US Visa Photo Requirements: How to Use the 2x2 Inch Crop Tool Correctly
Applying for a US visa is already stressful enough with the DS-160 forms and embassy interviews. The last thing you need is a rejected application because your photo didn't meet the strict biometric standards.
Unlike casual snapshots, a US visa photo must adhere to precise geometric rules. A millimeter off, and the automated system might flag it. But don't worry—you don't need a professional photographer.
In this guide, we break down the official US visa photo requirements and show you how to use our free 2x2 inch crop tool to get it right the first time.
The Golden Rule: 2x2 Inches (51x51 mm)
The most fundamental requirement for a US visa (and passport) photo is the size. It must be exactly 2x2 inches.
Many applicants make the mistake of submitting a standard passport size from their home country (like the UK's 35x45mm or China's 33x48mm). These will be instantly rejected.
Key Biometric Dimensions
It's not just about the outer border. The positioning of your face is equally critical:
- Head Height: The head, measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin, must be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25mm to 35mm).
- Eye Height: Your eyes must be located between 1 1/8 inches and 1 3/8 inches (28mm to 35mm) from the bottom of the photo.
Official Photo Requirements Checklist
Before you snap your picture, ensure you meet these non-negotiable rules from the U.S. Department of State:
- Background: Must be plain white or off-white. No patterns, no dark colors.
- Glasses: strictly forbidden. You must take off your eyeglasses.
- Expression: Neutral expression. Both eyes open. No smiling.
- Attire: Wear normal street attire. No uniforms. Religious clothing is allowed if worn daily.
- Lighting: No shadows on the face or background.
How to Use the 2x2 Inch Crop Tool
Trying to crop a photo to these exact percentages using standard software like Paint or Photoshop is difficult and prone to error. That is why we built our specialized US passport photo size tool.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Take the Photo: Stand in front of a white wall. Ensure there is space above your head and below your shoulders.
- Upload: Open our Passport Photo Tool and select your image.
- Select 'United States': Ensure the country setting is set to US (2x2 inch).
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Align with Overlay: You will see a green oval guide.
- Fit your head within the oval.
- Ensure your chin touches the bottom of the oval.
- Ensure the top of your head touches the top of the oval.
- Check the Smart Alert: Our tool detects if your aspect ratio is correct. If you see "Perfect dimensions," you are good to go.
Digital Upload vs. Physical Print
Depending on your application method, you might need a digital file or a physical print.
For DS-160 (Online Application)
You need a digital JPEG file. It must be:
- Square aspect ratio (minimum 600x600 pixels).
- Maximum size 1200x1200 pixels.
- File size less than 240kB.
Our tool's "Download JPG" button generates a high-resolution file suitable for printing. If you need a smaller file for online upload, you may need to compress it slightly.
For Interview (Physical Print)
You will likely need to bring two physical photos to your embassy interview. Use our tool to generate the 4x6 template and print it as described in our printing guide.
Common Questions (FAQ)
Can I wear makeup in my visa photo?
Yes, but it should be natural. Do not use makeup to alter your facial features or hide blemishes that are permanent (like moles). Heavy contouring that changes your face shape can lead to rejection.
What if my ears are covered?
For US visas, exposing your ears is not explicitly required, but your full face must be visible. It is generally safer to tuck your hair behind your ears to ensure the borders of your face are clearly visible.
Can I take the photo with my phone?
Absolutely. Modern smartphones have excellent cameras. Just make sure to use the rear camera (not the selfie camera) and have someone else take the picture to avoid distortion.