US Visa PhotoPhoto preparation guide
DS-160 Photo Requirements: Size, Format & Editing
A file can have the right dimensions and still be unsuitable for a visa application. Check the original photograph, file specifications and your consulate’s instructions separately.
What size is a DS-160 photo?
The Department of State’s digital image guidance specifies a square JPEG, 600–1200 pixels on each side, no larger than 240 kB. It also specifies 24-bit sRGB color and a compression ratio of no more than 20:1. These file specifications do not establish that the photographed content is acceptable. Read the official digital image requirements.
Digital file checklist
| Item | Official digital image guidance |
|---|---|
| Shape and pixels | Square, with width equal to height; 600 × 600 to 1200 × 1200 pixels. |
| Format | JPEG. Renaming a HEIC or PNG file to .jpg does not convert its format. |
| File size | 240 kB or smaller. Check the file you will actually upload. |
| Color | 24-bit color in the sRGB color space. |
| Compression | A compression ratio no greater than 20:1; avoid a visibly degraded image. |
Source: Department of State digital image requirements. Follow your application’s current instructions if they specify a particular workflow. Do not apply DS-160 guidance automatically to passport renewal or Diversity Visa entries.
What to get right when taking the photo
The official photo requirements call for a recent color photo, taken within the previous six months, with a plain white or off-white background. Face the camera directly, keep both eyes open and use a neutral expression. Review the official page for head size, clothing, head coverings and the limited exceptions for glasses.
Use even light and a real plain background when taking the photo. If the original has shadows, blur or an unsuitable background, retake it rather than trying to repair it. The Department of State recommends a professional visa photo service.
Cropping and editing limits
The Department of State says a photo must not be digitally enhanced or altered to change your appearance. Correct dimensions and a successful upload do not override that rule. Keep the original photograph, and do not assume that background replacement, retouching or AI-generated details are acceptable.
What US Visa Photo does
US Visa Photo provides local image processing, square cropping, a white-background preview, a file and framing checklist, and paid JPEG export on iPhone and Android. Processing and preview are free. The app does not submit an application or decide whether a consulate will accept a photo.
Check privacy, pricing and current app limitations before downloading. For an upload error, use the DS-160 photo upload troubleshooting guide.
Sources and review
Prepared by the US Visa Photo developer. Official pages were checked on . Requirements can change; the linked official instructions take precedence.