US Visa Photo Size and Requirements
US visa applications use a 2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm) colour photo with your head filling 50–69% of its height and your eyes 31–44% from the top. It must be taken in the last 6 months, without glasses.
Upload a photo and Auto Generate sizes it to these rules. Try it free; pay only to download the finished photo.
At a glance
| Photo size | 51 × 51 mm (2 × 2 in) |
|---|---|
| Background | White / Off-White |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Print resolution | 300 dpi or more |
| Online visa form (DS-160) | JPEG, 600 × 600 px, up to 240 KB. Your purchase includes a file made to this. |
Official requirements
- White or off-white plain background
- Head height 50–69% of photo height
- Eyes between 31–44% from top; full face and shoulders visible
- Neutral expression (no smiling), mouth closed
- No glasses, no hats (except religious with statement)
- Taken within last 6 months
Good to know
- The online DS-160 form asks for a digital file: square, at least 600 × 600 pixels, JPEG, 240 KB or smaller.
- Glasses are not allowed, even if you wear them every day.
How it works
- Upload a clear, front-facing photo against a plain wall.
- Choose US Visa and press Auto Generate: the photo is cropped and sized to the rules above.
- Review the compliance check, then download the photo and a printable sheet.
Source: travel.state.gov, travel.state.gov. Last checked 14 October 2026.
The office that issues your passport or visa decides whether to accept a photo. Rules change, so check the official page before you apply.