Create a US visa photo
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US visa photo—specifications
Size
2x2 inches (51x51 mm)
Head dimensions
50–69% of the image's total height
Digital dimensions
600x600 px
Background color
Plain white or off-white
Recency
Last 6 months
Resolution
600 dpi
Sylwia is a skilled writer with a BA in English Studies and an active SPJ member. For nearly three years now, she's been writing captivating articles for international companies, turning her lifelong passion into a career.
Our leading expert with 5+ years of hands-on experience in biometric photography, and a member of the prestigious British Institute Of Professional Photography. Mateusz has assisted countless global customers in taking photos for their official documents—this has earned him the rank of expert in photo requirements.
US Visa Photo for Canadians—All You Need to Know
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.
| Requirement | Prints & digital photos |
| Color | Must be in color |
| Size | 2x2 inches (51x51 mm) |
| Head dimensions | Between 1’’ and 1 ⅜’’ (22 mm – 35 mm) or 50% and 69% of the image's total height |
| Background | Plain white or off-white background |
| Image clarity | Clear image of your face, not blurry, grainy, or pixelated |
| Filters | Do not use filters commonly used on social media |
| Digital alterations | Digitally enhanced photos are unacceptable |
| Recency | Taken in the last 6 months |
| Print quality | Sharp without shadows, texture, or lines. Printed on matte or glossy photographic paper |
| Resolution | 600 dpi |
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:
I needed a digital photo for an e-visa application. This service was quick and responsive. I would use them again!
Rose
Taking visa application photos has never been easier! We guarantee 100% compliance with all US visa photo requirements or 200% of your purchase cost back. For the price of $11.95, we provide physical photos and a digital image.
Here’s how simple the process is:
Download our US visa photo tool available on iOS and Android devices. Take a photo for your US visa application today—we’ll ensure your photo ticks all the boxes required by the US government.
Taking photos yourself: photo tips
Ready to take your own US visa photo? We prepared a list of professional photo tips to make the process easier for you. Read through them before you start the photoshoot!
- Snap the picture in front of a plain, white background (e.g., a light-colored wall or white sheet). If you can’t do that, no worries—our software will take care of it.
- Opt for casual clothes in dark colors. Avoid tank tops, camouflage patterns, and uniforms.
- You can wear makeup. However, make sure you opt for a gentle, natural look. Avoid contouring or any products changing your natural appearance (e.g., dark foundation, thick eyeliner).
- Look straight into the camera with your eyes open. You can smile gently without your teeth showing. It’s best to keep a neutral facial expression.
- Do not Photoshop or edit your picture. Changing the image’s saturation/exposure or removing the red-eye effect will result in rejection.
- Take a photo in a well-lit room and stand around 50–60 inches away from the wall/backdrop to eliminate any shadows.
- Remove prescription glasses and all head coverings (unless worn for medical or religious reasons).
You can also watch this short video showing how to take perfect visa photos.
Sources:
https://ca.usembassy.gov/visas/visa-waiver-program/
https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/western-hemisphere-travel-initiative
https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-ca/niv
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos.html
Documents
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FAQ
US visa photo requirements are very specific, and it’s vital you follow them. In the case of Canadian passport photos, they won’t be compliant because of their size (5x7 cm).
The size of a US visa photo is 2x2 inches (or: 51x51 mm).
It’s best to wear casual, everyday clothes. You should, however, avoid light-colored pieces, tank tops, camo patterns, and uniforms.
Yes, we recommend using Passport Photo Online (available also on iOS and Android). This US visa photo tool will ensure your picture taken at home complies with all US visa photo requirements—and in the unlikely event your photo gets rejected, we’ll refund double your money.
You can use fully automatic professional photo services like Passport Photo Online. Alternatively, you can crop your image with this free photo cropper.
A digital photo must have dimensions of 600x600 pixels and be uploaded as a JPEG file (54 kB–240 kB in size).
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