← Visa Photo Sizes by Country — Requirements & Crop Tool
United States visa — photo requirements
600×600 px · 50–69% · white or off-white · JPEG · ≤240 KB
Click or drop your photo
JPG / PNG · processed on your device only
Background replacement only — facial features are never altered. Some authorities (US State Dept, UK HMPO, Canada IRCC) require unedited photos; check your destination's rules and prefer a real plain background when possible.
Align the top of the head between the guide lines (50–69% of the frame).
Requirements at a glance
| Size in pixels | 600 × 600 px (300 DPI) |
|---|---|
| Head height | 50–69% |
| Background | white or off-white |
| Format | JPEG, ≤ 240 KB |
| Checked | 2026-10-26 · Official source ↗ |
The US Department of State requires a 2 x 2 inch (51 x 51 mm) photo. Use the 600 x 600
pixel minimum; images up to 1200 x 1200 pixels are also accepted. Since 2016 glasses are
no longer allowed, even for medical reasons. The head must measure 1 to 1 3/8 inches (22
to 35 mm) from crown to chin, which equals 50-69 percent of the photo height. Photos
taken with a digital camera, phone or webcam are acceptable if they meet the pixel
minimum. When you crop, leave the full shoulders visible unless the original photo
already cuts them, and keep equal margins on both sides of the head. Shoot in soft
daylight facing a bright window - indoor tungsten light gives skin an orange cast that
the automated CEAC check flags. If you wear a hearing aid or medical patch, keep it on;
medical devices visible in daily life are permitted. Hair covering part of the forehead
is acceptable, but hair must not cast shadows across the face. The white background can
be a bed sheet hung behind you - what matters is that it is evenly lit with no shadow
bands. After downloading, verify the file opens as a JPEG and its size is under 240 KB
before starting your CEAC form session, because the form times out while you retake
photos.
Frequently asked questions
Can I smile in a US visa photo?
A neutral expression with both eyes open is required. A small natural smile is tolerated, but exaggerated expressions cause retakes at the consulate.
Why is my photo rejected on CEAC?
The most common reasons are a file larger than 240 KB, glasses, an uneven white background, or the head filling less than 50 percent of the frame.
Can I take the photo with a phone?
Yes. A modern phone camera easily exceeds the 600 x 600 pixel minimum. Shoot against a plain white wall in daylight and crop here to the exact 1:1 ratio.