US Visa Photo Requirements 2026
Complete guide to us visa photo specifications, size, background, and compliance rules. Updated 2026-01-15.
US visa photos follow the same 2x2 inch (51x51mm) format as US passport photos, set against a plain white background. Glasses are not permitted, and the photo must be taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance. For the DS-160 online application, photos must be 600x600 pixels at 300 DPI, saved as a JPEG between 54 KB and 10 MB. These standards are enforced by the US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs for all nonimmigrant and immigrant visa categories. PassportPic ensures your visa photo meets every specification, so you can submit with confidence and our 100% acceptance guarantee.
Photo Specifications
| Photo Size | 2 inches x 2 inches |
| Pixel Dimensions | 600 x 600 pixels |
| Resolution | 300 DPI |
| Background Colour | White |
| Head Size | 50-69% of frame height |
| File Format | JPEG |
| File Size | 54 KB - 10 MB |
| Document Type | Visa |
Photo Requirements
Facial Expression
Neutral expression with both eyes open
Glasses
Not allowed
Head Covering
Not allowed unless for religious reasons
Additional Requirements
- Same specifications as the US passport photo
- Must be taken within the last 6 months
- Required for DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application
- Photo must be in color with a white background
- No glasses, hair accessories covering face, or headphones
Common Rejection Reasons
Wrong background
The background must be white — plain and uniform, with no patterns, textures, shadows, or other people visible. Stand about half a metre in front of the wall so your body does not cast a shadow onto it.
Head the wrong size or off-centre
Your head must occupy 50-69% of the frame height, centred, facing the camera square-on. Arm's-length selfies usually fail this measurement — have someone take the photo from 1.2–2 metres away, or use a tool that crops to the specification automatically.
Glasses problems
The rule for US Visa photos: not allowed. Glare, tinted lenses, or frames covering the eyes are among the most common causes of rejected photos worldwide.
Wrong expression
Required: neutral expression with both eyes open. Smiling with visible teeth, raised eyebrows, or a tilted head can fail automated biometric checks.
Shadows or uneven lighting
Light must fall evenly across your whole face — no shadows on the face or the background, no glare or red-eye from flash. Face a window or place two light sources at 45° either side of your face.
Wrong size or file format
Prints must measure exactly 2 inches x 2 inches; digital submissions need 600x600 pixels in JPEG format. A photo that looks fine but is sized or compressed wrong is rejected automatically.
For the full list with fixes, read the 12 most common passport photo rejection reasons, or follow our step-by-step at-home photo guide to avoid them from the start.
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Last updated
2026-01-15