US visa photo size and format
US visa and passport photos must be 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) — a square format, not the rectangular standard used by most other countries. The digital version submitted with DS-160 and similar online applications must be 600 × 600 pixels.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Print size | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) |
| Digital size | 600 × 600 pixels |
| File format | JPEG |
| File size (digital) | Between 240 KB and 240 KB (max 10 MB for DS-160) |
| Background | Plain white or off-white |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
Face framing — the most critical rule
The US State Department specifies that the head must be between 1 inch and 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. This means your head should occupy roughly 50–69% of the total frame height.
- Eyes must be open and directly facing the camera.
- Eyes should be positioned between halfway and two-thirds up the photo.
- Head must be centered — not tilted or turned more than slightly.
- Neutral expression required — no smiling with teeth, no frowning.
The most common reason US visa photos are rejected is the head being too small or too large in the frame. Make sure your face fills the correct proportion before submitting.
Background requirements
The background must be plain white or off-white. No patterns, shadows, or other people. The State Department specifically rejects photos with coloured or patterned backgrounds, or where a shadow falls across the background behind the subject.
Clothing and accessories
- No glasses — since November 2016, glasses of any kind are not permitted in US passport and visa photos.
- No hats or head coverings unless worn daily for religious reasons (must include a signed statement).
- No uniforms or camouflage clothing.
- No headphones, wireless earpieces, or other electronic devices.
- Avoid wearing white or very light clothing which blends into the background.
DS-160 digital photo requirements
When submitting a US nonimmigrant visa application online via the DS-160 form, you must upload a digital photo. The system has an automated checker, but you should verify before submission:
- JPEG format, colour (not black and white).
- File size: minimum 240 KB, maximum 10 MB.
- Dimensions: minimum 600 × 600 px.
- Taken within the last 6 months.
How to prepare a compliant US visa photo free
Use the Bisnep Passport & Visa Photo Generator and select "US Visa" to get the exact 600 × 600 px square crop.
Take your photo
Use a phone camera against a white wall in good daylight. No glasses, neutral expression.
Open the tool
Go to bisnep.com/passport-photo and upload your image.
Select "US Visa"
The frame locks to a 1:1 square ratio at 600 × 600 px. Drag and zoom until your face fills 50–69% of the height.
Download and submit
Choose white background, download your JPEG and upload it directly to DS-160 or print for your appointment.
Your photo is processed entirely in your browser. It is never uploaded to any server — critical for sensitive identity documents like visa applications.
US visa photo vs US passport photo — are they the same?
Yes — the requirements are identical. Both require a 2 × 2 inch (600 × 600 px) square photo on a plain white background, taken within the last 6 months, with no glasses.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear glasses in a US visa photo?
No. Since 2016, the US State Department no longer accepts photos with glasses of any kind, including prescription glasses, sunglasses, or tinted lenses.
Can I smile in a US visa photo?
You should have a neutral expression with your mouth closed. A natural, relaxed expression is acceptable, but smiling with teeth or a wide grin will typically be rejected.
Does the DS-160 photo need to be printed?
For the online DS-160 form, you upload a digital file. If you are applying in person or attending a visa interview, bring one or two printed 2 × 2 inch photos as well.