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US Visa Photo Requirements: DS-160 Digital Specs & Print Rules

US visa photo rules for DS-160: square JPEG 600–1200 px, ≤240KB, sRGB, white background, no glasses. Preview free — HD download $1, 300-DPI print sheet $2

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Official US Visa Photo Requirements (DS-160)

The U.S. Department of State sets the photo standard for all nonimmigrant visa applications (B1/B2, F-1, H-1B and others filed with Form DS-160).

  • Digital upload: square JPEG, 600×600 to 1200×1200 px, maximum 240KB, sRGB color space
  • Print (for the interview): 2×2 inches (51×51mm)
  • Head size: 1–1⅜ inches (22–35mm) from chin to top of head — 50–69% of the image height
  • Background: plain white or off-white, no shadows
  • Expression: neutral, both eyes open, full face visible
  • Recency: taken within the last 6 months

Glasses, Editing & Alteration Rules

  • Glasses: banned since November 1, 2016 — a narrow medical exception requires a signed doctor's statement
  • No digital alteration: photos must not be retouched or enhanced in any way — the State Department's own photo tool exists for cropping only
  • Headwear: not allowed except religious items worn daily, and the full face must remain visible
  • No filters, beauty modes or AI edits — background replacement is not permitted for this spec

Digital Upload vs Interview Print

1

DS-160 Digital Upload

Upload the square JPEG (600–1200 px, ≤240KB, sRGB) when completing DS-160 online. The form validates dimensions and file size on upload.

2

Interview Print

Bring a printed 2×2 inch photo to your visa interview — many embassies and consulates require a physical photo even after a successful digital upload. Check your post's instructions.

Special Cases: Crew & DV Lottery

Crew (C1/D) visas follow the identical photo standard with no crew-specific deviation — see our dedicated crew visa page. The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery has its own entry window and submission rules. Both cases are covered in separate guides linked below.

Source

Source: U.S. Department of State — Visa Photo Requirements (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos.html), verified 2026-07-18.

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FAQ

What are the DS-160 visa photo dimensions?
Square JPEG between 600×600 and 1200×1200 pixels, no larger than 240KB, in the sRGB color space. The head must measure 1–1⅜ inches (22–35mm), i.e. 50–69% of the image height.
Can I wear glasses in a US visa photo?
No. Glasses have been banned in US visa and passport photos since November 1, 2016. The only exception is a documented medical need (for example, recent eye surgery) supported by a signed statement from a medical professional.
Do I still need a printed photo for the interview?
Usually yes. Even with a successful DS-160 digital upload, many embassies and consulates ask you to bring a printed 2×2 inch photo to the interview. Check your specific post's instructions and bring one to be safe.