Create Your US Visa Photo
Upload a recent photo and our tool automatically crops, resizes, and formats it to meet official US Department of State requirements.
Create US Visa PhotoUS Visa Photo Maker Online
Source: Official U.S. Department of State visa photo requirements
Create a 100% compliant 2x2 inch US visa photo in seconds. Official size, white background, and DS-160 ready. Free, instant download, no signup needed.
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US Visa Photo Size (Quick Answer)
A US visa photo must be 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) square on a plain white or off-white background, with the head 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25–35 mm) from chin to crown and the eyes 1 1/8 to 1 3/8 inches (28–35 mm) from the bottom edge. For the DS-160 upload it must be a colour JPEG between 600 × 600 and 1200 × 1200 pixels at 240 KB or less.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Photo size (printed) | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) — square |
| Pixel size (digital) | 600 × 600 px minimum to 1200 × 1200 px maximum |
| File size (DS-160 / DS-260) | 240 KB or less |
| File format | Colour JPEG, 24-bit, sRGB — no black and white |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 1 in – 1 3/8 in (25 – 35 mm), about 50–69% of frame |
| Eye line from bottom edge | 1 1/8 in – 1 3/8 in (28 – 35 mm) |
| Background | Plain white or off-white, no shadow |
| Glasses | Not permitted since November 2016 |
| Age of photo | Within the last 6 months, and not previously submitted |
| Applies to | DS-160 nonimmigrant visa, DS-260 immigrant visa, Diversity Visa entry |
US Visa Photo Visual Reference
The same photo expressed three ways: 2 × 2 inches printed, 51 × 51 millimetres, and 600 × 600 pixels at 300 DPI. All three describe one identical square.
US visa photo size diagram · 2 × 2 inches
Inches
2 × 2 in
Millimetres
51 × 51 mm
Centimetres
5.1 × 5.1 cm
Pixels @ 300 DPI
600 × 600
Digital maximum
1200 × 1200
Aspect ratio
1 : 1
US Visa Photo Requirements
Every US visa application photo must meet strict guidelines defined by the US Department of State. Each rule below links to the detailed standard in our passport photo rules library.
| Photo Size | 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm), square 1:1 ratio |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (pixels) | 600 x 600 minimum to 1200 x 1200 maximum, square |
| File Size | 240 KB or less for the DS-160 and DS-260 upload |
| File Format | JPEG (.jpg) only. PNG, HEIC and WebP are not accepted |
| Colour | Full colour, 24-bit per pixel, sRGB. Black and white is refused |
| Background | Plain white or off-white, no patterns or shadows — see background colour rules |
| Lighting | Even and diffuse, no shadow on the face or behind the head — see shadow rules |
| Head Size | 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25–35 mm) chin to crown, 50%–69% of the photo — see head size rules |
| Face Coverage | 50–69% of the frame height — see face size requirements |
| Eye Position | 1 1/8 to 1 3/8 inches (28–35 mm) from the bottom edge — see eyes requirements |
| Facial Expression | Neutral face, both eyes open, mouth closed — see smile rules |
| Hair | Must not cover the eyes or obscure the outline of the face — see hair rules |
| Ears | Not mandatory for US photos, but the full face outline must be clear — see ears visibility rules |
| Glasses Policy | No glasses allowed since November 2016 — see glasses rules |
| Head Coverings | Not permitted unless worn daily for religious reasons, full face visible — see head covering rules |
| Clothing | Everyday clothing. No uniforms, camouflage, or clothing resembling a uniform |
| Resolution | Minimum 300 DPI for printed copies, sharp and in focus — see resolution rules |
| Digital Alteration | Not permitted. No filters, retouching, skin smoothing, slimming or tone adjustment |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months and not previously submitted with another application |
Digital Upload vs Printed Photo
Most applicants need both. The DS-160 form takes a digital file, and the interview at the Embassy or Consulate often requires a printed copy. Each has its own limits.
| Specification | Digital upload (DS-160 / DS-260) | Printed photo (interview) |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 600 × 600 to 1200 × 1200 px, square | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) |
| Resolution | Pixel count governs, DPI not enforced | 300 DPI minimum |
| File size | 240 KB or less | Not applicable |
| Format | Colour JPEG, sRGB | Glossy or matte photo paper |
| Quantity | One file | One photo, some posts request two identical copies |
The 240 KB ceiling is where most uploads fail. A 600 × 600 pixel JPEG saved at maximum quality often lands between 250 KB and 400 KB, so the pixel count reads correct but the file is refused. Save at quality 85, which typically produces 60–150 KB with no visible loss.
