What size photo is required for DS-160?

For DS-160 visa applications, you need a digital photo that is 2×2 inches (51×51mm) with minimum resolution of 600×600 pixels and maximum 1200×1200 pixels. File size must be between 240KB and 10MB in JPEG format.

What are the photo requirements for US tourist visa?

US tourist visa (B1/B2) requires a 2×2 inch photo with white background, taken within the last 6 months, no glasses, neutral expression, and head covering 50-69% of the photo height.

Can I upload a scanned photo for DS-160?

While you can upload a scanned photo, it's recommended to use a digital photo for better quality. Scanned photos often have issues with color accuracy, resolution, and may show visible scan lines that could lead to rejection.

🛂 DS-160 Compliant

US Visa Photo Requirements (DS-160)

Create a 2×2 inch visa photo for your B1/B2, F1, H1B, or any US visa application. Meets all embassy and DS-160 online system requirements.

Create Visa Photo →

👤

600×600px

Minimum

Same Photo Works for All US Visa Types

✈️

B1/B2

Tourist/Business

🎓

F1/M1

Student

💼

H1B

Work

💍

Fiancé(e)

🔄

Transfer

📰

Exchange

DS-160 Photo Specifications

When you fill out the DS-160 form online, you'll need to upload a digital photo that meets these exact specifications. VisaPicPro automatically formats your photo correctly.

Digital Photo (DS-160 Upload)

Format	JPEG (.jpg)
Dimensions	Square (1:1 ratio)
Minimum Size	600 × 600 pixels
Maximum Size	1200 × 1200 pixels
File Size	240KB to 10MB
Color Mode	24-bit color (sRGB)

Printed Photo (Embassy Interview)

Size	2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm)
Head Height	1" to 1⅜" (25-35mm)
Background	White or off-white
Paper	Matte or glossy photo paper
Quantity Needed	2 identical photos
Age	Within last 6 months

How to Create Your DS-160 Photo

Take Photo

Use your smartphone against a white wall with good lighting.

Upload

Upload to VisaPicPro — we'll process it automatically.

Download

Get your 600×600px JPEG for DS-160 upload.

✓

Done!

Upload to DS-160 and print for your interview.

Common DS-160 Photo Errors to Avoid

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Wrong Size

Photo must be square. Non-square photos will be rejected by the DS-160 system.

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Low Resolution

Minimum 600×600 pixels. Smaller photos will fail upload validation.

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Wrong Format

Only JPEG is accepted. PNG, BMP, or other formats won't work.

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File Too Large

Maximum 10MB. Compress if your photo exceeds this limit.

DS-160 Photo FAQ

What if DS-160 rejects my photo? ▼

If your photo is rejected, check these common issues:

Photo isn't square (must be 1:1 ratio)
Resolution too low (minimum 600×600 pixels)
File not in JPEG format
Head not properly centered or sized
Background not white enough

Use VisaPicPro to automatically fix all these issues.

Do I need to print photos for the embassy interview? ▼

Yes, you typically need to bring 2 printed passport-style photos to your visa interview, even though you uploaded a digital photo with DS-160. The printed photos should be identical to your digital submission.

Can I use the same photo for DS-160 and passport? ▼

Yes! US visa and US passport photos have the same requirements (2×2 inches, white background, no glasses). The same photo can be used for both, as long as it was taken within the last 6 months and reflects your current appearance.

Is a selfie acceptable for DS-160? ▼

Selfies are generally not recommended because:

They often have distorted proportions
Arm/shadow may be visible
Angle is usually not straight-on

It's better to have someone else take your photo, or use a tripod with a timer.