US visa photo for the DS-160
The DS-160 upload is strict: square JPEG, 240 KB or less, head 50–69 % of the height and eyes 56–69 % from the bottom. We crop your original photo to those numbers and check everything we can before you upload.
- 2Photo
- 3Check & download
Add a front-facing photo
Drop a photo here, or use one of the buttons. It stays on your device.
Tip: you can also paste a screenshot or copied image with Ctrl+V.
US Visa (DS-160) photo rules
| Printed size | 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) |
|---|---|
| Digital file we create | 1200 × 1200 px JPEG, ≤ 240 KB |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 50 %–69 % of photo height |
| Eye line (from bottom) | 56 %–69 % of photo height |
| Background | Plain white or off-white |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Expression | Neutral or natural smile, mouth closed, eyes open |
| Digital editing | Not allowed – we only crop, scale and straighten |
Official sources (checked October 2026):
- U.S. Department of State – Visa Photo Requirements
- U.S. Department of State – Digital Image Requirements
- U.S. Department of State – Photo Composition Template
Rules change. Always confirm with the official page before you submit.
Common questions
What if the DS-160 photo upload fails?
The State Department says that if the confirmation page shows an “X” instead of your photo, bring one printed 2 × 2 inch photo to your interview. Our 4 × 6 sheet covers that case.
Is the file small enough?
Yes. We compress the JPEG until it is at or under 240 KB while keeping it at 1200 × 1200 px.
Can I smile?
Keep a neutral expression with both eyes open. A slight natural smile with the mouth closed is usually fine; a wide smile is risky.
Is my photo uploaded anywhere?
No. Face detection, cropping and all checks run inside your browser. Your photo is never sent to our servers.
Is acceptance guaranteed?
No one outside the issuing authority can guarantee acceptance. We check the measurable rules (size, head height, eye line, background, light, sharpness) so you can catch problems before you submit.