Quick Answer
- US visa digital photos must be square JPEGs. For DS-160, the official range is 600×600 to 1200×1200 pixels; for DV Lottery, exactly 600×600 pixels is required.
- Printed U.S. visa-style photos are 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) on photo-quality paper. Check your embassy or consulate instructions for whether printed photos are required.
- The background must be plain white or off-white, prepared at the time of shooting. Do not rely on digital background replacement.
- DS-160, embassy, and DV Lottery photo instructions may differ, so always check the latest official requirements before submitting.
- This app is an independent photo formatting tool. It does not submit visa or DV applications and does not guarantee acceptance.
What is a US Visa Photo?
A US visa photo is a specific format photo required for U.S. visa applications (like DS-160 online forms) and the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery. It must meet strict requirements for size, background, face proportions, and expression.
Official Source
Photo requirements are determined by the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov). Always refer to official government websites for final regulations and forms.
Official Requirements Summary
The U.S. Department of State has strict guidelines for both digital uploads and printed photos. Here is a summary of the official photo requirements:
| Photo Type | US Visa (DS-160) & DV Lottery / Green Card Lottery |
|---|---|
| Digital Dimensions | DS-160: 600×600 px (min) to 1200×1200 px (max), square / DV Lottery: exactly 600×600 px |
| Print Size | 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) for physical photos on photo-quality paper |
| Background Color | Plain white or off-white background with no shadows (prepare at time of shooting) |
| Face Position | Centered, facing directly forward, looking at the camera |
| Head Size & Eye Height | Head height: 50% to 69% of image; Eye height: 56% to 69% from bottom |
| Expression | Neutral expression, both eyes open, mouth closed |
| Glasses | Not allowed since November 1, 2016, except rare documented medical exceptions with a signed statement |
| Head Covering | Only for religious purposes worn daily, and face must be fully visible |
| File Format | JPEG format, sRGB color space |
| File Size | Under 240 KB for online digital upload |
| Photo Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
US Visa Photo vs. DV Lottery Photo
Many applicants confuse the photo requirements for US visa applications (DS-160) and the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery. While they are very similar, the digital size rules differ.
Similar Standards, Different Size Rules
DS-160 digital images must be square JPEGs between 600×600 and 1200×1200 pixels. DV Lottery requires exactly 600×600 px. Both are uploaded through different online systems.
DV Lottery Strict Verification
Submitting an invalid photo may result in disqualification or refusal if selected. Photo errors can make an entry invalid. Use the official E-DV website for submission. The DV entry itself is free; beware of fraudulent consultants who charge fees.
Check Latest Instructions
Because the rules and validation thresholds of the CEAC portal (for DS-160) and the Electronic Diversity Visa website may differ, you should verify requirements on the official site for each specific process.
How to Prepare a US Visa or DV Photo on Your Phone
- 1
Take or choose a recent face photo with natural, even lighting in front of a plain white or off-white background.
- 2
Align your face with the on-screen guide in the app.
- 3
Crop the photo to a square format.
- 4
Export a JPEG file under 240 KB to your camera roll.
- 5
Preview the image before exporting to avoid heavy compression artifacts.
- 6
Check the latest official instructions before uploading to DS-160 or DV Lottery.
Common Mistakes (Reasons for Rejection)
A large percentage of visa and DV Lottery applications are delayed or rejected due to improper photos. Avoid these common mistakes:
Wrong Dimensions or Aspect Ratio
DS-160 accepts 600×600 to 1200×1200 px; DV Lottery requires exactly 600×600 px. Uploading non-square photos or files outside the required range is a common cause of failure.
Wearing Eyeglasses
Eyeglasses are not allowed except in rare medical circumstances with a signed medical statement. Remove them before taking your photo.
Shadows on Face or Background
Strong shadows on the background behind you or on your face will cause the automated system to reject the photo.
Head Size Too Large or Too Small
Your head must occupy between 50% and 69% of the total height. Zooming in too close or cropping too far away will fail the verification.
Non-Plain Background
Using a background that is colored, textured, or has patterns (instead of plain white or off-white prepared at the time of shooting) will result in rejection.
Old or Reused Photo
Using the same photo as your previous visa or passport when it was taken more than 6 months ago can easily be detected by the system.
Why Use the US Visa Photo App?
✓ On-Device Face Alignment Guide
The app provides visual overlays to help you align your head size, eye level, and margins to meet Department of State composition rules.
✓ Framing, Sizing & Preview
The app crops to the correct square dimensions and lets you preview the image before export. Take your photo in front of a plain white or off-white background with even lighting.
✓ JPEG Export for Digital Upload
Save a square digital photo file under 240 KB in sRGB format, formatted to match common Department of State digital image specifications. Preview before export.
✓ Complete Privacy
All image cropping and adjustments are done locally on your device. Your face data and photos are never sent to a server.
Note: The app is an independent formatting tool. It does not submit visa or DV applications and is not an official U.S. government service. Final acceptance is at the discretion of the U.S. embassy, consulate, or official system. Always check the latest official requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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 in my visa photo?
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.
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, or edits that change your appearance.
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 visa or DV application?
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 is an independent 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 my 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.
Prepare Your US Visa or DV Photo Now
Create a square digital photo file under 240 KB with a plain white background right on your iPhone.
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