US Visa Photo: DS-160 & DV app icon

US Visa Photo

DS-160, DV Lottery & 2×2 inch print

Create visa application photos on your iPhone based on U.S. Department of State requirements. The app supports DS-160 online digital upload (600×600 px baseline JPEG; official range is 600–1200 px), DV Lottery entry (strictly 600×600 px), and 2×2 inch print sheet layouts for interviews.

Download on the App Store

Key features

600×600 px guidance

Face positioning guide helps you align your photo for DS-160 and DV Lottery upload, based on official U.S. photo composition standards.

Three application types

Choose DS-160 online application, DV Lottery entry, or 2×2 inch print. Each mode helps export a file designed for the selected requirement.

2×2 inch print layout helper

Generate a 4×6 inch or L-size print sheet layout with two 2×2 inch photos formatted for photo-quality paper printing. Check your embassy or consulate instructions for whether printed photos are required.

On-device processing

Photo import, face detection, adjustments, and export all stay on your iPhone. Your photos are never uploaded to any server.

240 KB JPEG output

Compressed JPEG output stays within 240 KB while preserving visible quality, with no EXIF metadata. Designed to match common Department of State digital image specifications. Preview before export.

Pre-submission checks

Review face position, head size, background, and glasses before saving. The app handles what it can and reminds you about the rest.

Pricing

Export plan

$4.99

One export

  • 600×600 px JPEG for DS-160 / DV
  • 2×2 inch print sheet
  • Preview before you pay

Photo checklist

Even a slightly non-compliant photo can be rejected during your application. Check these points before saving.

  • Use a square photo (600×600 px) with only the applicant in the frame.
  • Taken within the last 6 months. Face the camera directly with a natural expression.
  • White or off-white background with no shadows. Use a plain backdrop when shooting; do not rely on digital background replacement for submission photos.
  • Both eyes open and clearly visible. No glasses except rare documented medical exceptions; no hair covering the eyes.
  • No beauty filters, AI face modification, heavy retouching, background replacement, or edits that change your appearance.

Size and composition

These are the official composition requirements from the U.S. Department of State. Keep face position and margins close to this template.

Digital photo composition (600×600 px)

FormatJPEG
Size600 × 600 px
File size≤ 240 KB
Color24-bit sRGB
Head height50–69% of image
Eye height56–69% from bottom
BackgroundWhite / off-white
GlassesNot allowed (except rare medical exceptions)

Print photo size (2×2 inch / 51×51 mm)

Size2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm)
Head height25–35 mm (1–1⅜ in)
Eye height28–35 mm (1⅛–1⅜ in)
Head width15–22 mm (⅝–⅞ in)
Top space3–5 mm (⅛–¼ in)
Chin to bottom≥ 7 mm
PaperPhoto-quality paper
PrintActual size / no scaling

Source: U.S. Department of State — Bureau of Consular Affairs

Examples that are OK

The person faces forward, background is white, and the face is clearly visible with a natural expression.

Acceptable photo example with white background and forward-facing natural expression
Forward-facing with a white background.
Acceptable photo example with clear face and even lighting
Face is clear with no strong shadows.

Common examples that are not OK

These are common reasons a photo may be rejected by the U.S. Department of State.

Off-center visa photo example
Face is too far from center.
Photo with shadow on the background
Background shadows make the outline harder to see.
Side-facing visa photo example
You must face the camera directly.
Tilted head visa photo example
Keep your head straight and level.
Photo with face partially covered
Your full face must be visible.
Photo with glasses frame over eyes
Glasses are not allowed since November 2016, except rare documented medical exceptions.
Photo with glare on glasses
Remove glasses before taking your photo.
Photo with hair covering the eyes
Hair must not cover your eyes.
Photo with cloth or shadow on face
The face must be fully visible with no obstructions.
Photo with unnatural expression
Use a natural, neutral expression.
Photo with background too dark
Background must be white or off-white.
Blurred visa photo example
The photo must be sharp and in focus.
Photo with shadow on the face
Even lighting with no harsh shadows on the face.

