DS-160 Photo Requirements & Checker

Upload your digital portrait above to run pre-flight technical verification. Our diagnostic checks whether your file matches the 1:1 square ratio, satisfies the 600×600 to 1200×1200 pixel resolution window, conforms to the 240 KB ceiling, and uses correct JPEG encoding.

During the final stages of completing form DS-160 on ceac.state.gov, you are prompted to upload your digital photo. The CEAC photo tool analyzes the file for basic technical parameters. If accepted, you will see a green checkmark and your image will appear on the DS-160 confirmation page.

• •Dimensions: Minimum 600 × 600 pixels; maximum 1200 × 1200 pixels.
• •Aspect Ratio: Exactly 1:1 square.
• •Color Format: 24-bit color in sRGB space (black and white is rejected).
• •File Format: JPEG format only (.jpg or .jpeg).
• •File Size: Maximum 240 KB (kilobytes).
• •Compression Ratio: Less than or equal to 20:1 to avoid artifact blur.

If your photo fails the CEAC automated test or if the confirmation page displays an "X" where your portrait should be, the upload was not successful. This does not invalidate your visa application. You can complete and submit the DS-160 form, but you must bring a compliant physical 2 × 2 inch printed photo to your visa appointment.

Important jurisdiction caveat: Regardless of whether your photo passed the online DS-160 upload, U.S. embassies and consulates in certain countries (including the U.S. Mission in India at New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata) require applicants to bring a physical 2 × 2 inch photo on photo-quality paper to the Visa Application Center (VAC) appointment. Always carry two physical copies to be safe.

The head must occupy between 50% and 69% of the image height (from bottom of chin to top of hair). The eye level must sit between 56% and 69% from the bottom of the photo. No eyeglasses are permitted under any circumstances, facial expression must remain neutral, and lighting must be uniform with zero shadows on the plain white backdrop.