Apply for a U.S. Visa

Photos and Fingerprints

Applicants for nonimmigrant visas at the U.S. Embassy are required to upload an electronic photograph as part of completing and submitting their DS-160 application form on the www.state.gov website. You should also carry a copy of your photograph to the Embassy on the day of your interview.

• Frame subject with full face, front view, eyes open
• Make sure photo presents full head from top of hair to bottom of chin; height of head should measure 1 inch to 1-3/8 inches (25 mm to 35 mm)
• Center head within frame (see Figure 2 below)
• Make sure eye height is between 1-1/8 inches to 1-3/8 inches (28 mm and 35 mm) from bottom of photo
• Photograph subject against a plain white or off-white background
• Position subject and lighting so that there are no distracting shadows on the face or background
• Encourage subject to have a natural expression

Figure 2. Head Position & Placement

For Digital Images Uploaded to the DS-160

Head Size

The head height or facial region size (measured from the top of the head, including the hair, to the bottom of the chin) must be between 50% and 69% of the image's total height. The eye height (measured from the bottom of the image to the level of the eyes) should be between 56% and 69% of the image's height.

Image pixel dimensions must be in a square aspect ratio (meaning the height must be equal to the width). Minimum acceptable dimensions are 600 pixels (width) x 600 pixels (height). Maximum acceptable dimensions are 1200 pixels (width) x 1200 pixels (height).

Well-Composed Photos

Specifications of photograph required for the visa application form

Frequently Asked Questions about Photos

Fingerprinting

All visa applicants, except those traveling on official government business, who are under the age of 14, or who are over the age of 79, are fingerprinted by the U.S. Embassy as a part of their visa interview. During the visa application process, usually at the interview, an ink-free, digital fingerprint scan will be quickly taken.