Visa · United States

US Visa Photo (DS-160)

US visa photo is 2x2 inch (51x51mm), plain white or off-white background, front view, neutral expression, no glasses, taken within 6 months. Head fills 50–69% of frame. Digital DS-160 upload is a square JPEG 600–1200px, max 240 KB.

Photo difficulty8/10

Photo specs

Print size	51 × 51 mm (2 × 2 inch)
Digital size	600×600 – 1200×1200 px (vuông)
Resolution	300
Background	White or off-white (#FFFFFF)
Head size	Head 50–69% of photo height (22–35 mm from chin to top of head)
Quantity	1 digital when filing DS-160 online; 2 identical prints for immigrant/DV interviews
Recency	Taken within last 6 months
File note	JPEG (.jpg), max 240 KB, square aspect ratio

51 × 51 mm (2 × 2 inch) · Head 50–69% of photo height (22–35 mm from chin to top of head)

Detailed rules

GlassesNot allowed, only rare medical exception with a signed medical statement

SmilingNeutral face, both eyes open, facing camera

Coloured or shadowed backgroundPlain white or off-white only

Head coveringReligious daily wear only, full face visible, no shadow

UniformsNo uniforms except daily religious attire

Common rejection reasons

Off-white/grey background instead of clean white
Still wearing glasses (now banned)
Digital file over 240 KB or not square
Head too large or too small vs the 50–69% range

Photo difficulty

Strict clean-white background
Percentage-based head sizing is hard to hit
Glasses fully banned under new rule
Separate digital spec: square JPEG ≤240 KB, 600–1200px

Frequently asked questions

Can I wear glasses for a US visa photo?

No. Eyeglasses are no longer allowed in new US visa photos, except rare medical cases with a signed medical statement.

What size is a US visa photo?

2x2 inch (51x51mm), square. The DS-160 digital upload is a JPEG from 600x600 to 1200x1200px, max 240 KB.

How many photos do I need?

The online DS-160 needs 1 digital photo. Immigrant or DV interviews require 2 identical printed photos.

Official sources

U.S. Department of State — Photo Requirements — Verified on 04/07/2026
U.S. Department of State — Digital Image Requirements — Verified on 04/07/2026

Updated 04/07/2026

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