What size is a United States visa photo?

51 × 51 mm (2.01 × 2.01 in). A digital file is 600–1200 × 600–1200 px.

Can I take a United States visa photo with my phone?

Yes. PhotoSpec crops to 51 × 51 mm and checks the framing before you save. Photos are processed on the phone and are not uploaded.

United States

51 × 51 mm · Plain white or off-white · 600–1200 × 600–1200 px · Up to 240 KB · Taken within the last 6 months

Photo size	51 × 51 mm (2.01 × 2.01 in)
Head height	50–69% of the photo height
Eye line	about 38% down from the top edge
Background	Plain white or off-white
Digital size	600–1200 × 600–1200 px, up to 240 KB
File format	jpeg
How recent	Taken within the last 6 months
Retouching	Not allowed. The photo must not be digitally altered beyond cropping.
Background replacement	Not allowed. Shoot against a wall of the required colour.
Where to take it	You can take this photo yourself.

Glasses are not allowed. If glasses cannot be removed for medical reasons, include a statement signed by a medical professional.
A neutral expression or a natural slight smile is accepted.

Last checked: Oct 10, 2026 · Source: travel.state.gov visa digital-image-requirements. Rules change — check the issuing authority before you submit.

Check the photo requirements, and print or share a sheet with the official source and a QR code.

Online application: upload a digital photo.
upload your digital image as part of completing the online visa application form travel.state.gov
The photo can be taken at the application office.
have their photo taken when the applicant submits to biometric collection fam.state.gov
Applications at an embassy or consulate: a printed photo is submitted.
Some embassies and consulates require visa applicants to bring one (1) photo travel.state.gov
U.S. nonimmigrant visa: if the photo upload fails, a physical photo may be submitted to the consular section.
may submit a physical photo to the consular section fam.state.gov

The authority recommends a professional photo service, but does not require one.
we recommend you use a professional visa photo service travel.state.gov
The authority allows a photo taken without a studio — its own wording is below.
you may take the photo yourself travel.state.gov

No filters, retouching or digital changes.
Photos must not be digitally enhanced or altered travel.state.gov
Face the camera directly.
shown in full frontal view fam.state.gov
Eyes open and clearly visible.
with the eyes wide open fam.state.gov
Neutral expression.
have a neutral facial expression fam.state.gov

What size is a United States visa photo?: 51 × 51 mm (2.01 × 2.01 in). A digital file is 600–1200 × 600–1200 px.
Can I take a United States visa photo with my phone?: Yes. PhotoSpec crops to 51 × 51 mm and checks the framing before you save. Photos are processed on the phone and are not uploaded.

Passport — digital file 600–1200×600–1200 px, 240 KB here, 54 KB – 10 MB there
Residence permit — same published size, background, digital file and capture rules as this document
Work permit — same published size, background, digital file and capture rules as this document
Citizenship — same published size, background, digital file and capture rules as this document

Processed on your phone. Photos are not uploaded.

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