If your export is too heavy, the compress to 240 KB guide and reduce file size guide cover it. To hit the pixel minimum exactly, see the resize to 600x600 guide. iPhone users shooting in HEIC should convert first with the HEIC to JPEG guide. Broader portal rules are in the digital passport photo requirements guide.
How to Create a US Visa Photo
Get your DS-160 ready visa photo in under a minute with these simple steps.
1
Take a Clear Photo
Use a phone or camera in front of a plain white wall with even, natural lighting. Switch off portrait blur and beautification first.
2
Upload to Our Tool
Open the Passport Photo Maker and upload your image with the US visa preset selected.
3
Auto-Crop & Format
The tool automatically resizes to 2x2 inches, removes the background, and verifies compliance. See the crop guide for framing detail.
4
Download Instantly
Get your digital photo for DS-160 upload and a printable 4x6 sheet for the consulate.
US Visa Photo Compared to Other Documents
The 2 × 2 inch square is shared across US document types, so one photo often works for several. Other countries do not use it, which is why a US visa photo cannot be reused abroad.
| Document | Size | Digital | Head height |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Visa (DS-160 / DS-260) | 2 × 2 in | 600–1200 px, ≤ 240 KB | 25 – 35 mm |
| US Passport | 2 × 2 in | 600–1200 px, 54 KB – 10 MB | 25 – 35 mm |
| US Green Card (USCIS) | 2 × 2 in | Printed 2 × 2 photo | 25 – 35 mm |
| India e-Visa | 2 × 2 in | 600 × 600 px | 25 – 35 mm |
| OCI Card | 2 × 2 in | 600 × 600 px | 25 – 35 mm |
| Canada Visa / TRV | 35 × 45 mm | 413 × 531 px, ≤ 240 KB | 31 – 36 mm |
| Schengen Visa | 35 × 45 mm | 413 × 531 px, ≤ 240 KB | 32 – 36 mm |
| China Visa | 33 × 48 mm | 354–420 × 472–560 px | 28 – 33 mm |
| Australia Visa | 35 × 45 mm | 413 × 531 px, ≤ 500 KB | 32 – 36 mm |
Visa and passport photo pixel size chart
US Visa Photos for Babies, Infants and Children
Every applicant needs their own photo, including newborns. The 2 × 2 inch specification applies with no age exemption on size or head height.
Same size, same head height
2 × 2 inch frame with the head 1 to 1 3/8 inches chin to crown. No reduced format exists for infants.
Child alone in the frame
No supporting hands, arms, car seat, toy or pacifier may be visible, and no other person may appear. Lay the child on a plain white sheet and shoot from directly above.
Eyes open where possible
Both eyes should be open and looking towards the camera. This is relaxed for newborns but expected for older children. See eyes requirements.
No shadow behind the head
Use soft indirect daylight from the side of the room, not overhead. Overhead light from one side creates the background shadow that fails the check.
One photo per applicant
A family applying together needs a separate compliant photo for each person. A child cannot share a parent's photo or appear in it.
Crop from a wide source
Shoot wide and crop down. Cropping tightly in-camera on a small face leaves too few pixels once the 600 × 600 square is applied.
Positioning, lighting and timing technique for infants and toddlers is covered in the baby passport photo at home guide.
Common Reasons US Visa Photos Get Rejected
The US Department of State rejects thousands of visa photos every month. Each item links to the detailed rule so you can confirm the tolerance before you submit. The full breakdown is in passport photo rejection reasons.
Wrong Dimensions
Photos that aren't perfectly square 2x2 inches or fall outside the 600x600 to 1200x1200 px range will be rejected automatically. See the crop guide.
File Over 240 KB
The DS-160 uploader refuses any file above 240 KB even when the pixel dimensions are correct. Save at JPEG quality 85 rather than maximum.
Improper Background
Any colour besides plain white or off-white, including shadows on the wall, will cause rejection. See background colour rules.
Incorrect Head Position
Head must be centred, facing the camera directly, and occupy 50–69% of the frame. See head size rules.
Eye Line Too Low
Head height can be correct while the eyes fall below 1 1/8 inches from the bottom edge. Both measurements are checked. See eyes requirements.
Low Quality Image
Blurry, pixelated, or low-resolution photos are immediately rejected by DS-160 photo validation. See resolution rules.
