U.S. FEDERAL REQUIREMENT
U.S. Nonimmigrant Visa Photo Requirements (DS-160)
Digital photo upload rules for DS-160 and DS-1648, printed-photo fallback, and embassy-specific instructions.
Usually upload a digital image.
Sources reviewed: October 11, 2026
What to prepare
Usually upload a digital image.
Upload the image while completing DS-160 or DS-1648. Some posts also require a printed photo at the interview. If upload fails, follow the Department of State fallback and the post’s current instructions.
- JPEG, square, 600 × 600 through 1200 × 1200 pixels; no more than 240 KB.
- Color, sRGB, generally taken within six months.
- Plain white or off-white background, full-face view, neutral expression.
- Do not digitally alter appearance.
- Interview biometrics are a separate step and do not replace the application upload.
Official laws, regulations, and agency instructions
Check your application
Instructions can depend on the exact application path. Confirm the agency’s current requirements before preparing a photo.
Open the photo checker