🇺🇸 US Visa Photos: Size, Background & Latest Requirements
US visa photo specifications compiled from official guidance, with common mistakes and a free tool to make a compliant photo. Updated 10/2026.
US visa photos are 2×2 inch (5.1×5.1 cm), on a white background, head height 25–35 mm, eyes 28–35 mm from the bottom edge, no glasses, taken within 6 months. Digital photos for the DS-160 are square JPEGs of 600–1200 px, max 240 KB.
US visa photo specifications
| Photo size | 2 × 2 inch (5,1 × 5,1 cm) |
|---|---|
| Head height | 25–35 mm (1 – 1⅜ inch), measured from chin to top of hair |
| Background color | White or off-white |
| When taken | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Glasses | No glasses (rule since 11/2016, except for medical reasons with a doctor's note) |
| Eye position | Eyes 28–35 mm (1⅛ – 1⅜ inch) from the bottom edge of the photo |
| DS-160 digital photo | Square JPEG, minimum 600×600 px, maximum 1200×1200 px, file size no more than 240 KB |
Get it right the first time
Do
- Look straight into the lens, shoulders level
- Even lighting on both sides of the face, no shadows
- Eyes clearly open, mouth closed
- Sharp photo, no filters, no skin smoothing
Common reasons for rejection
- Wearing glasses — rejected immediately
- Head too small from shooting too far away or cropping out of proportion
- Shadows behind the subject on the white background
- DS-160 photo over 240 KB or not square
FAQ
What size in cm is a US visa photo?
2×2 inch, or about 5.1×5.1 cm. Head height from chin to top of hair is 25–35 mm.
Can I wear glasses in a US visa photo?
No. Since 11/2016, US visa and passport photos do not accept glasses, except for medical cases with a doctor's note.
What format does a DS-160 photo need?
A square JPEG file, from 600×600 to 1200×1200 pixels, no larger than 240 KB.
Can I make a US visa photo online?
Yes. K-BLACK's free tool automatically removes the background, aligns the head to the US visa standard and exports a 300 dpi print file. For important applications, we recommend shooting at the studio to ensure the lighting and pose meet the standard.
Other countries' photo standards
Sources: U.S. Department of State – Photo Requirements. Requirements may change — please check the latest guidance from the receiving authority before submitting.