US Visa Photo Requirements
Official photo requirements for United States visa applications. Follow these specifications exactly to ensure your photo is accepted. Same requirements as US passport photos
Official Photo Size
The photo must be exactly 2×2. This is a critical requirement—photos that don't match the exact dimensions will be rejected.
| Inches | 2×2 |
| Millimeters | 51×51 |
| Pixels (300 DPI) | 600×600 px |
Tip
Background & Lighting
Background: Plain white or off-white. The background must be uniform with no shadows, patterns, or other people visible.
- No shadows on the background or your face
- No patterns, textures, or decorations
- No other people or objects visible
- Uniform color throughout
- Even lighting with no harsh shadows
Face & Head Size Rules
Head size: 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25-35mm) from chin to top of head. Your face must be positioned correctly in the frame.
- Face the camera directly (no tilting)
- Expression: Neutral expression (no smiling)
- Eyes open and clearly visible
- Head centered in the frame
- Shoulders visible in the photo
What You Can Wear (Glasses, Head Coverings)
Understanding what accessories and clothing are allowed:
- Glasses: Allowed, but no tinted lenses or glare
- Clothing: Regular clothing appropriate for visa application
- Head coverings are only allowed for religious purposes
- Head coverings must not cast shadows on your face
- Your face must be fully visible from bottom of chin to top of forehead
Photo Quality Requirements
Sharp focus, high resolution (300 DPI), color photo only
- Sharp focus with no blur
- High resolution (minimum 300 DPI for printing)
- No filters or digital alterations
- Color photo (no black and white)
- Recent photo (taken within last 6 months)
Common Rejection Reasons
Photos that don't meet these requirements will be rejected, delaying your application. Common issues specific to United States visa applications:
- Wrong photo size (not 2×2)
- Incorrect background (not plain white or off-white)
- Wrong head size (not 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25-35mm) from chin to top of head)
- Poor photo quality (blurry or pixelated)
- Wrong expression (Neutral expression (no smiling))
- Shadows on face or background
- Photo too old (taken more than 6 months ago)
- Digital alterations or filters
- Wrong size or background
- Poor photo quality
- Photo too old
Local Notes for United States
- US passport photos must be taken within the last 6 months
- No uniforms or camouflage clothing allowed
- Professional photo studios often provide compliant photos
- Same requirements as US passport photos
- Photo must be recent (within 6 months)
- No digital alterations or filters
Printing Tips for United States
- Print on 4×6 inch photo paper at 300 DPI
- Most US photo printing services (Walgreens, CVS) can print passport photos
- Cut photos to exactly 2×2 inches with no white borders
Create a United States Visa Photo Online
Use our tool to create a compliant visa photo. We'll automatically:
- Crop to exactly 2×2
- Fix background to plain white or off-white
- Ensure proper head size (1 to 1 3/8 inches (25-35mm) from chin to top of head)
- Align face correctly
- Export at 300 DPI for print quality
Create Your Visa Photo
Upload your photo and we'll make it compliant with United States requirements
US Visa Photo Requirements FAQs
Are US visa photos the same as passport photos?
Yes, US visa photos use the same 2×2 inch size and requirements as US passport photos.
What size is required for US visa photos?
US visa photos must be exactly 2×2 inches (51×51 mm), or 600×600 pixels at 300 DPI.
How recent must a US visa photo be?
US visa photos must be taken within the last 6 months.