General Information

• The photograph for each visa applicant must be an un-mounted, full face photo, with eyes open
• The photograph must have been taken within the last six months

Photo Size
The photo for each visa applicant submitted must measure:

• 2 by 2 inches (roughly 50 mm square) with the head centered in the frame.
• The head (measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin) should measure between 1 inch to 1 3/8 inches (25 mm to 35 mm) with the eye level between 1 1/8 inch to 1 3/8 inches (28 mm and 35 mm) from the bottom of the photo.

Photo Appearance

• The photograph must be a full-face view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly.
• The applicant should not look down or to either side, and the face should cover about 50 percent of the photo area.
• Side or angled views are NOT accepted.
• Lighting should be such that there are no distracting shadows on the face or background
• The photograph may be in color or black and white, but must have only a white or off-white background. Photos with dark, busy, or patterned backgrounds will not be accepted.
• In general, the applicant's head, including both face and hair, should be shown from the crown of the head to the tip of the chin on top and bottom and from hairline side-to-side. It is preferable that ears be exposed.
• Head coverings and hats are only acceptable due to religious beliefs, and even then, may not cover any portion of the applicant's face.
• Sunglasses or other wear which detracts from the face are not acceptable unless required for medical reasons (an eye patch, for example).
• A photograph depicting a person wearing a traditional facemask or veil that does not permit adequate identification is not acceptable.
• Photos of military, airline, or other personnel wearing hats are not acceptable. Photographs of applicants wearing tribal, national costume, or other headgear not specifically religious in nature are not acceptable.
• A photo of a minor child must contain no one else. If the child needs to be supported, the means of support should not be in the camera's frame
• Group photos are NOT acceptable. As a separate visa is issued to each qualified applicant, a photo of each applicant is required
• Digital Photos: Digitally reproduced photographs must be reproduced without discernible pixels or dot patterns.
• Photocopied photographs are NOT accepted.

Passport Photo Samples

The following are examples of well taken passport photos

Attaching the Photo to the DS-156

• Staple or glue the one photograph to the DS-156 in the designated space. If the photograph is stapled, staples should be placed as far away as possible from the applicant's face.
• Do not enclose photographs in glassine or other types of envelopes. The photograph must be stapled or glued properly to the DS-156 in the designated space.

Photographers can refer to Photography Guide for detailed information to assist in preparing quality photographs.