Photo Specifications

Specifications of Photograph to be affixed on Visa form DS-156

Photo Requirements

Submit your visa application form with a photo that meets the requirements as described below. Please note that if you present a photo that does not meet the requirements your visa application will be considered incomplete.

General

• The photo of each visa applicant must be an unmounted full face photo, as explained below
  
• The photo must have been taken within the last six months
  
• One (1) photo must be submitted stapled or glued to the application form

Photo Size

The photo of each visa applicant must measure:

• 2 by 2 inches (roughly 50 mm square) with the head centered in the frame
  
• The head (measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin) should measure between 1 inch to 1 3/8 inches (25 mm to 35 mm) with the eye level between 1 1/8 inch to 1 3/8 inches (28 mm and 35 mm) from the bottom of the photo

Sample Photograph

Photo Appearance

• The photo must be a full face view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly
  
• The applicant should not look down or to either side, and the face should cover about 50 percent of the photo area
  
• Side or angled views are NOT acceptable
  
• The photo may be in color or black and white, but must have only a white or off-white background. Photos with dark, busy, or patterned backgrounds will not be accepted
  
• In general, the applicant's head, including both face and hair, should be shown from the crown of the head to the tip of the chin on top and bottom and from hairline side-to-side. It is preferable that ears be exposed
  
• Head coverings and hats are only acceptable due to religious beliefs, and even then, may not cover any portion of the applicant's face
  
• Sunglasses or other wear that detracts from the face are not acceptable unless required for medical reasons, for example, an eye patch
  
• A photo of an applicant wearing a traditional facemask or veil that does not permit adequate identification is not acceptable
  
• Photos of military, airline, or other personnel wearing hats are not acceptable.
  
• A photo of an applicant wearing tribal, national costume, or other headgear not religious in nature is not acceptable
  
• A photo of a minor child must contain no one else. If the child needs to be supported, the means of support should not be in the camera's frame
  
• Group photos are NOT acceptable. As a separate visa is issued to each qualified applicant, a photo of each applicant is required
  
• Digital photos must meet all the requirements and be reproduced without any dot patterns or pixels being visible
  
• Digitally scanned photos and photocopied photos are NOT acceptable. Only original photos are acceptable
  
• Digitally altered or retouched photos are NOT acceptable. The applicant's appearance and the background of the picture must not be altered

Attaching the Photo to the Application Form

• Staple or glue the one photo to the form in the designated space. If the photo is stapled, staples should be placed as far away as possible from the applicant's face
  
• Do not enclose photos in glassine or other types of envelopes. The photo must be stapled or glued properly to the form in the designated space