US Visa Photo [2x2'']: Requirements & How to Make One

First things first: do all Canadians need a visa to enter the US? No.

Most Canadians are exempt from needing a US visa to enter the United States. Thanks to the Visa Waiver Program, Canadian citizens can travel to America for tourism or business without a visa—as long as their stay isn’t longer than 90 days (this doesn’t apply to individuals who want to study in the US). 

Note that in this case, you’ll still need a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). 

Important: Canadians entering by land or sea must present a travel document compliant with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (e.g., a valid passport or birth certificate).

But what if you want to travel south of the border for other reasons, especially for over three months? Let’s see the types of visas you may need to apply for.

Types of US visas for Canadian citizens

Visas available to Canadian citizens are divided into two categories:

• Immigrant visas, for example:
  • Spouses of US citizens
  • Fiancé(e)s intending to marry a US citizen and live in the country
  • Diversity immigrants (DV Lottery)

👉 Click here to read more about and/or start your immigrant visa application.

• Nonimmigrant visas, for example:
  • Diplomatic, official, and international organizations
  • Treaty traders and investors

👉 Click here to read more about and/or start your non-immigrant visa application.

Whichever document you want to apply for, you’ll need a government-compliant US visa picture. Read on to find out all about the photo’s requirements and how to create one at home.

US visa photo: requirements & examples

Review the example photos for US visa applications. For details on official specifications, study the handy table below!

Note: Since 2016, wearing prescription glasses in US visa photos is no longer permitted. In rare circumstances (e.g., when it’s impossible for you to remove your eyewear due to eye surgery), you’ll need to provide a signed medical statement.

Visa applicants using DS-160 or DS-1648 forms, as well as Diversity Visa Program entrants, must also submit US visa digital photos that should:

• Be uploaded in JPEG file format
• Have a size between 54 kB and 240 kB
• Be 600x600 pixels
• Be in color (24 bits per pixel)

Note that it’s possible to submit a scanned photo, as long as is has a minimum resolution of 300 pixels per inch. 

Create a photo for a US visa at home

Why search “US visa photo near me” if the solution is closer than you think—in your pocket! With your smartphone in hand and our reliable photo booth app (4.5⭐ on Trustpilot), you can create your own professional photo in no time, like one of our Canadian customers: