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USA vs India visa photo: both 51 × 51 mm
USA and India both ask for 51 × 51 mm. Head height, background, glasses and file rules for the visa photo, side by side from each issuing authority.
Can you use the same photo for both?
USA and India publish the same print size (51 × 51 mm) and the same background requirement (White or off-white) for this document. One photo session can usually cover both; head-height and the digital-upload rules are on each linked page.
In short
USA and India use the same photo dimensions for this document. The other specifications (head-height, background, glasses) may still differ — see below.
Specification table
Every value in this table is taken from the official publications of the two issuing authorities. Open either country page for the full rule set, the printable layout and the source links.
| Attribute | USA | India |
|---|---|---|
| Photo size= same | 51 × 51 mm | 51 × 51 mm |
| Digital photo (px) | 600 × 600 px | 600 × 600 px |
| File size limit | ≤ 240 KB | 10–300 KB |
| File format | The authority does not publish this detail | JPEG |
| Head height≠ differs | 50–69% | 49–69% (25–35 mm) |
| Background= same | Plain white or off-white background without shadows or foreign objects. | White or off-white background. |
| Glasses | Glasses prohibited, except for rare medical exceptions. | Glasses prohibited. |
| Expression | Neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open. | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. |
| Head covering | Religious reasons only; must not cover the facial oval. | Religious reasons only; must not cover the facial oval. |
| Pose | Strictly full face, no tilt or rotation. | Full face, head centred, no tilt or rotation. |
| Lighting / shadows | Even light, no shadows, reflections, or digital alterations to appearance. | Shadows on the face and background not permitted. |
| Attire | Ordinary everyday clothing; uniforms not permitted, except daily religious dress. | The authority does not publish this detail |
| Authority | U.S. Department of State | Government of India / Bureau of Immigration |
| Last verified | 21 May 2026 | 17 May 2026 |
Read each rule set in full
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the same photo for USA and India?
USA and India publish the same print size (51 × 51 mm) and the same background requirement (White or off-white) for this document. One photo session can usually cover both; head-height and the digital-upload rules are on each linked page.
Which photo is larger — USA or India?
Neither — both countries use the same 51 × 51 mm photo for this document.
What background colour do USA and India require?
Both require the same background: White or off-white.