About editing

The U.S. Department of State does not accept photos that have been digitally altered to change your appearance. This includes enlarging eyes, smoothing skin excessively, modifying facial features, removing moles or scars, applying AI-generated changes, or replacing the background after capture. Do not use digital background replacement or brightness adjustment for your submission photo. Take your photo in front of a white or off-white background with even lighting. This app helps with framing guidance, size cropping, JPEG compression, EXIF removal, and preview before export.

FAQ

What are the US visa photo requirements?

A US visa photo must be a color digital image in JPEG format, square aspect ratio, under 240 KB, with a plain white or off-white background. The face must be fully visible with a neutral expression and both eyes open. Glasses are not allowed except in rare documented medical circumstances. The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months.

What are the DS-160 photo requirements?

For DS-160 digital uploads, the U.S. Department of State requires a square JPEG between 600×600 and 1200×1200 pixels, under 240 KB, in sRGB color space. The head height should be 50–69% of the image height, and eye height 56–69% from the bottom. The background must be white or off-white. This app exports 600×600 px for broad compatibility.

What are the DV Lottery photo requirements?

DV Lottery photos must be exactly 600×600 pixels, JPEG format, under 240 KB, with a plain white or off-white background. Head height must be 50–69% of the image, face forward, neutral expression, both eyes open, and no glasses except rare documented medical exceptions. The photo must be taken within the last 6 months.

Does a US visa photo need to be exactly 600×600 pixels?

For DV Lottery entries, the official requirement is exactly 600×600 pixels. For general U.S. visa digital images, travel.state.gov lists 600×600 pixels as the minimum and 1200×1200 pixels as the maximum. This app exports 600×600 pixels to match the most compatible baseline for both uses.

What is the file size limit?

The digital photo file must be less than or equal to 240 KB. It should be in JPEG format and compressed correctly to maintain visible quality without exceeding this limit. The app previews the output so you can check for heavy compression artifacts before exporting.

Can I wear glasses?

No. Since November 1, 2016, glasses are not allowed in U.S. visa photos. Please remove glasses before taking your photo. In rare circumstances when eyeglasses cannot be removed for medical reasons (for example, recent ocular surgery), a signed medical statement from a medical professional is required. If accepted for medical reasons, the frames must not cover the eyes, and there must be no glare or shadows from the lenses.

Can I use background replacement?

No. The U.S. Department of State requires photos to be taken in front of a plain white or off-white background. Do not rely on digital background replacement for your submission photo. Take your photo with a proper backdrop. This app helps with framing, sizing, JPEG compression, EXIF removal, and preview before export.

Can I use beauty filters or AI editing?

No. Photos must not be digitally enhanced or altered to change your appearance in any way. This includes beauty filters, AI face modification, heavy retouching, background replacement, removing moles or scars, enlarging eyes, or smoothing skin excessively.

What is the printed photo size?

Printed visa photos must be 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) on photo-quality paper. Head height should be 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25–35 mm). Check your specific embassy or consulate instructions for whether printed photos are required for your interview. Print at actual size with no scaling.

Does this app submit my DS-160 or DV entry?

No. This app is an independent photo formatting tool. It does not submit visa or DV applications. You must submit your application yourself through the official CEAC or E-DV website.

Is this an official U.S. visa photo app?

No. This app is an independent photo formatting tool. It is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of State, any U.S. embassy or consulate, CEAC, or the DV Program.

Does this app guarantee acceptance?

No. This app helps you create a photo that meets published U.S. Department of State specifications, but final acceptance is determined by the reviewing authority or the official online system. Requirements may change, so always check the latest official guidance.

Are photos uploaded to a server?

No. All photo processing, face detection, and JPEG export happen entirely on your iPhone. Only App Store billing uses the network, and it never includes your photo data.

How do I print the 2×2 inch photos?

The app generates a 4×6 inch print sheet layout containing two 2×2 inch photos. Save it to your photo library and print at a photo lab or drugstore on matte or glossy photo-quality paper. Use actual size / no scaling. Check your embassy or consulate instructions for whether printed photos are required.

What about children's visa photos?

The same requirements apply to children: white background, facing forward, eyes open, no glasses. For infants, lay the child on a white sheet and photograph from above, or use a car seat with a white cloth draped over it.

Create your U.S. visa photo now

Capture and preview for free. Pay only when you save.

Download on the App Store (free)

Need help?

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