Your photo is one of the most important parts of your visa application. To be accepted, your photograph must meet certain US visa photo requirements. Depending on the types of US visa you are applying for and the US Embassy you apply from, you will be required to submit digital or physical photos. Some embassies may not ask you to upload a digital photograph when you submit your Form DS-160 or Form DS-26. In such cases, your photo will be taken at the VAC (Visa Application Center) or OFC (Offsite Facilitation Center). It is at the discretion of the US Embassy or Consulate where you apply to accept digital or physical photographs.
Here you will learn everything about the photo requirements for a US visa application and how to provide a suitable photo.
US visa photo requirements
Your visa application photo must meet certain required criteria regarding size and other features. If your photo does not meet the criteria, it will delay the visa application process. Your photo must be taken within the last 6 months, reflecting your current appearance. Following are the US visa photo specification for digital as well as physical photos that will help you to apply for a US visa:
Requirements for digital photo
If the US embassy requires you to submit a digital photo online, it must meet the following requirements.
| Particulars | Requirements for digital photograph |
|---|---|
| Acquisition | You can submit an image file captured with a digital camera or digitize a paper photograph with a scanner. |
| File size | Size of the file containing the photo must be less or equal to 240 kilobytes (KB). |
| Dimension | The photo must be square and acceptable dimensions are: – Minimum dimensions are: 600 x 600 pixels- Maximum dimensions are: 1200 x 1200 pixels |
| Color | The photo must be in color (24 bits per pixel), such as the sRGB color space. |
| File format | Format of the photo must be in JPEG (.jpg extension) |
| Compression ratio | If the photo is bigger than the required size, it can be compressed so that it is under the maximum file size. The photo should be compressed to a ratio of less than or equal to 20:1. |
Requirements for physical photo
If you have a paper photograph that meets US visa photo requirements, you can scan it in the following format:
| Particulars | Requirements for scanning a photograph |
|---|---|
| Print size | The size of the paper photograph should be in dimensions of 2 x 2 inches (51 mm x 51 mm) Square. |
| Resolution | The paper photographs must be scanned at a sampling frequency of at least 300 pixels per inch or 12 pixels per millimeter. |
Image requirements composition
| Particulars | Requirements for scanning a photograph |
|---|---|
| Content | – The image shouldn’t be older than 6 months – The image should be taken in full-face view directly facing the camera – Non-smiling expression with eyes open and unobstructed and directed at the camera – All facial features must be visible – No additional people, parts of the body below your shoulders, no extraneous objects, or other artifacts |
| Head size | The photo should be positioned in a way that the head height or facial region size (from the bottom of your chin to the top of the head, including hair) is between 1 and 1 ⅜ inches or 50% and 69% of the image’s total height. |
| Head orientation | – You should directly face the camera – The head shouldn’t be tilted up, down, to the right or left – The head must be centered within the frame |
| Focus | – The entire face must be in focus and not overly sharpened |
| Color | – Only colored image is acceptable (24 bits per pixel) – Color should produce the natural skin tone |
| Brightness/ contrast | Brightness and contrast should present your face accurately |
| Lighting | Make sure there are no shadows on your face or background |
| Resolution | Fine facial features should be discernible |
| Eyeglasses | – You must not wear eyeglasses – If you’re wearing for medical reasons, like you had an eye surgery lately, you need to provide a statement from your doctor |
| Compression | The image must not be excessively compressed (the compression ratio should be less than or equal to 20:1). |
| Alteration | – The photo must not be digitally stretched or altered to change your appearance. – The aspect ratio of the image must be untouched when resizing (image stretching is not permitted). |
| Decorative items | – Sunglasses or other items that obscure the face are not allowed. – Hats or head coverings will only be allowed if worn for religious reasons and shouldn’t obscure any facial features |
Photo do’s and don’ts
US visa free photo tool
If you already have a photo, you can use the Department of State’s free photo tool to:
- Select a digital photo stored on your computer/ mobile devices
- Resize and rotate the image if necessary
- Crop it so it is the right size of exactly 600 x 600 pixels
Please note: The US visa free photo tool can be used for cropping your photo only. A US Department of State employee will make the final decision on your photo after reviewing it.
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