Visible Shadows
Shadows on the face, neck, or background indicate poor lighting and are a top rejection reason. See shadow rules.
Wearing Glasses
Glasses have been banned in US visa photos since 2016, including clear lenses and sunglasses. See glasses rules.
Facial Expression
Smiling broadly, frowning, raised eyebrows, or open mouth will fail compliance. See smile rules.
Hair Across the Face
A fringe over the eyes or hair obscuring the outline of the face fails landmark detection. See hair rules.
Head Covering or Uniform
Non-religious headwear and clothing resembling a uniform are refused. See head covering rules.
Black and White Photo
Colour is mandatory. A greyscale or black and white image is refused for both digital and printed submission.
Wrong File Format
Only JPEG is accepted. PNG, HEIC and WebP uploads are refused outright by the DS-160 photo tool.
Outdated or Reused Photo
Photos older than 6 months, or the same image already submitted with a previous application, will not be accepted.
Filters or Edits
Beauty filters, portrait blur, retouching, or digital alterations cause automatic rejection of your application.
Tips for Better US Visa Photos
Follow these expert tips to get your photo approved on the first try.
Use Natural Daylight
Stand near a window during daytime for soft, even lighting that avoids harsh shadows on your face.
Plain White Wall
Stand at least 1.5 feet away from a clean white wall to prevent shadows from appearing behind you.
Neutral Expression
Keep your mouth closed and look directly at the camera with a relaxed, natural face.
Wear Simple Clothing
Avoid white tops that blend with the background. Wear dark or coloured everyday clothing, and never a uniform.
Remove Accessories
Take off glasses, large earrings, and headphones. Hats and head coverings are not allowed.
Turn Off Beautification
Disable portrait mode, background blur and skin smoothing before you shoot. These alter facial geometry and are detected.
Use a Phone Camera
Modern smartphones produce excellent results. Ask someone to take the photo at eye level, 4 feet away.
Shoot Wide, Crop Later
Frame loosely and crop down. A tightly framed source leaves too few pixels once the 600 × 600 square is applied.
Check the KB Before Uploading
Confirm the file is 240 KB or less before you reach the DS-160 upload step, not after.
Printing Your 2x2 US Visa Photo
If your interview requires a printed copy, print settings matter as much as the crop. Plain copier paper is refused at every post.
| Print resolution | 300 DPI minimum — export at 600 × 600 pixels or larger, and disable fit-to-page scaling |
|---|---|
| Paper | Glossy or matte photo paper. Plain copier paper is refused |
| Copies per 4 × 6 inch sheet | Six 2 × 2 inch photos in a two by three grid with cutting margins |
| Cutting | Guillotine or steel rule for square edges. Do not cut inside the printed border |
| Colour management | sRGB. Turn off printer auto-enhance, skin smoothing and colour correction |
| Handling | Let ink dry fully. Do not staple, fold or write on the photo face |
| How many to bring | One printed photo, though some posts request two identical copies. Confirm with your post |
Printer settings and cutting technique are covered in the print passport photo at home guide, and sheet layout in the print 2x2 on 4x6 guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about creating a compliant US visa photo online.
Size & Measurements
What is the official US visa photo size?
The official US visa photo size is 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm), a perfect square. For digital submission it must be between 600 x 600 and 1200 x 1200 pixels. The head must measure 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25 to 35 mm) from chin to crown, filling 50 to 69 percent of the frame height.
Where should my eyes sit in a US visa photo?
Your eyes should sit between 1 1/8 and 1 3/8 inches (28 to 35 mm) from the bottom edge of the photo, which places the eye line in the upper 55 to 69 percent of the frame. Head height and eye line are checked separately, so a correct head size with a low eye line is still refused. See the eyes requirements.
What dimensions in pixels should my digital visa photo be?
For the DS-160 digital upload the photo must be a square between 600x600 pixels (minimum) and 1200x1200 pixels (maximum). The file format must be JPEG (.jpg) and the file size must not exceed 240 KB. See 2x2 photo size in pixels for the full conversion table.
Is the US visa photo size the same as the US passport photo size?
Yes. Both use the same 2x2 inch (51x51 mm) square format with the same background, head height and expression rules, so one photo often satisfies both. The difference is the submission channel and its file limits: a visa photo is uploaded through DS-160 or DS-260, while a passport photo goes on Form DS-11 or DS-82 or through online renewal. See US passport photo.
Forms & File Limits
What are the DS-160 photo requirements?
