Take or upload a photo. Use a photo you already have or take a new one. We'll double-check it and make sure it passes all compliance tests. Get your photo tuned-up by AI. Our AI system will crop, resize, and adjust the background of your image. Get expert verification. One of our experts will carefully review your passport photo, providing you with feedback in under a minute!
Understanding US visa photo requirements
US visa applicants must submit printed and/or digital color images (depending on the visa type) measuring 2x2 inches (51x51 mm). Apart from the specific visa photo size, ensure your image satisfies all official rules:
- Background: Plain white or off-white
- Head size: Between 1 and 1⅜ inches (22-35 mm)
- Position: Full-frontal view, with the eye height between 1⅛ and 1⅜ inches (28-35 mm) measured from the bottom of the image
- Facial expression: Neutral with the eyes fully open and mouth closed
- Quality: Sharp with no glare, shadows, or blur
- Alterations: All digital edits are prohibited, including red-eye removal
- Resolution: At least 300 DPI
- Print: Matte or glossy photographic paper
Remember that your picture must be recent (less than six months) to reflect your current look.
Additional appearance guidelines for the visa photo
- Headgear: Unacceptable unless worn for medical or religious reasons; mustn’t cover facial features or cast shadows
- Attire: Uniforms and camouflage patterns aren’t allowed. Opt for usual clothes in darker colors
- Makeup: Allowed but can’t change or disguise your natural appearance
- Hair: It can’t cover the eyebrows and face. If you usually wear facial hair, it’s allowed
- Glasses: Allowed only under medical conditions (a signed doctor’s note must be provided)
Digital visa photos: specifications and tips
Some non-immigrant visa applications (forms DS-160 or DS-1648) require a digital image. In addition to the general guidelines, digital images must meet:
- Dimensions: Between 600x600 and 1200x1200 pixels
- Eye height: 56-69% of the photo’s height
- Color: In color (24 bits per pixel)
- Format and size: JPEG file of 240 kB or less
If you want to scan a printed picture, do it at 300 pixels per inch resolution. You might also be asked to bring one or two printed pictures to your visa interview. For detailed instructions, review the requirements of your nearest consulate or embassy.
How to create a visa photo online with PhotoAiD
Thinking about taking your own visa picture, but worried USCIS agents will reject it? We have a solution. Our US visa photo cropping tool (PhotoAiD for iOS or PhotoAiD for Android) is intuitive and reliable. All you need to do is provide us with a photo and wait a few minutes.
Here’s our simple 4-step process:
- Take a picture: Read our tips or follow in-app instructions to take a self-portrait. When you’re happy with the photo, upload it into the app or use the button below.
- Let the AI magic do its job: Wait a few seconds for our US visa photo tool to convert your image. The software will crop the photo and replace the background with the required white or off-white color.
- Wait for a manual verification: Choose between a digital image ($16.95) or printed copies ($19.95). Both options include manual verification, in which one of our experts will perform a US visa photo check. Important: If we can’t green-light your picture due to compliance issues, you can retake the photo for free.
- Download your US visa photo: After paying, your photo will be ready for download instantly. Use a digital picture for an online application, and print visa photos for the interview for pennies.
What if my photo gets rejected?
We’re confident about our thorough evaluation process, and satisfied customers' reviews confirm that. However, should the authorities reject your photo, you’ll be able to contact our customer support to retake a photo for free or get a 200% refund. We’re available around the clock, so reach out to us with any questions. Independence: No need to drive or wait in line. Take a photo wherever you are with only your smartphone.
Why choosing PhotoAiD is advantageous
Trusted service: Over a million users worldwide, 18 million photos processed, and thousands of 5-star reviews on TrustPilot. Professional support: Questions or doubts about your photos? Our photography experts and support agents will be happy to help you out. Acceptance guarantee: Once you place your order, our AI and human expert will verify your photo to ensure it's 100% compliant.
Get 100% Compliant Passport Photos and Visa Photos in Minutes. Use PhotoAiD’s AI passport-size photo maker. Download a digital photo or order prints for delivery to your address. 100% acceptance rate guaranteed. With help from the PhotoAiD passport photo checker you’ll get compliant photos for any ID: US passport photos, US visa photos, driver’s license photos, and more.
Choosing the right service and workflow
Why take a passport photo online with PhotoAiD? Three minutes and done. Take a new selfie or upload a photo. The AI passport photo maker will check it, fix it, or suggest retaking it. Download a digital passport photo or order prints with a single click. 100% acceptance, expert verified.
PhotoAiD’s mobile passport photo app will guide you through the whole process-the posing, background, and lighting. The app will crop, resize, and remove the background for you, and then an ID photo expert will double-check your new photo to ensure it ticks all official requirements.
Accessibility and global coverage
Independence: Take a photo anywhere with your smartphone. Trust: Over a million users worldwide, 18 million photos processed, and thousands of 5-star reviews on TrustPilot. The service is available 24/7 to assist with questions or retakes as needed. Safety and compliance: The platform adheres to privacy laws and security measures, and all images are handled with care.
Practical usage: getting prints or digital copies
You can download a digital copy or order prints with complimentary shipping. The tool supports both online visa applications and in-person interview preparations. For digital images, ensure the file meets the specified pixel dimensions and file size requirements. For printed photos, choose matte or glossy paper and ensure the photo remains within the 2x2 inch standard.
TAKE THE PERFECT VISA PHOTO IN SECONDS | EASY STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
FAQ highlights
- Is it okay to take my own passport photograph? Yes, you can take your own passport photos with our app, ensuring it meets official requirements for paper and digital applications.
- Where can I get the cheapest passport photos? Walmart offers physical US passport photos at a low price, while Passport Photo Online provides digital photos at a competitive price with delivery included.
- What about mobile app availability? PhotoAiD offers apps for Android and iPhone to streamline the process.
What is a passport photo maker? A passport photo maker is a mobile app or online tool that creates passport photos from digital headshots by removing the background, cropping the image, tilting the face, and adhering to general passport photo requirements.