Resize Your United States Visa and Passport Photo
A United States nonimmigrant visa photo (DS-160 upload) must meet these official rules. Size: 600 x 600 px to 1200 x 1200 px. File size: up to 240 KB. Head size: 50-69% of the photo, bottom of chin to top of head. Background: plain white or off-white.
United States photo specifications
Disclaimer: visapicresizer.com is an independent tool and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any government, embassy, consulate, or immigration authority. All photo specifications shown are sourced from publicly available official documents for informational purposes only. Always verify current requirements on the official government website before submitting your application.
Nonimmigrant visa photo (DS-160 upload)
| Print size | Not stated by the source |
|---|---|
| Pixel size | 600 x 600 px to 1200 x 1200 px |
| File size | Up to 240 KB |
| DPI | Not stated by the source |
| Head size | 50-69% of the photo, bottom of chin to top of head |
| Background | Plain white or off-white. |
| Glasses | Medical reasons only |
| Head covering | Religious reasons only |
| Expression | Neutral, both eyes open, full-face view facing the camera. |
| File format | JPEG |
| Photo age | Up to 6 months |
Good to know
- Colour, 24 bits per pixel, in the sRGB colour space.
- Compression ratio should be 20:1 or less. The page states a maximum file size only, with no minimum.
- An existing 2 x 2 inch photo must be scanned at 300 pixels per inch.
Official sources
- U.S. Department of State: Digital Image Requirements
- U.S. Department of State: Photo Requirements (visas)
Last checked: 2026-11-05
Visa photo for the interview (immigrant and DV selectees)
| Print size | 51 x 51 mm |
|---|---|
| Pixel size | Not stated by the source |
| File size | Not stated by the source |
| DPI | Not stated by the source |
| Head size | 25.4-35 mm or 50-69% of the photo, bottom of chin to top of head |
| Background | Plain white or off-white. |
| Glasses | Medical reasons only |
| Head covering | Religious reasons only |
| Expression | Neutral, both eyes open, full-face view facing the camera. |
| File format | Not stated by the source |
| Photo age | Up to 6 months |
Good to know
- The page gives the head size as 1 to 1 3/8 inches and also as 22 to 35 mm, although 1 inch is 25.4 mm. The stricter 25.4 mm lower limit is stored, which satisfies both. The passport page says 25-35 mm.
- Two identical colour photos on photo-quality paper for immigrant visa and DV selectee interviews. Some embassies ask nonimmigrant applicants for one printed photo.
- Photos must not be enhanced or altered to change appearance. The State Department's own tool resizes, rotates and crops. Its embassy or consulate decides on acceptance.
- Glasses need a signed medical statement.
Official sources
Last checked: 2026-11-05
Diversity Visa (DV) entry photo
| Print size | Not stated by the source |
|---|---|
| Pixel size | Exactly 600 x 600 px |
| File size | Up to 240 KB |
| DPI | Not stated by the source |
| Head size | 50-69% of the photo, bottom of chin to top of head |
| Background | Plain white or off-white. |
| Glasses | Medical reasons only |
| Head covering | Religious reasons only |
| Expression | Neutral, both eyes open, full-face view facing the camera. |
| File format | JPEG |
| Photo age | Up to 6 months |
Good to know
- An existing 2 x 2 inch photo must be scanned at 300 pixels per inch.
- The page states a maximum file size only, with no minimum.
Official sources
Last checked: 2026-11-05
Passport photo (paper form)
| Print size | 51 x 51 mm |
|---|---|
| Pixel size | Not stated by the source |
| File size | Not stated by the source |
| DPI | Not stated by the source |
| Head size | 25-35 mm, bottom of chin to top of head |
| Background | Plain white or off-white, free of shadows, texture, objects or lines. |
| Glasses | Medical reasons only |
| Head covering | Religious or medical reasons only |
| Expression | Eyes open, mouth closed, no exaggerated expression. |
| File format | Not stated by the source |
| Photo age | Up to 6 months |
Good to know
- Submit the original, unchanged photo: no software, phone apps or filters. A background replaced with a retouching tool is listed as unacceptable, even if it looks fine.
- If the background is wrong, the page says to fix it and take a new photo.
- Printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper, with no scans or photocopies. A friend or family member may take the photo.
- The State Department's crop tool is for paper forms only. Online renewal has its own upload page, which has not been read.
- Glasses need a signed doctor's note. A head covering needs a signed religious or medical statement.
Official sources
Last checked: 2026-11-05
How to resize your photo
- Choose United States and your document in the tool. This page starts with the nonimmigrant visa photo (DS-160 upload).
- Add your photo by dragging it in, pasting it or browsing for it. It stays on your device.
- Drag and zoom until the head and shoulders sit correctly in the frame.
- Check the size and file details under What you'll get.
- Download the JPEG, then compare it with the official page before you apply.
Common mistakes
- Using the wrong background. The rule: plain white or off-white.
- Getting the head size wrong. It must be 50-69% of the photo, bottom of chin to top of head.
- Forgetting the glasses rule: medical reasons only.
- Reusing an old photo. It can be up to 6 months old.
- Retouching the photo or adding filters. This authority does not allow altered photos.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a United States nonimmigrant visa photo (DS-160 upload)?
A United States nonimmigrant visa photo (DS-160 upload) must be 600 x 600 px to 1200 x 1200 px. The file size must be up to 240 KB.
What size is a United States visa photo for the interview (immigrant and DV selectees)?
A United States visa photo for the interview (immigrant and DV selectees) must be 51 x 51 mm.
What size is a United States diversity Visa (DV) entry photo?
A United States diversity Visa (DV) entry photo must be exactly 600 x 600 px. The file size must be up to 240 KB.
What size is a United States passport photo (paper form)?
A United States passport photo (paper form) must be 51 x 51 mm.
What background does a United States photo need?
For the nonimmigrant visa photo (DS-160 upload), the background must be: plain white or off-white.
Can I wear glasses in a United States photo?
For the nonimmigrant visa photo (DS-160 upload): medical reasons only.
Can I wear a head covering in a United States photo?
For the nonimmigrant visa photo (DS-160 upload): religious reasons only.
How old can a United States photo be?
The nonimmigrant visa photo (DS-160 upload) can be up to 6 months old.
Is my photo uploaded to your server?
No. The photo is processed in your browser and stays on your device.
Does this tool guarantee my photo will be accepted?
No. It sizes your photo to the stated rules, but the authority makes the final decision. Check the official United States page before you apply.