Please Note: Some embassies or consulates no longer require you to upload a digital photograph while filling out the DS-160 form. In such cases, the photograph will taken at the OFC (offsite facilitation center) or VAC (Visa Application Center) along with the fingerprinting. To learn more visit: Changes to DS-160 Form
![]() | A digital photograph is required for each applicant while applying for a US visitor visa (also called tourist visa or B2 visa). The photograph must meet certain US visa photo requirements. A studio can take the picture for you if you mention "photograph needed for US visa". The head height or facial region (measured from the top of the head, including the hair, to the bottom of the chin) must be between 50% and 69% of the height of the photograph. The eye height (measured from the bottom of the photograph to the level of the eyes) should be between 56% and 69% of the height of the photograph. |
Requirements for Digital Photograph | |
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Acquisition | The image file may be produced by acquiring an image with a digital camera or by digitizing a paper photograph with a scanner. |
Dimensions | Image pixel dimensions must be a square, meaning the height must be equal to the width. Minimum acceptable dimensions are 600 x 600 pixels. Maximum acceptable dimensions are 1200 x 1200 pixels. |
Color | Must be in color (24 bits per pixel) in sRGB color space (common output of most digital cameras). |
File Format | Must be in JPEG format (.jpg extension) |
File Size | Must be less than or equal to 240 kilobytes. |
Compression | The image may need to be compressed in order for it to be under the maximum file size. The compression ratio should be less than or equal to 20:1. |
Requirements for Scanning a Photograph | |
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Print Size | If scanning the image from a paper photograph, the size of the paper photograph should be at least 2 inches x 2 inches (51 mm x 51 mm) square. |
Resolution | Printed photographs should be scanned at a sampling frequency of at least 300 pixels per inch. |
Image Requirements Composition | |
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Content |
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Head Size |
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Head Orientation |
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Background |
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Focus |
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Brightness/Contrast |
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Color |
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Exposure/Lighting |
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Resolution |
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Compression |
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Alteration |
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Eyeglasses |
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Decorative Items |
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