• Extensive facial plastic surgery
• New or removed piercings or tattoos on your face
• Gained or lost a significant amount of weight

 

Reasons which would not necessitate a new photo include:

 

• Change of hair color
• Grown or removed facial hair

 

 

US visa photos for babies and toddlers

 

Taking a photograph that complies with the US visa photo requirements can be challenging! It is usually easier to go in-store and make use of a professional set-up to help you create a photo that complies.

If you are considering taking the photograph yourself, you could try laying the baby down on a white sheet as a background, or placing the child in a car seat with a white sheet draped over the seat. Importantly, no one else can be visible in the image and the child’s eyes must both be open.

 

US Visa Photo Requirements FAQs

 

What size should a US visa photo be?

The photo must be 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) in size with the head measuring between 1 inch (25 mm) and 1 3/8 inches (35 mm).

 

Can I use a digital photo for a US visa application?

Yes, digital photos are acceptable as long as they meet all the requirements, including resolution and format standards.

 

What type of background is required for a US visa photo?

The background must be plain white or off-white without any patterns, textures, or shadows.

 

Are glasses allowed in a US visa photo?

No, glasses are not permitted unless they are medically necessary. In such cases, a signed statement from a doctor is required.

 

Can I wear religious head coverings in my US visa photo?

Yes, religious head coverings are allowed if they are worn daily and do not obscure any part of the face.

 

How recent should the photo be?

The photo must have been taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance.

 

What expression is required in the photo?

You must have a neutral expression with both eyes open and your mouth closed.

 

Can I wear a uniform in my US visa photo?

Uniforms should generally be avoided unless they are religious attire worn daily.

 

What happens if my photo does not meet the requirements?

If the photo does not comply, it will likely be rejected, and you may need to provide a new photo, causing delays in the application process.

 

Glossary

 

Term	Definition
US Visa	A document issued by the US government allowing a foreign national to enter, stay, or work in the United States.
Photo Size	The required dimensions for a US visa photo, which must be 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm).
Head Size	The measurement of the head in the photo, which must be between 1 inch (25 mm) and 1 3/8 inches (35 mm).
Plain Background	A solid white or off-white background without patterns, shadows, or textures, required for the photo.
Neutral Expression	A relaxed facial appearance with a closed mouth and open eyes, without smiling or frowning.
Color Photo	A photograph in full color (not black and white) that accurately reflects the applicant’s appearance.
Digital Photo	A scanned or electronic version of the required photo that meets specified digital criteria.
sRGB Color Space	The standard color profile used for digital images to ensure accurate color reproduction.
JPEG Format	The required file format for digital photos submitted as part of the visa application process.
File Size	The maximum file size for digital visa photos, which must not exceed 240 kilobytes.
Eyeglasses Ban	The rule prohibiting glasses in visa photos unless medically necessary, with supporting documentation.
Religious Head Covering	Head coverings worn for religious purposes that are allowed as long as the face remains fully visible.
Hearing Devices	Medically necessary devices such as hearing aids, which are permitted in visa photos.
Six-Month Rule	The requirement that the photo must have been taken within the last six months to reflect current appearance.
Compression	A method to reduce the file size of a digital image while maintaining acceptable image quality.