Visa · United States
US Visa Photo Size
A US visa photo must be a JPG/JPEG file, square, between 600 × 600 and 1,200 × 1,200 pixels, no larger than 240 KB, with the head filling 50–69% of the photo's height and on a plain white or off-white background. This is the rule published by the U.S. Department of State, last checked by Maru on 10 October 2026. Maru resizes and checks your photo to match, in your browser.
RequirementUS Visa Photo Size
Drop a photo here, or take one.
JPG, PNG, WebP or HEIC · stays on this device
7 rules to meet
- Dimensions600–1,200 px square
- File sizeup to 240 KB
- FormatJPG
- Compression≤ 20 : 1
- BackgroundPlain white or off-white
- ColourColour photo
- Head size (guide)50–69% of height
Processed on this device. Nothing is uploaded.
02 — Requirement
The rule, from the source
| Rule | Official value and source |
|---|---|
| Width | 600–1,200 px “Minimum acceptable dimensions are 600 x 600 pixels. … Maximum acceptable dimensions are 1200 x 1200 pixels.” U.S. Department of State: Digital image requirements |
| Height | 600–1,200 px “Minimum acceptable dimensions are 600 x 600 pixels. … Maximum acceptable dimensions are 1200 x 1200 pixels.” U.S. Department of State: Digital image requirements |
| Shape | Square (height = width) “The image dimensions must be in a square aspect ratio (the height must be equal to the width).” U.S. Department of State: Digital image requirements |
| File size | up to 240 KB ≈ 0.24 MB maximum (conversion) “The image must be less than or equal to 240 kB (kilobytes).” U.S. Department of State: Digital image requirements |
| Format | JPEG (.jpg / .jpeg) “The image must be in JPEG file format” U.S. Department of State: Digital image requirements |
| Head height | 50%–69% of photo height “Sized such that the head is between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (22 mm and 35 mm) or 50% and 69% of the image's total height” U.S. Department of State: Photo requirements |
| Background | Plain white or off-white “Taken in front of a plain white or off-white background” U.S. Department of State: Photo requirements |
| Colour | Colour photo “The image must be in color (24 bits per pixel) in sRGB color space which is the common output for most digital cameras.” U.S. Department of State: Digital image requirements |
| Compression | ≤ 20 : 1 “The compression ratio should be less than or equal to 20:1.” U.S. Department of State: Digital image requirements |
03 — How to
Get it right the first time
- 01Take a photo facing the camera against a plain, light wall, or choose one you already have.
- 02Drop it into the tool above. Nothing is uploaded; it stays on your device.
- 03Drag and zoom until your head sits inside the guide.
- 04Press Fix & check. Maru resizes and compresses it, then grades every rule.
- 05Download the file and upload it to your application.
Common reasons photos are rejected
- The image is not square. The State Department requires the height to equal the width.
- The file is larger than 240 KB. Over-compressing to get under the limit can also fail: the compression ratio should be 20:1 or less.
- The head is too small or too large. It should fill 50–69% of the image's height.
- The background is not plain white or off-white, or there are shadows behind you.
- You are wearing glasses. The State Department says eyeglasses are no longer allowed in new visa photos, except in rare medical cases.
The same digital rules apply wherever you submit your DS-160 or DS-260. The embassy or consulate makes the final decision on whether a photo is acceptable.
04 — Questions
US Visa Photo Size: questions
What size is a US visa photo in pixels?
A US visa photo must be square and between 600 × 600 and 1,200 × 1,200 pixels, according to the US State Department's digital image requirements.
What is the maximum file size for a US visa photo?
240 KB. The image must be less than or equal to 240 kB, in JPEG format.
Why does the compression ratio matter?
The State Department says the compression ratio should be 20:1 or less. A big image squeezed into 240 KB can break that rule. Maru checks the ratio and, if needed, uses a smaller pixel size so the photo needs less compression.
How big should my head be in a US visa photo?
Your head should fill 50–69% of the image's total height, measured from chin to the top of the head. Maru's crop guide shows that band.
Can I wear glasses in my US visa photo?
No. The State Department says eyeglasses are no longer allowed in new visa photos, except in rare medical cases with a signed medical statement.
Is the DV lottery photo the same as the visa photo?
Almost, but the DV lottery entry photo must be exactly 600 × 600 pixels. Use the DV lottery page for that one.
Does Maru upload my photo?
No. Your photo is processed inside your browser and never leaves your device.
05 — Related
Other requirements
Not listed? Use your own rules →