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Photo Requirements

Digital Image Requirements for New Online Application

Two example pictures

Examples of well-composed images

The submitted digital face image for the new DS-160 online application must adhere to the following specifications:

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please be advised that failure to comply with any of the following requirements may result in rejection of your image by the online image quality assessment test or by a human reviewer. Photographs for US visas are not the same size or quality as photographs for French passports. Photographers on this list are familiar with US requirements.

Download PDF version (to bring to professional photographer)

Image Requirements - Technical Specifications
Acquisition The image file may be produced by acquiring an image with a digital camera or by digitizing a paper photograph with a scanner.
Dimensions Image pixel dimensions must be in a square aspect ratio  (meaning the height must be equal to the width). Minimum acceptable dimensions are 600 pixels (width) — 600 pixels (height). Maximum acceptable dimensions are 1200 pixels (width) — 1200 pixels (height).
Color Must be in color (24 bits per pixel ) in sRGB color space (common output of most digital cameras).
File Format Must be in the Joint Photographic Experts Group ( JPEG ) file interchange format (JFIF).
File Size Must be less than or equal to 240 kilobytes.
Compression The image may need to be compressed in order for it to be under the maximum file size.  The compression ratio used should be less than or equal to 20:1.
Additional Requirements if scanning
Print Size If scanning the image from a paper photograph, the size of the paper photograph should be at least 2 inches — 2 inches (51 mm — 51 mm) square.
Resolution Printed photographs should be scanned at a sampling frequency of at least 300 pixels per inch.

In addition to adhering to the above requirements, please use the following checklist for your US visa photographs:

  • The photograph must have been taken within the last six months.
  • The photograph must be clear, front view and full face and be printed with a white plain background. The back of the photograph must not be waxy or have a self-adhesive coating.  Photos that have a grainy appearance will not be accepted.
  • Photographs must be in color, but they may not be tinted.
  • Dark glasses may not be worn unless required for medical reasons.
  • We recommend a pleasant, relaxed pose in normal street attire, without a hat.
  • There should be at least 1-1/2" (4cm) between the top of the head and the photograph's border.

NOTE: These digital photo requirements do NOT apply to Diversity Visa (DV) lottery online entry on our website at http://www.dvlottery.state.gov/. For DV photo requirements, see the DV instructions at http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1318.html