US visa photo requirements: 2 × 2 inches and the DS-160 upload
The US Department of State uses one shared photo specification across non-immigrant visas (DS-160), immigrant visas (DS-260) and US passport applications: 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm), plain white background, head 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) chin to crown. This pillar covers the shared photo standard and links to a dedicated page for each of the 8 most common visa categories.
Quick answer
2 × 2 inches, plain white, head 1 to 1⅜ inches
A US visa photo is 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) square with the head measuring 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) chin to crown from chin to crown on a plain white or off-white, even illumination. Neutral expression, eyes open, no glasses (banned since 2016), taken within the last 6 months. Last reviewed .
The US visa photo specification
| Size | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) [1] |
|---|---|
| Head height | 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) chin to crown chin to crown [1] |
| Background | plain white or off-white, even illumination [1] |
| Pose | Front-facing, head level, both ears visible when possible [2] |
| Expression | Neutral or natural closed-mouth smile; eyes open |
| Glasses | Banned since 2016 except for documented medical reason. See full rules → [1] |
| Head covering | Religious or medical head coverings allowed when facial features remain fully visible |
| Age of photo | Taken within the last 6 months [1] |
| DS-160 file | JPEG, minimum 600 × 600 pixels (1:1 aspect), maximum 240 KB [3] |
Sources
- [1] US Department of State Photo Requirements — official passport and visa photo specification. travel.state.gov ↗
- [2] ICAO Doc 9303 Machine Readable Travel Documents, Part 9 — portrait quality and biometric framing. The US adopts ICAO 9303 as the underlying standard for passport photo geometry. ICAO 9303 ↗
- [3] US Department of State DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application — digital photo upload technical specification. DS-160 digital requirements ↗
Verified . We monitor travel.state.gov for changes; visa fees and processing times shown for individual categories are sourced from each category page (see sub-pages for direct links).
Choose your US visa category
The photo specification is identical across these categories. The application route — form, fee, processing time, interview requirement — is category-specific. Pick the visa you are applying for to see the full route.
US visa categories at a glance
| Visa | Form | Standard fee | Processing time |
|---|---|---|---|
| B1/B2 visitor visa | DS-160 | $185 (non-refundable application fee) | 2–8 weeks standard depending on consulate and visa wait time |
| F-1 student visa | DS-160 | $185 application fee + $350 SEVIS I-901 fee | 2–6 weeks |
| H-1B work visa | DS-160 | $190 application fee | 2–6 weeks at consulate after USCIS approval |
| K-1 fiancé(e) visa | DS-160 | $265 application fee | 4–10 months total (USCIS petition 6–9 months + consulate 4–8 weeks) |
| IR-1/CR-1 spouse visa | DS-260 | $325 application fee | 12–18 months total (USCIS petition 8–12 months + NVC + consulate 3–6 months) |
| J-1 exchange visitor visa | DS-160 | $185 application fee + $220 SEVIS I-901 fee | 2–6 weeks at consulate |
| L-1 intracompany transfer | DS-160 | $190 application fee | 2–6 weeks at consulate after USCIS approval |
| EB-5 investor visa | DS-260 | $325 application fee | 24–48 months total (USCIS petition 24–36 months + NVC + consulate 3–6 months) |
Frequently asked questions
What size is a US visa photo?
The US visa photo is 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm). The head must measure 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) from chin to crown. The same size is used for the DS-160 upload, the printed photo at the consulate, and the visa sticker.
Is the DS-160 photo the same as a US passport photo?
Yes — identical specification. 2 × 2 inches, plain white background, head 1 to 1⅜ inches, neutral expression, taken within the last 6 months. The same photo file works for DS-160 visa applications and US passport applications.
Can I smile in a US visa photo?
The US Department of State guidance allows "natural smile" with mouth closed, but biometric scoring penalises any cheek lift. A fully neutral expression is safer. The same rule applies to ESTA, DS-160 and US passport photos.
Can I wear glasses in a US visa photo?
Glasses are not allowed in US passport or visa photos since November 2016 except for documented medical reasons. Remove glasses before the shot; even small lens glare causes automated rejection.
Do I need to print the photo or just upload it?
Upload the digital file through DS-160 (mandatory). Bring one printed 2 × 2 inch photo to the consulate appointment as a fallback — most consulates request it even though the digital upload was accepted.
My DS-160 says my photo is the wrong size — what should I check?
The DS-160 portal requires a square aspect ratio (1:1), minimum 600 × 600 pixels, JPEG format under 240 KB. A common cause of failure is a portrait-orientation phone photo: the system needs square. The Anfas.Pro tool exports a DS-160-compatible file automatically.
Related cross-country guides
Prepare your US visa photo
Upload a portrait — Anfas.Pro crops it to the exact 2 × 2 inch DS-160 format, applies the white background and exports a 240 KB JPEG ready for upload.