Photo Requirements for Visa Processing

Photographs should printed without border

The United States government has strict requirements for the photographs which must be submitted with all visa applications. Photographs which fail to meet the following requirements cannot be accepted.

Each visa applicant must submit a 2-inch x 2-inch (51 mm x 51 mm) photograph taken within the last six months and with the following characteristics:

• A full face photograph with the head centered in the frame (a "full face" photograph is one in which the applicant faces the camera directly, with eyes looking straight at the camera)
  
• 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 the image above)
  
• 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 in color 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
  
• No head coverings (hats, scarves, etc.), except for religious purposes
  
• No sunglasses
  
• Photographs should printed without border (see image)