US visa photo for the DS-160
The DS-160 upload needs a square JPEG of at least 600 × 600 pixels and no more than 240 KB. This tool makes that file and a 2 × 2 inch print for your interview.
- 50.8 × 50.8 mm
- 600 × 600 px digital
- White or off-white background
US visa photo for the DS-160
or drag it here. JPG, PNG or WebP from your phone or computer.
Requirements
Checks
Your photo stays on this device. Nothing is uploaded to our server.
US visa photo (DS-160) requirements
| Photo size | 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) |
|---|---|
| Pixels at 300 DPI | 600 × 600 px |
| Digital file | 600 × 600 px, JPEG |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 1–1⅜ in (25–35 mm) |
| Eye height | 1⅛–1⅜ in (29–35 mm) from the bottom |
| Background | White or off-white |
| File size | Up to 240 KB |
| Colour | Colour photo, sharp and evenly lit |
Official source: U.S. Department of State: visa photo requirements. Rules can change, so check it before you apply.
The DS-160 photo tool rejects files that are the wrong shape, too large or too dark. Keep the head between 50% and 69% of the image height, with the eyes between 56% and 69% from the bottom. The guides in the tool show both ranges.
Bring a printed copy to the interview as well. Some embassies and consulates ask for one, and it has to match the 2 × 2 inch format.
How to take the photo
Find a plain, light wall
Stand about half a metre in front of it so your shadow falls behind you, not on the wall around your head.
Face the light
Daylight from a window in front of you works best. Avoid overhead lights that cast shadows under the eyes.
Have someone take it at eye level
The camera should be about 1.2 m (4 ft) away, level with your eyes. Leave space above your head and include your shoulders.
Crop it here
Add the photo above, check that the top of your head and your chin sit on the red lines, and download.
Tips for this document
- Face the camera straight on with both ears roughly equally visible.
- Remove glasses. They are not allowed in US visa photos.
- Head coverings are only allowed for religious or medical reasons and must not cover the face.
Common reasons photos are rejected
- Correct
- Head too small
- Head too large
- Head tilted
- Shadow behind
- Busy background
Printing your photos
Download the print sheet and print it at a photo shop, a pharmacy photo counter or at home on photo paper. Choose actual size or 100% in the print settings; “fit to page” shrinks the photos and they will be the wrong size. Cut along the small corner marks so each photo measures exactly 50.8 × 50.8 mm.
Questions people ask
Why does the DS-160 reject my photo?
The most common reasons are a file over 240 KB, a non-square image, shadows on the background, or a head that is too small. Export from this tool and it handles the size and file weight.
Can I use my US passport photo for the visa?
The size rules are the same, but the photo must be recent and taken in the last 6 months.