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US · Photo requirements

US Visa Photo Requirements 2026

A US visa photo uses the same 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) square format as a US passport photo. The Department of State applies one standard across all visa categories — B1/B2 tourist, F1 student, H1B work, DV Lottery, and immigrant visas — with a plain white background and the head measuring 25–35 mm from chin to crown.

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Quick specs
Photo size
51 × 51 mm
2 × 2 inches
Head height
25–35 mm
chin to crown
Background
Plain white or off-white.
Authority
U.S. Department of State

Key details

  • Same specification applies to every US visa category, including the Diversity Visa Lottery.
  • For DS-160 online submission, the photo must be uploaded as a JPEG at 600×600 to 1200×1200 pixels, square (1:1).
  • The DV Lottery uses the same 2×2 inch spec but enforces stricter digital validation — photos that pass DS-160 sometimes get rejected by DV Lottery photo validator.

Shared rules with the country overview

These apply to every document this country issues — see the full breakdown on the country page.

Background

Plain white or off-white. No textures, no shadows, no patterns. The Department of State will reject anything with a colored or busy background.

Expression and eyes

A neutral expression or a natural smile with the mouth closed. Both eyes must be open and clearly visible. No frowning, raised eyebrows, or exaggerated smiles.

Glasses

Glasses are not allowed unless your physician submits a signed statement that you cannot remove them for medical reasons. Sunglasses are never permitted.

Recency

The photo must have been taken within the last six months and must reflect your current appearance.

See full US requirements

Frequently asked questions

What size is a US visa photo? +
A US visa photo is 2×2 inches (51×51 mm), exactly the same as a US passport photo. The head must be 25–35 mm from chin to crown.
Can I reuse my US passport photo for a US visa? +
Technically yes — both use the same 2×2 inch specification. In practice, you should submit a recent photo (within the last six months) that reflects your current appearance.
What photo do I need for a DV Lottery application? +
A 2×2 inch photo following the same Department of State rules — square, white background, head 25–35 mm. The DV Lottery photo validator is stricter than the regular DS-160 — small misalignments may pass DS-160 but fail DV.
Can I wear glasses in a US visa photo? +
No — same rule as passport photos. Glasses are not allowed unless you have a signed physician statement explaining a medical exemption.

Other documents in this country

US
US Citizenship (N-400)
51 × 51 mm
All US document requirements

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