U.S. visa photo requirements (DS-160, DS-260)
Online U.S. visa applications such as the DS-160 and DS-260 ask for a square digital photo. These are the published size and framing rules, and the file BrainDV prepares.
Acceptance is decided by the authority
BrainDV follows the published requirements as we read them, but only the relevant authority decides whether a photo is accepted. Requirements can change. Always read the source pages before you submit.
Visa photo size and file format
- Size of the BrainDV export
- 600 × 600 pixels
- Side length stated by the source
- 600 to 1200 pixels
- Format
- JPEG
- Maximum file size
- 240 kB
Head size, eye position and background
- Head height (chin to top of head)
- 50% to 69% of image height
- Eye height, measured from the bottom edge
- 56% to 69% of image height
- Background
- Plain white or off-white
- Eyeglasses
- Not allowed
- Religious head covering
- Allowed for religious reasons, as described by the source; the full face must be visible
- Photo age
- Taken within the last 6 months
How to take this photo with your phone
- Stand in front of a plain white or off-white wall with nothing behind you.
- Face soft, even light, such as a window in daylight, so there are no shadows on your face or the background.
- Take off eyeglasses. Remove hats and head coverings unless you wear them for religious reasons; your full face must be visible.
- Look straight at the camera with both eyes open and your head level.
- Ask someone to take the photo from a few steps away with the phone at eye level, instead of an arm's-length selfie.
- Use a new photo taken in the last 6 months, with no filters, beauty modes or edits.
Intended use
Digital photo for an online U.S. visa application, such as the DS-160 or DS-260.
Known limitations
- The 240 kB limit is applied because the visa photo page states it for DV entrants; confirm whether DS-160 uploads use the same limit.
- Medical eyeglass exceptions need a signed medical statement; the app does not handle that case.
Sources
Authority: U.S. Department of State
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos.html
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos/photo-composition-template.html
Sources retrieved on October 17, 2026
This profile has not yet been reviewed by a person against its sources. Next review due January 17, 2027.
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