US visa photo for DS-160
A DS-160 upload file and 2×2 inch prints from one phone photo. Cropped by your eye line, the way the State Department measures it.
Fit your face in the oval and your shoulders under the line. Look straight at the camera, mouth closed, no smile. Best by a light wall, facing a window.
Photo requirements
Print the 4×6 in (10×15 cm) sheet at any photo lab or kiosk: 4×6 size, borderless, no scaling (100%). Then cut along the gray lines.
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US visa photo requirements
Every US visa application starts with the DS-160 form, and the photo upload is where many applicants get stuck. The form checks the file automatically, and the consulate may ask for a printed photo too. Both follow the same rules.
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Print size | 2×2 in (51×51 mm) |
| Head | 25-35 mm, chin to top of hair |
| Eyes | 29-35 mm from the bottom edge |
| Background | plain white |
| Glasses | not allowed |
| DS-160 file | square JPEG, 600×600 px, up to 240 KB |
How to make a DS-160 photo
- Take off your glasses. They've been banned in US visa photos since 2016.
- Stand facing a window with a light wall behind you, about 4-5 ft (1.5 m) from the camera. Have someone else take the picture at eye level.
- Upload it and keep US visa selected. We find your eyes, place them 29-35 mm from the bottom and size your head to 25-35 mm.
- Check the list. If the eye line or head is out of range, adjust the crop with the buttons or retake.
- Download the DS-160 file: exactly 600×600 pixels and under 240 KB. Upload it in the photo step of the form.
- For the interview, print the 4×6 sheet: it holds 2 photos. An A4 page fits 12.
Why the DS-160 rejects photos
- the file isn't square or is smaller than 600×600;
- the file is over 240 KB;
- shadows on the face or background, or a gray background;
- glasses, a smile, or a head turned to one side;
- the head is too small, which happens when a normal photo is just cropped square.
If the form rejects your photo, run it through the checks again and download a fresh file. You keep the original, so there's no need to reshoot unless a check fails. The official guidance is on travel.state.gov.
Photos for children
The same rules apply to kids, glasses ban included. For a baby, lay them on a white sheet and shoot from above: we'll clean up the background. Eyes should be open, and no hands, pacifiers or toys in the frame.
Free preview, paid download
Checking and previewing is free, with a watermark. The clean files (DS-160 file, print photo, 4×6 and A4 sheets) come in a $6.99 passport photo set, or with Pro Photo from $2.99 a day for several people. The DV lottery has its own stricter rules, so it's a separate document in the list.
FAQ
What size photo does the DS-160 need?
A square JPEG, at least 600×600 pixels and no more than 240 KB. Ours is exactly 600×600.
Can I wear glasses in a US visa photo?
No, not since 2016.
Do I need printed photos for the interview?
Some consulates ask for one. The 4×6 sheet gives you 2 prints.
Can I use the same photo for the DV lottery?
The lottery has stricter file rules. Pick Green Card (DV lottery) in the list to get the right file.