United States Visa Photo Maker
US visa applications (the DS-160) use the same 2×2 inch composition as a passport, but the digital upload has its own rules. You need a square image at least 600×600 pixels, in JPEG, under 240 KB. This maker produces a compliant photo you can then compress to the upload limit.
Accepted for: Passport, Passport Card, Visa (DS-160).
Drop a photo, or click to browse
A clear, front-facing photo works best
JPG · PNG · HEIC · processed on your device, never uploaded
Before you upload — what gets United States photos accepted
- A plain, evenly lit background to start (we apply the official colour)
- Face the camera straight on, both ears roughly visible
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open
- A recent photo, taken within the last 6 months
- Shadows on your face or the wall behind you
- Glasses — remove them unless they're medically required
- Hair across the eyes, hats or caps
- Filters, beauty smoothing, or a cropped group photo
United States visa photo specification
- Print size
- 51 × 51 mm
- Head height
- 25–35 mm (chin to crown)
- Head % of frame
- 50–69%
- Background
- #FFFFFF
- Digital size
- min 600×600px
- File size
- 54–10240 KB
- Min DPI
- 300
- Glasses
- Not allowed
- Expression
- closed-mouth only
Good to know
The US wants a plain white or off-white background and no glasses. Use a photo from the last six months, and leave a little space above your head so there's room to crop.
Official sourceVerification status: Confirmed against the official government source.
DS-160 digital photo requirements
For the online DS-160 form the photo must be square, between 600×600 and 1200×1200 pixels, saved as JPEG, and under 240 KB. The composition matches a US passport photo: 2×2 inch proportions, white background, neutral expression, no glasses. It's usually the file specifications that trip people up.
Is a US visa photo the same as a passport photo?
Visually, yes. Both use the 2×2 inch / square format on a white background. The difference is delivery. A passport photo is usually printed, while the DS-160 visa photo is uploaded as a pixel-perfect JPEG under 240 KB. Make the photo here, then resize it to fit.
DV Lottery (Green Card) photos are stricter
The Diversity Visa Lottery uses the same square photo but strictly enforces 600×600 pixels minimum, under 240 KB, and recent photos only. The same maker plus the resize-to-KB tool will get you within those limits.
Meeting the United States upload file-size limit
Online United States uploads accept roughly 54–10240 KB. If your portal needs a smaller file, compress the finished photo to an exact size. Your image stays in your browser.
Frequently asked questions
What are the DS-160 photo requirements?
A square colour photo, 600×600 to 1200×1200 pixels, JPEG, under 240 KB, on a plain white background with a neutral expression and no glasses.
Is a US visa photo the same size as a passport photo?
The composition is identical (2×2 inch / square, white background). The visa photo is uploaded digitally, so it also has to meet the 600×600-pixel, under-240 KB JPEG rule.
What file size does the US visa photo upload need?
Under 240 KB as a JPEG. Make the photo, then compress it with the resize-to-KB tool to land under the limit while staying sharp.
Can I use this photo for the DV Lottery / Green Card?
Yes. It produces the square, white-background photo the DV Lottery needs. Use the resize tool to meet the 600×600-pixel, under-240 KB requirement.
What size is a United States visa photo?
A United States visa photo is 2×2 inches (51×51mm). EasyPhoto sets this size automatically.
What background colour does a United States visa photo need?
White or off-white. The tool applies the correct colour for you.
What is the head size in a United States visa photo?
Your head should measure 25–35mm from chin to crown. We size it to that band and flag it if it's off.
Can I wear glasses or smile in a United States visa photo?
No, glasses are not allowed. Expression: closed-mouth only.
What file size does the United States online visa upload need?
Online uploads typically accept 54–10240 KB, so compress your photo to fit if needed.
Is the United States visa photo maker free and private?
Yes. It's free, with no watermark, and processed entirely in your browser. Your photo is never uploaded.