Take a US visa photo with a smartphone

Practical smartphone workflow

For a US visa photo, use a bright room and a plain white or off-white wall. A helper taking the photo is usually safer than a close selfie because it reduces lens distortion.

Hold the phone around face height, keep the applicant facing forward, and leave enough space around the head and shoulders for a square crop.

• Move away from the wall to soften background shadows.
• Keep both shoulders level and face the camera.
• Take several shots before choosing one to crop.

After the shot

After shooting, check that the image remains sharp at the final square size. Do not use filters, beauty modes, or edits that change facial features.

US visa photos are reviewed by the official online system, embassy, consulate, or other reviewing authority. A correctly prepared file does not guarantee acceptance.