United States visa photo
United States visa photo: 51 x 51 mm (2 x 2 in). The head must measure 25-35 mm from the chin to the top of the head. A file uploaded online must be 600-1200 px. The photo must have been taken in the last 6 months. Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, checked September 2, 2026.
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The requirements
| Print size | 51 x 51 mm (2 x 2 in) |
|---|---|
| Digital size | 600-1200 px |
| File size | 234 KB |
| File formats | JPEG |
| Resolution | 300dpi |
| Head height, chin to crown | 25-35 mm |
| Eye line from the bottom edge | 28-35 mm |
| Background | Plain white or off-white background, no pattern, no shadows |
| Glasses | Not allowed. Remove them for the photo. |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, both eyes open. |
| Head covering | Only for religious or medical reasons, and the face must be visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead. |
| Photo age | 6 months |
| Also required |
|
How to apply: United States
For a US visa application, the DS-160 upload is a digital, square JPEG. Its width and height must each be from 600 pixels to 1200 pixels, and the file must be no larger than 240000 bytes.
A digital upload and an interview print are separate steps. An immigrant visa applicant using Form DS-260 brings two identical 2 x 2 inch photos on photo-quality paper; some other posts ask for one printed photo. Check the instructions for the post where you apply.
Use a colour photo with a plain white or off-white background, a full-face view, and a neutral expression. Glasses are not allowed unless a signed medical statement supports the exception. Follow the final instructions from your embassy or consulate.
Why photos get rejected here
Wrong upload file
The upload is a square JPEG. Keep its width and height from 600 pixels to 1200 pixels and keep the file at or below 240000 bytes.
A background with shadows
The background must be plain white or off-white, without a pattern or shadow on the face.
Glasses in the frame
Glasses are excluded except with a signed medical statement. If the exception applies, frames must not cover the eyes and glare must be absent.
A copied or scanned photo
Photos copied or scanned from a driving licence or another official document are refused, as are snapshots and full-length photographs.
An altered appearance
Digital enhancement or alteration that changes your appearance is prohibited. This does not prohibit ordinary file conversion or cropping that preserves the required composition.
A non-frontal pose
Face the camera directly with both eyes open and keep the head in the template range: 25 to 35 millimetres.
What helps
Keep the upload original
Send the camera file without a messaging-app recompression. Export a square JPEG whose width and height are within 600 to 1200 pixels and whose file is no larger than 240000 bytes.
Plan for the interview
The upload is digital. A DS-260 immigrant visa applicant brings two identical 2 x 2 inch prints; other posts may request one. Check that post's current instructions.
Remove glasses first
Take glasses off before shooting unless you have the signed medical exception and can avoid glare, shadows, and covered eyes.
Use the template
For a printed photo, keep the eye line from 28 to 35 millimetres from the bottom.
Babies and young children
The child must be alone in the photo and look toward the camera with eyes open. Use a plain white or off-white sheet or a covered car seat, and make sure no shadow falls on the face.
How to take a baby's passport photo at home
Glasses
Glasses are not allowed in new visa photos except with a signed medical statement. In that exception, the frames cannot cover the eyes and there can be no glare, shadow, or refraction.
Passport photo glasses rules by country
Head covering
A head covering is allowed when worn daily for a religious purpose or for a medical reason. It must not cast a shadow on the face or hide the face.
Applying online
Use the digital square JPEG for the online upload. A DS-260 immigrant visa applicant brings two identical 2 x 2 inch prints; other posts may ask for one. Check the post where you apply.
Questions about United States photos
Is the visa upload the same as the interview photo?
The upload is digital. A DS-260 immigrant visa applicant brings two identical 2 x 2 inch prints; other posts may request one, so follow the instructions for your application post.
What file should I upload?
Upload a square JPEG whose width and height are from 600 to 1200 pixels and whose file is at or below 240000 bytes.
Can I wear glasses?
Only with a signed medical statement. The frames must not cover the eyes and there must be no glare, shadow, or refraction.
Where these numbers come from
Official sourceEvery measurement on this page comes from the issuing authority's own published requirements.
- U.S. Department of State: Photo Requirementschecked September 2, 2026
- U.S. Department of State: Digital Image Requirementschecked September 2, 2026
- U.S. Department of State: Photo Composition Templatechecked September 2, 2026
- 9 FAM 303.6 Facial Recognition, Photo Standardschecked September 2, 2026
Editor: Mehmet Apaydın (Xenit)How we check our numbers