Step 4: Photo Requirements

All applicants for nonimmigrant visas to the United States must present a full-face photograph that adheres to the following strict requirements.  You may also wish to view the sample photos at the end of this page.

• The photograph for each visa applicant must be an unmounted, full face photo.
• The photograph must have been taken within the last six months.
• One (1) photograph must be stapled or glued to the Visa Application, DS-156 form.
• The photo for 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.
• The photograph 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 CANNOT be accepted.
• The photograph should be in color and must be taken against a white or off-white background. Photos with dark, busy, or patterned backgrounds will not be accepted.
• 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.  The applicant’s forehead must be clearly visible. 
• A photograph depicting a person wearing a traditional facemask or veil that does not permit adequate identification is not acceptable.
• Sunglasses or other wear which detracts from the face are not acceptable unless required for medical reasons (an eye patch, for example).  Glasses should be removed if the eyes are not clearly visible. 
• Photos of military, airline, or other personnel wearing hats are not acceptable. Photographs of applicants wearing tribal, national costume, or other headgear not specifically religious in nature are not acceptable.

Digital Photos

• Digitally reproduced photographs must be reproduced without discernible pixels or dot patterns. Photocopied photographs CANNOT be accepted.

Attaching the Photo to the Visa Application (DS-156) 

• Staple or glue one photograph to the Visa Application (DS-156) in the designated space on the bottom of the first page. If the photograph is stapled, staples should be placed as far away as possible from the applicant's face.
• Do not enclose photographs in glassine or other types of envelopes.

Go to Step 5: Interview Day Details