The DS-160 is the online application for U.S. nonimmigrant visas — B1/B2 visitor, F-1 student, J-1 exchange, H-1B work, K-1 fiancé(e) and many more. The form asks you to upload a digital photo that meets the State Department's photo and digital image requirements. This guide covers those specifications and what to do if the upload fails.
| Requirement | Value |
|---|---|
| Format | JPEG (.jpg) |
| Aspect ratio | 1:1 (square) |
| Minimum dimensions | 600 × 600 pixels |
| Maximum dimensions | 1200 × 1200 pixels |
| File size | 240 KB or less |
| Compression | Compression ratio of 20:1 or less |
| Color | 24 bits per pixel, sRGB color space |
| Background | Plain white or off-white |
| Head height | 50–69% of image height (chin to top of head) |
| Eye height | 56–69% of image height, measured from the bottom |
| Photo age | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Glasses | Not allowed since November 1, 2016 (rare medical exceptions with a signed medical statement) |
| Headwear | Only if worn daily for a religious purpose, full face visible |
| Expression | Neutral, both eyes open |
If you scan a printed photo instead of using a digital one, the State Department's digital image requirements also set rules for the scan.
The State Department's photo tool can crop an image to the right square size, but it notes that a Department of State employee makes the final decision on whether the photo is acceptable. Make your DS-160 photo online — Photo-Visa.Online crops the image to the required size, saves it under 240 KB and checks the composition before you pay.
According to the State Department's DS-160 FAQ, if the confirmation page shows an "X" in the box where the photo should be, the upload failed. In that case you should submit one printed photo meeting the requirements, along with the DS-160 confirmation page, to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you'll apply — contact that embassy or consulate for specific instructions. If the confirmation page shows your photo, the upload worked and no separate printed photo is required for that reason.
The DS-160 FAQ also says you have 30 days to return to a partially completed application saved on the Consular Electronic Application Center website; to come back after that, save the application file to your computer.
The State Department's photo requirements page says some embassies and consulates require visa applicants to bring one photo meeting the requirements to the interview. Check the instructions of the embassy or consulate where you'll apply. Photo-Visa.Online's US Visa Photo package includes both the digital JPEG for the DS-160 and a print-ready 4×6 in layout with 2×2 in photos.
The same DS-160 photo specs apply across nonimmigrant visa categories, for example:
Photo-Visa.Online costs $13 for the digital file with a print-ready layout. For comparison, Walgreens lists $16.99 for two printed 2×2 in photos and USPS lists a $15 Post Office photo fee.
DS-160 photos are square JPEGs from 600×600 to 1200×1200 px, 240 KB or less, in color, on a plain white or off-white background, with the head at 50–69% of image height, taken within the last 6 months and without glasses. If the upload fails, bring a printed photo and the confirmation page to the embassy. Make your DS-160 photo online at Photo-Visa.Online.