You want to travel to the United States and you need a visa because you do not meet the conditions for an ESTA application? Here are all the tips that will allow you to make a valid photo for an accepted visa application.
When planning a trip, it is necessary to check whether your passport is still valid at least six months before the date of your trip. Also check that there are empty pages for stamps when crossing borders.
There are a lot of photo requirements for US visas. If your photo doesn’t comply to all criteria, your visa application will be refused. The costs of your request will not be reimbursed.
Last update:4/30/2024
What are US visa photo requirements?
First of all, you must bring 2 identity photos that meet all of the following conditions:
- Photo must be recent ( taken earlier than 6 months );
- Of good quality, not pixelated;
- In color, no shade behind you and skin must have natural skin tone;
- Background must be white and plain;
- Neutral face expression and both eyes visible, open;
- Head should not be covered and hear must be fully visible (unless for religious reasons);
- No glasses allowed as they can cover your eyes or cause reflection;
- Depending on the country, the size and the format of the iD photo is not the same. In the United States the acceptable photo size should be 5cm x 5cm or 2×2 inches.
Head straight / neutral expression
Plain, white background
Correct head size
What is US immigrant visa?
It allows you to travel to the United States and cross the border as a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR). Once admitted, you have the right to live and work in the United States permanently. As for the photo requirements: they are the same.
What is a US Nonimmigrant Visa?
It allows you to travel to the USA for a limited period, a temporary stay.
You must upload a digital photograph taken within the last six months to complete and submit the Form DS-160 .
What are US digital photo visa requirements for the Form DS-160?
Before uploading your photo, make sure that it is :
- In JPEG (.jpg) file format;
- Equal to or less than 240 kB (kilobytes) in file size;
- In a square aspect ratio (height must equal width);
- 600×600 pixels in dimension.
Bring a copy of your photo to the U.S. Embassy on the day of your interview. Your fingerprints will also be taken during your appointment at the U.S. Embassy.
How to take a photo for US visa by yourself?
You can take a photo from home with your smartphone. By downloading Smartphone iD app, you can receive a valid photo quickly in your email. We will make sure that it is conform with all standarts. Download our app on android or iOS.
Remember that if your photos are rejected, it will be more complicated to receive your visa; and this will lengthen the time it takes to get it approved.
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Continue reading :
- What are ICAO photo standards?
- What are eVisa procedures around the world (by country) ?
- Find contact details of the embassy near you
- Visa photo standards for China
- How to do visa photo for India?
