US VISA PHOTO GUIDE
US visa photo size
2 x 2 inch print size, 600 x 600 to 1200 x 1200 px digital images, head ratio, margins, and common size mistakes.
Last checked: June 29, 2026
Quick answer
- Printed photo: 2 x 2 inch.
- Digital upload: square JPEG, 600 x 600 px to 1200 x 1200 px, 240KB or less.
- Head height: 50% to 69% of the image (about 1 inch to 1 3/8 inch on print).
Digital upload (DS-160)
| Pixels | 600–1200 px (square) |
|---|---|
| Format | JPG |
| File size | ≤ within 240 KB |
| Color | 24-bit sRGB |
Print size vs digital size
US visa photo size is not only a square crop. For digital upload, prepare a JPEG from 600 x 600 px to 1200 x 1200 px. For printed photos, the required physical size is 2 x 2 inch.
The face must sit in the official composition range. Head height should be about 50% to 69% of the image; on a printed photo that corresponds to about 1 inch to 1 3/8 inch from chin to top of head.
- Do not stretch a rectangle into a square.
- Do not crop so tightly that the chin or head has almost no margin.
- Do not confuse DS-160 digital upload with a print layout.
Preparing the file without resizing mistakes
Start with a clear front-facing photo, then crop to a square while keeping the face centered. Check both pixel dimensions and the visual head position before export.
If you need both upload and print, create the digital square and the 2 x 2 inch print output separately so one workflow does not silently resize the other.
Official requirement note
US visa photos are reviewed by the official online system, embassy, consulate, or other reviewing authority. A correctly prepared file does not guarantee acceptance.
Requirements and local procedures may change. Use Travel.State.Gov and the instructions for your exact application route as the final reference.
FAQ
What size is a US visa photo?
For digital upload, use a square JPEG from 600 x 600 px to 1200 x 1200 px. For a printed photo, the size is 2 x 2 inch, with head height about 1 inch to 1 3/8 inch.
Does preparing the file correctly guarantee acceptance?
No. US visa photos are reviewed by the official online system, embassy, consulate, or other reviewing authority. A correctly prepared file does not guarantee acceptance.
Where should I confirm the latest size rules?
Use Travel.State.Gov and the instructions for your exact application route as the final reference, because requirements and local procedures may change.
Official sources
- U.S. Department of State - U.S. Visa Photos Checked: 2026-06-29
- U.S. Department of State - Digital Image Requirements Checked: 2026-08-20
- U.S. Department of State - Photo Examples Checked: 2026-06-29
- U.S. Department of State - Photo Composition Template Checked: 2026-06-29
- U.S. Department of State - Photo Frequently Asked Questions Checked: 2026-06-29
- U.S. Department of State - DS-160 Frequently Asked Questions Checked: 2026-06-29
Requirements and local procedures may change. Use Travel.State.Gov and the instructions for your exact application route as the final reference.
Choose a guide
Create your photo in the browser
Prepare the photo for U.S. Visa (DS-160) directly in your smartphone or computer browser. Creating and reviewing are free.
What this tool creates
- the required face photo (for digital upload)
Need a US visa photo sized correctly? Open the app page