Given the importance of the image in verifying your identity, and to avoid issues with immigration officials at the port of entry, it is crucial that your photo is an accurate image of how you look at the present time. What if my appearance has changed since the photo was taken? Nonimmigrant visa applications using form DS-160 will in most cases be required to submit a digital photo which must meet the digital photo requirements, in addition to the printed photo. For nonimmigrant visa applications using Form DS-160 applicants typically need to submit a compliant digital photo and are recommended to take a physical print out of the photograph to their interview.Īs well as the standard photo requirements, specific US visa classifications stipulate additional requirements. US immigrant visa applications, for example, require two printed photos on photo quality paper that comply to the standard US visa photo requirements. It is best to check with the Embassy you are applying to as to the specific requirements on the format of photographs.
This will depend on where you are filing your petition and the visa you are applying for. The printed image must be high resolution, in-focus and printed on high quality photographic paper. However, if you have access to the equipment and conditions required to produce a photo that is compliant, you should be able to take your own picture. ‘Selfies’ however would not usually meet the requirements.īe aware that printed photos must be of sufficiently high quality.
US visa photo requirements are strict, so most applicants will use a professional set up for example within a store, to ensure they have a photo that complies and to avoid any issues with their photo. You will need to have a neutral expression on your face for your photo to comply with the US visa photo regulations. File size less or equal to 240 kilobytes.What are the US visa digital photo requirements? Your hairline is visible and your head is not covered, unless it is a headdress for religious reasons.You are wearing ‘everyday clothing’ and not for exmaple a uniform.Hearing devices or similar required for medical reasons are allowed. You are not wearing any electronic devices such as headphones.Glasses that are permitted for medical reasons must not have any glare or shadows.
You are not wearing eyewear, unless required for medical reasons.You are facing the camera straight-on, and not at an angle.The photo was taken within the last six months.Your head is between 1 and 1 3/8 inches (22 mm and 35 mm) or 50% and 69% of the image’s total height from the bottom of your chin to the top of the head.Note that this is different to standard UK and European photo requirements.īefore submitting your photograph, you should check the following: Your US visa photo has to be 51 mm x 51 mm (2 inches x 2 inches). You will need to check when you make your application which you will need to submit, for example uploading a digital image when you complete your Form DS-160.ĭigital images are stored electronically by US immigration authorities, along with your biometric information, and referred to each time you try to gain entry into the US. US Embassies and Consulates have different rules for applicant specifications, with some requiring digital images while others require applicants to provide physical photographs.
Given what is at stake, it really is worth checking to ensure you have got it right. Failure to observe these rules will result in a delayed application. Your photograph will have to meet a number of specific requirements. When making an application for a US visa, you will be required to submit at least one photograph to prove your identity. US visa photo requirements & specifications