US Immigrant Visa Photo Requirements & Checker

DS-260 applicants must present two physical prints. Use the tool above to inspect your facial proportions, position the head between 50% and 69% of the vertical frame, verify a continuous white or off-white background, and generate a standardized 4×6 inch printable sheet formatted with two identical 2×2 inch copies at 300 DPI.

The Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs interview instructions state that all immigrant visa applicants—regardless of age—must provide two (2) identical color photographs at their scheduled consular interview. Even if you submitted digital photographs during the National Visa Center (NVC) document qualification stage, physical prints are required on interview day.

• •Dimensions: Exactly 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm).
• •Quantity: Exactly two (2) identical, unblemished color photographs.
• •Paper Type: Must be printed on photo-quality paper (glossy or matte finish). Standard desktop copy paper (80 GSM) is rejected immediately.
• •Recency: Taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current physical appearance.
• •Condition: Photos must not be damaged, creased, stapled through the face, or marked with ink on the front.

The head from the bottom of the chin to the top of the hair (crown) must measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25 mm to 35 mm), occupying 50% to 69% of the image height. Eye height must be between 1 1/8 inches and 1 3/8 inches (28 mm to 35 mm) from the bottom edge of the photo. The subject must face the camera directly with both ears visible or facial edges fully exposed.

• •Background: Plain continuous white or off-white. No textures, patterns, door frames, or shadows behind the head or on the face.
• •Expression: Neutral facial expression with both eyes open and mouth closed. Smiling, smirking, or grimacing is prohibited.
• •Eyeglasses: Strictly prohibited since 2016. Medical exceptions require a signed physician certificate explaining why removal is impossible.
• •Head Coverings: Permitted solely for verified religious reasons; the entire face from chin to forehead and hairline must remain uncovered.

The top reasons consular officers reject immigrant visa photos include: bringing only one copy instead of two, printing on ordinary printer paper, head size exceeding 1 3/8 inches or falling below 1 inch, heavy shadows cast on the backdrop, wearing tinted or clear eyeglasses, and submitting photos older than 6 months.