US Visa Photo Online — DS-160 Compliant

Photo Requirements

US Visa Photo — 2×2 in (51×51 mm) / 600×600 px digital

  • Photo size: 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) for paper, 600×600 px for DS-160 upload
  • Background: plain white, no patterns or shadows
  • Head height (chin to crown): 1–1⅜ in (25–35 mm)
  • Color photo, taken within 6 months
  • Neutral expression, eyes open, mouth closed
  • No glasses, no headwear (except religious)
  • For DS-160 upload: JPEG, square aspect ratio, 240 KB–10 MB

Size Specifications

Size (mm)51×51 mm
Size (cm)5.1×5.1 cm
In pixels (300 dpi)602×602 px
In pixels (600 dpi)1205×1205 px
Aspect ratio1:1
BackgroundWhite
FormatJPEG

US Visa Photo Requirements (DS-160)

Every nonimmigrant U.S. visa application — B1/B2 tourist, F-1 student, J-1 exchange, H-1B work, K-1 fiancé and others — uses the DS-160 form, which requires a square photo that meets U.S. Department of State biometric standards. Photo-Visa.Online produces both the digital DS-160 upload (600×600 px JPEG) and a printable 2×2 in version from a single selfie.

DS-160 Digital Upload Requirements

  • Format: JPEG
  • Aspect ratio: square (1:1)
  • Minimum dimensions: 600×600 pixels
  • Maximum dimensions: 1200×1200 pixels
  • File size: 240 KB to 10 MB
  • Color, 24-bit color depth
  • Plain white or off-white background
  • Head height: 50–69% of frame (chin to crown)

Printable 2×2 Inch Requirements

  • Print size: 2×2 inches (51×51 mm)
  • Resolution: 300+ dpi
  • White background
  • Head height: 1–1⅜ in (25–35 mm)
  • Color, on photo-quality matte or glossy paper

Why DS-160 Photos Get Rejected

The most common DS-160 photo rejections are: shadows on the face or background, eyeglasses (banned since 2016), wrong head proportion (face too small or too large in frame), low resolution under 600×600 px, non-square aspect ratio, photo older than 6 months. Photo-Visa.Online runs all checks before payment.

How to Make a DS-160 Photo at Home

  1. Stand against a plain white wall, well-lit by daylight (no overhead bulb).
  2. Take a selfie at eye level, face camera directly, neutral expression.
  3. Upload to Photo-Visa.Online, select US Visa Photo.
  4. Receive both 600×600 px JPEG (for DS-160 upload) and a printable 2×2 in file in 2 minutes.

Visa Categories Using This Photo

The same 2×2 in / 600×600 px specification applies to B1/B2 (business/tourist), F-1 / M-1 (student), J-1 (exchange visitor), H-1B / H-2A / H-2B / L-1 (work), O-1 (extraordinary ability), K-1 (fiancé), and R-1 (religious worker). Diversity Visa (DV Lottery) entries use a slightly different specification — see our DV Lottery photo page.

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FAQ

What size photo do I need for DS-160?

The DS-160 application requires a square JPEG photo of at least 600×600 pixels (max 1200×1200), in color, with a plain white background. File size between 240 KB and 10 MB.

Can I use the same photo for DS-160 and US passport?

Yes. The 2×2 inch / 600×600 px specification is the same. One Photo-Visa.Online order delivers both the digital file (for DS-160 upload) and a printable 2×2 in version.

Are glasses allowed in US visa photos?

No. Eyeglasses have not been allowed in U.S. visa or passport photos since November 2016, with rare medical exceptions.

What is the cheapest way to get a DS-160 photo?

Online services like Photo-Visa.Online (from $3) cost 5–6× less than CVS, Walgreens or UPS Store ($15–17). The biometric checks are identical.

How long is the DS-160 photo valid?

The photo must have been taken within the past 6 months and reflect your current appearance.