Take Your US Visa Photo in Only 3 Seconds

Explore the essential US visa photo requirements—and find out how to take your visa picture with ease at home.
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US Visa Photo—Technical details

Here’s a quick overview of all requirements for your photo
Size
2x2 in
Resolution
301 dpi
Background Color
Is it suitable for online submission?
Yes
Is it printable?
Yes

FAQ

What is the photo size for a US visa?

The required photo size for a US visa application is 2x2 inches (51x51 mm). Ensure compliance with these specifications: - High-quality photo paper with a plain white or off-white background. - Head height between 1⅛ and 1⅜ inches (28–35 mm), occupying 50–69% of the image. - Neutral expression, eyes open, and no accessories (e.g., glasses or headwear) unless for religious/medical reasons. - Recent photo (taken within the last 6 months) with full-face view against the camera. Submit two identical, undamaged, unmarked prints for immigrant visa (DS-260) or nonimmigrant visa applications.

Can a US visa be rejected because of a photo?

Yes, US visa applications may be rejected for non-compliant photos. Key requirements include: 1. Background: Plain white/off-white without shadows, patterns, or textures. 2. Composition: Full-face view with neutral expression, eyes open, and directly facing the camera. Squinting, tilted heads, or obscured facial features are grounds for rejection. 3. Technical Specifications: High-resolution, in-focus, and properly lit. No filters, red-eye, or glare on glasses. 4. Recentness: Photo must be taken within the last 6 months to reflect current appearance. Non-compliance with these standards triggers automatic rejection during pre-screening. For guaranteed acceptance, use our AI-powered photo tool compliant with U.S. Department of State guidelines.

Is US visa photo size same as passport?

Yes, US visa and passport photos share identical dimensions: 2x2 inches (51x51 mm). However, while the size is the same, visa photos must strictly adhere to additional requirements: - Head height: 1–1⅜ inches (25–35mm) from chin to crown. - Background: Plain white or off-white, no shadows or patterns. - Recency: Taken within the last 6 months. - Expression: Neutral face, eyes fully open, and no eyewear. Ensure compliance with these specifics to avoid application delays

Is US visa photo 240kb?

Yes, the US visa photo must be ≤240 KB. Key requirements: - Dimensions: 600x600px (min) to 1200x1200px (square ratio) - Color: 24-bit sRGB - Format: JPEG/JFIF with ≤20:1 compression For guaranteed compliance, use professional tools to optimize file size while meeting all specifications.

How to take US visa photo with iPhone?

1. Prepare a Plain White Background: Stand against a well-lit, solid white wall with no shadows or patterns. 2. Position Yourself: Face the camera directly with a neutral expression, ensuring your entire head (1–1.375 inches from chin to crown) and shoulders are visible1. 3. Use Natural, Even Lighting: Avoid harsh shadows or glare. Indoor lighting or indirect sunlight works best. 4. Set Your iPhone: Use the rear camera for higher resolution. Disable flash and zoom. Enable gridlines to align your posture. 5. Capture the Photo: Have someone take the photo from 4–5 feet away or use a tripod. Ensure no red-eye or filters are applied. 6. Edit for Compliance: Use apps like ID Photo Editor to crop to 2x2 inches (51x51 mm), adjust resolution to 300 DPI, and verify background whiteness.

Can I smile a US visa photo?

A neutral facial expression is strongly recommended for U.S. visa photos. While subtle, natural smiles are acceptable, exaggerated expressions or closed eyes will result in rejection. Ensure full face visibility with both eyes open and clearly visible

What is US visa photo requirements?

US visa photos must meet strict technical and compositional specifications: 1. Technical Specifications - Dimensions: Square aspect ratio (600x600px to 1200x1200px). - File Format: JPEG/JFIF, ≤240 KB, sRGB color space. - Resolution: Scanned images require 300 PPI for print. 2. Composition - Head Size: 25–35mm (1–1⅜ inches) from chin to crown. - Background: Plain white/off-white, no shadows or textures. - Expression: Neutral, eyes open, facing camera directly. 3. Appearance - Attire: Daily clothing; no uniforms (except religious). - Accessories: No tinted glasses, headphones, or face-covering items unless for religious purposes. 4. Quality - No digital alterations, filters, or glare. - Taken within 6 months to reflect current appearance. For scanned prints: Original must be 51x51mm (2x2 inches). Use professional services to ensure compliance

What does 240 KB mean?

240 KB stands for 240 kilobytes. In digital storage, 1 KB equals 1,024 bytes. So, 240 KB is 240 * 1,024 = 245,760 bytes.

Can I wear lipstick in US visa photo?

Yes, you may wear lipstick in US visa photos if it maintains a natural appearance1. Follow these guidelines: 1. Avoid bold/glossy shades – Opt for neutral tones that match your natural lip color. 2. Ensure facial clarity – No makeup should obscure facial features or create artificial shadows. 3. Follow official standards – The U.S. Department of State prohibits "excessive makeup" that alters your everyday appearance. 4. Coordinate with overall look – Keep hairstyles and accessories from covering facial contours. For guaranteed compliance, use iPassportPhoto to verify visa photo requirements.