United States · Visa (DS-160)
US visa photo (DS-160)
The DS-160 upload wants a square JPEG between 600 x 600 and 1200 x 1200 pixels, at most 240 kB, with the head at 50 to 69 percent of the image height. Make the file here, or check one you already have — the check costs nothing.
Requirements verified September 16, 2026 — always confirm with the issuing authorityThe check is free and runs on your device. You pay only if you download the finished file: $4.99, or $6.99 with a 4 × 6 in print sheet.
The exact specification
The same numbers the checker applies, drawn from our United States guide. The official source of each value is listed under the table.
- Printed size
- 2 × 51 × 51 mm
- Print rules
- A scanned print must be 2 x 2 in scanned at 300 ppi, which is exactly 600 x 600 px.
- Digital file
- JPEG · 600 × 600 to 1200 × 1200 px · 240 kB max
- Head size
- 25–35 mm chin to crown
- Eye line
- 28–35 mm from the bottom edge
- Background
- Plain white or off-white
- Glasses
- Eyeglasses have not been allowed in new US visa photos since 1 November 2016. We cannot reliably detect glasses, so we report this check as unverified rather than passing it.
- Taken within
- the last 6 months
Where these values come from
- Printed size, Print rules, Digital file, Head size, Eye line, Background, Glasses, Taken within: checked against U.S. Department of State — Visa Photo Requirements; U.S. Department of State — Digital Image Requirements; U.S. Department of State — Photo Composition Template; U.S. Department of State — Photo Frequently Asked Questions; U.S. Mission Poland — Visa Photo Requirements; U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan — Required Documents; U.S. Department of State — Photo Tool, as set out in our DS-160 Photo Requirements 2026: Exact Specs guide.
About background editing. Only cropping, rotating and resizing are clearly allowed. Background replacement and AI 'enhancement' are a different category; off by default.
What the free check covers
We measure
- Head size against the published window
- Eye position, where the authority sets one
- Head tilt and rotation
- Background brightness and evenness
- Sharpness and exposure
Only you can confirm
- Glasses — we can't reliably detect them, so we flag rather than pass
- Expression and mouth position
- Red eye
- Filters, retouching or AI edits made before upload
We are an independent service, not affiliated with any government. The issuing authority always makes the final decision — a pass here means your photo meets the published measurements we can check.
What does a failure look like? See our accepted and rejected passport photo examples, with the fix for each one.
Common questions
The digital image must be square, at least 600 x 600 pixels and at most 1200 x 1200 pixels, in JPEG format, 240 kB or smaller, in 24-bit color in the sRGB color space. If you print a photo instead, it must be exactly 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm).
In a digital image, your head must be between 50% and 69% of the total image height from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head, and your eye line between 56% and 69% of the height measured from the bottom of the image.
No. Eyeglasses have not been allowed in new visa photos since November 1, 2016. The only exception is a rare medical case, such as recent ocular surgery, and it requires a signed statement from a medical professional.
It must have been taken within the last 6 months and reflect your current appearance. If it does not look like you now, the embassy or consulate will ask for a new photo even when the photo is less than six months old.
No. The visa photo rules ask for a neutral facial expression with both eyes open, directly facing the camera. The photo FAQ adds that photos with unusual expressions or squinting will not be accepted. This is stricter than the US passport rule, which allows a closed-mouth smile.
Often, yes. Some posts require applicants to bring one photo to the interview, and the U.S. Mission to Poland recommends it outright. System approval during the DS-160 does not guarantee the photo can be used for the visa.
Keep reading
Requirements DS-160 Photo for a Child: Rules for Kids and Infants
DS-160 photo rules for children and babies: same 600x600 to 1200x1200 JPEG, eyes open even for newborns, no hands in frame, one photo per child. Sourced.
Read the guide
Requirements US Visa and Immigration Photos by Form: 2026 Guide
Which US visa and immigration forms need your photo in 2026: DS-160 uploads, DS-260 prints, DV entries, USCIS forms and biometrics, in one sourced table.
Read the guide
Troubleshooting DS-160 Photo Upload Error? Fix It in 2 Minutes
Every DS-160 photo upload error explained: what the CEAC check rejects, the exact file specs, and how to make a photo that passes. Pay only at download.
Read the guide