DS-160 requires a square colour JPEG between 600x600 and 1200x1200 pixels with a file size of 240 KB or less. The photo must be taken within the last 6 months, on a plain white or off-white background, with a neutral expression, both eyes open and no glasses. Black and white images are refused.
Is the DS-260 photo requirement different from DS-160?
The photo specification is identical. DS-160 is the nonimmigrant visa application and DS-260 is the immigrant visa application, and both require a square 2 x 2 inch photo at 600x600 to 1200x1200 pixels, 240 KB or less. What differs is the process around it, not the image itself.
What file size must a US visa photo be?
240 KB or less for the DS-160 and DS-260 upload. A 600 x 600 pixel JPEG saved at quality 85 typically lands between 60 KB and 150 KB, comfortably inside the limit. Saving at maximum quality often pushes the file past 240 KB even though the pixel count is correct. See the compress to 240 KB guide.
How much does it cost to create a US visa photo online?
Creating a US visa photo with ClonyPDF is completely free. You can upload, crop, and download your DS-160 compliant photo without any signup, subscription, or hidden fees.
Appearance & Compliance
What background should I use for my US visa photo?
The background must be plain white or off-white with no patterns, textures, gradients or shadows. Stand at least 1.5 feet away from a clean light-coloured wall so the background appears uniform. Shadow behind the head is one of the most common causes of refusal. See background colour rules.
Can I wear glasses in my US visa photo?
No. Since November 2016 the US Department of State prohibits eyeglasses in visa photos, including prescription glasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses. The only exception is a documented medical reason with a signed statement from a doctor.
Can I smile in my US visa photo?
A neutral expression with the mouth closed is required, though a natural relaxed expression is acceptable. Avoid a wide grin, raised eyebrows, squinting or an open mouth, because exaggerated expressions distort the facial geometry automated verification measures.
Can I wear a head covering in my US visa photo?
Head coverings are not allowed unless worn daily for religious purposes, and a signed statement is required. If worn, your full face must remain visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead with both edges of the face clearly shown and no shadow across the features. See head covering rules.
Can I retouch or edit my US visa photo?
No. Digital alteration is prohibited. Do not adjust brightness, contrast, skin tone or facial features, and do not use beauty filters, skin smoothing or slimming effects. Cropping, resizing and replacing the background are acceptable; altering your face is not.
Recency, Children & Printing
How recent must my US visa photo be?
Your photo must be taken within the last 6 months and accurately reflect your current appearance. If your appearance has significantly changed through a new beard, major weight change, facial surgery or substantial hair loss, take a new photo even if your previous one is less than 6 months old.
Can I reuse a photo from a previous visa application?
No. The photo must be recent and must not be the same image already submitted with an earlier application. Reusing a previous photo is a recognised cause of refusal even when it is still inside the 6-month window.
What are the US visa photo rules for a baby or child?
The same 2 x 2 inch size, white background and 1 to 1 3/8 inch head height apply to children and newborns, with no age exemption. The child must be alone in the frame with no supporting hands, car seat, toy or pacifier visible. Eyes should be open where possible, which is relaxed for newborns. Every applicant needs their own photo, including infants. See the child and infant section.
Can I use a phone photo for a US visa?
Yes, you can use a smartphone photo as long as it meets the official requirements. Modern phone cameras produce sufficient quality. Ensure good lighting, a plain white background, and have someone else take the photo at eye level rather than using a selfie. Switch off portrait blur and skin smoothing first.
Do I need a printed photo too?
Often yes. In addition to the digital DS-160 upload you may need to bring a printed 2x2 inch photo to your visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate, and some posts request two identical copies. Our tool provides both a digital file and a printable 4x6 inch sheet.
How do I print a 2x2 US visa photo at home?
Print at 300 DPI on glossy or matte photo paper, never on plain copier paper. A standard 4 x 6 inch sheet holds six 2 x 2 inch photos in a two by three grid with cutting margins. Let the ink dry fully and cut with a guillotine for square edges. See the print at home guide.
Official Sources & References
- U.S. Department of State — Visa Photo Requirements: travel.state.gov
- U.S. Department of State — Digital Image Requirements: travel.state.gov
- U.S. Department of State — Photo Composition Requirements: travel.state.gov
- U.S. Department of State — Passport Photo Requirements (same 2 x 2 format): travel.state.gov
- ICAO Doc 9303 — Machine Readable Travel Documents biometric photograph standard: icao.int
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