US Visa / Passport Photo Requirements — Complete Guide (2026)
Applying for a US visa or US passport requires a specific square-format photograph that follows the US State Department's strict guidelines. Indian citizens applying for B1/B2 tourist visas, F1 student visas, H1B work visas, or US passports must ensure their photo meets these exact specifications.
An incorrect photo is one of the fastest ways to get your US visa application rejected. This guide covers the requirements, common mistakes, and how to get it right.
US Visa / Passport Photo Specifications
Dimensions600 × 600 px
FormatJPEG
Resolution300 DPI
Max File Size240 KB
BackgroundPlain white
ShapeSquare
US Photo Requirements
- Square photo of 600×600 pixels (2×2 inches)
- White or off-white background with no shadows
- Head must be between 50–69% of the total photo height
- Eyes must be open, visible, and between 1⅛ to 1⅜ inches from bottom
- No glasses allowed in US visa photos
- Neutral expression, both eyes open, mouth closed
- Recent photo — taken within the last 6 months
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Upload your photo to ilovephoto.in.
2
Select "US Passport / Visa" preset for automatic 600×600 px sizing.
3
Use the 1:1 crop to ensure a perfect square photo.
4
Set background to white using the background tool.
5
Download the JPEG file under 240 KB.
How to Take a Good US Visa Photo at Home
Taking a US visa photo at home is easy with the right setup. Follow these tips to ensure your photo meets State Department standards and avoids rejection:
- Remove your glasses — US visa rules strictly prohibit glasses in photos since 2018.
- Maintain a neutral expression — both eyes open, mouth closed, no smiling.
- Ensure both ears are visible — hair should not cover your ears.
- Do not wear a uniform — no military, police, or work uniforms.
- Avoid shadows — use even, diffused lighting so there are no shadows on the background or your face.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | How to Fix |
|---|---|
| Wearing glasses | Remove glasses completely before taking the photo. |
| Smiling with teeth showing | Keep a neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open. |
| Shadows behind the head | Stand facing a light source and ensure even, shadow-free lighting on the background. |
| Hair covering face or ears | Tuck hair behind your ears so your full face and both ears are visible. |
| Wrong file size (over 240 KB) | Use ilovephoto.in to automatically compress your file to under 240 KB. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the US visa photo size in pixels?The US visa requires a 600×600 pixel square photo at 300 DPI, equivalent to 2×2 inches.
Can I wear glasses in my US visa photo?No. US State Department rules prohibit glasses in visa photos since 2018 to prevent obstruction of facial features.
What is the maximum file size for US visa photo?The maximum allowed file size is 240 KB in JPEG format.
Is the US visa photo different from the Schengen visa photo?Yes. US visa requires a square 600×600 px photo, while Schengen requires a rectangular 35×45 mm (827×1063 px) photo at higher DPI.
Can I smile in my US visa photo?No. The US State Department requires a neutral expression with both eyes open and mouth closed. Smiling is not permitted.
What if my US visa photo is rejected?If your photo is rejected, you will need to submit a new one. Use our tool to correct the size, background, and file size before re-submitting.
How recent should my US visa photo be?Your US visa photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and reflect your current appearance.