The United States Department of State has some of the strictest photo requirements in the world for Visas, Passports, and the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery. A single mistake—like a shadow on your face or incorrect pixel dimensions—will result in an automatic rejection of your application. This guide explains exactly how to take and format your US Visa photo.
What are the Exact US Visa Photo Size Requirements?
| Requirement | Detail | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Pixel Dimensions | 600 x 600 pixels to 1200 x 1200 pixels | Mandatory square aspect ratio |
| File Size | Must be less than 240 KB | Larger files will not upload to the CEAC portal |
| Physical Size (Printed) | 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) | Required for embassy interviews |
| Head Size | Between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (22-35 mm) | Ensures facial recognition works |
| File Format | JPEG (.jpg) only | PNG or PDF are not accepted |
The Strict White Background Rule
- The background MUST be plain white or off-white.
- No patterns, textures, or objects can be visible in the background.
- There must be NO shadows on the background or on your face.
- You cannot digitally alter the background (e.g., cutting yourself out and pasting onto a white canvas is often detected and rejected by the AI).
How to Take the Perfect Photo at Home
Lighting & Posing
Stand about 1.5 feet away from a white wall to avoid casting a shadow on the background. Face a window so natural light hits your face evenly. Do not smile—maintain a neutral facial expression with both eyes open. Glasses are STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Uniforms are not allowed, except religious clothing worn daily.
Using our US Visa Photo Maker
Once you take the photo on your phone, upload it to our free US Visa Photo Maker. It automatically crops your face to the exact 600x600 pixel requirement, centers your head perfectly, and compresses the image to under 240KB so it passes the CEAC validation tool instantly.
Common Rejection Reasons
- Wearing glasses: Since 2016, eyeglasses are no longer allowed in US visa photos.
- Shadows: Uneven lighting on the face or background will cause rejection.
- Image is too large: Over 240KB.
- Incorrect head proportion: The head is either too zoomed in or too far away.