Free US Visa Photo Maker

A U.S. visa photo must be 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) — the same as a U.S. passport photo. The DS-160 online application requires a digital JPEG with minimum 600×600 pixels and maximum file size of 240 KB. Printed photos for in-person consulate interviews use the identical 2×2 inch spec.

Yes — the photo uploaded to DS-160 is your visa photo. The State Department uses the same 2×2 inch / 600×600 px / 240 KB spec for all U.S. visa categories: B1/B2 tourist, F1 student, H1B work, J1 exchange, K1 fiancé, immigrant visas, and diversity visa lottery. One photo, one spec.

The DS-160 photo tool runs strict automated checks. Top failure reasons: file size over 240 KB (most smartphone photos exceed this — compress before upload), wrong format (HEIC instead of JPEG), background not pure white, head size outside 50–69% of photo height, glasses visible, or face not centered. The error message names the specific issue.

Plain white or off-white. The State Department accepts both, but pure white is safest for the DS-160 automated check. Patterns, shadows, and color casts from lighting all cause rejection. The 2016 rule update prohibited slightly colored backgrounds that used to be accepted — strictly white now.

No. The State Department banned eyeglasses from U.S. passport and visa photos in November 2016. The rule applies to all visa types and to the DS-160 photo upload. Even prescription glasses must be removed. Medical-necessity exceptions require a doctor's statement submitted with the application.

Only a neutral expression or a natural closed-mouth smile is accepted. No teeth, no exaggerated grin. The biometric facial-recognition system used at U.S. ports of entry is calibrated for neutral faces. A small natural look is fine; visible teeth are reliably rejected.

Within the last 6 months. The State Department checks for recent likeness — if your appearance has changed (hair color, weight, facial hair, glasses status), retake the photo even within the 6-month window. JPG metadata is sometimes inspected to verify the date.

Yes if it meets all current requirements. The U.S. passport and visa photo specs are identical — 2×2 inches, white background, neutral expression, no glasses. If your passport photo is within 6 months old and was taken under the post-2016 rules (no glasses), you can use the same file for the DS-160.

The consulate officer will give you a list of nearby photo studios that meet the spec. You'll need to retake the photo and return — most consulates accommodate same-day retakes. The DS-160 digital photo is checked before the appointment, so the consulate-stage rejection usually only happens when the printed copy doesn't match the uploaded digital file.