What is the exact photo size required for the DV Lottery?

The US Department of State requires a square digital image of exactly 600×600 pixels (up to 1200×1200 pixels) in 24-bit sRGB color, with a file size of 240 KB or less. The head must measure between 50% and 69% of the image height (300 to 414 pixels).

Why are so many DV Lottery photos rejected?

Over 30% of DV lottery applications are silently disqualified by automated Department of State algorithms before the lottery drawing due to cast shadows behind the ears, non-compliant head height proportions, wearing eyeglasses, or wrong aspect ratios.

Can I wear eyeglasses in my DV Lottery photo?

No. Since November 1, 2016, eyeglasses of any kind (including prescription glasses) are strictly prohibited in all US visa and passport photos.

Can I use the same photo as last year's DV entry?

No. The US State Department uses facial recognition to compare entries across years. Submitting a photo taken more than 6 months prior or reusing a previous entry photo will result in immediate disqualification.

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US STATE DEPT DV-2027 MANDATE● 600×600 PX CALIBRATED

DV Lottery Photo Checker & Biometric Generator

Official online validator for the US Diversity Visa (Green Card) Lottery. Automatically crops to exact 600×600 px dimensions, checks 50–69% head scale, replaces background with pure shadow-free white, and validates under the 240 KB threshold.

DV Engine Calibrated

22 CFR § 51.26

Dimensions600×600 px (1:1)

Head Ratio50% - 69% (300-414px)

Max File Size≤ 240 KB (sRGB)

BackdropPure White (#FFFFFF)

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Zero Silent Disqualification · 100% Acceptance Guarantee

Warning: Why 30%+ of Green Card Lottery Applicants Are Disqualified

The US Department of State does not notify applicants if their photo fails automated screening. If your head is 10 pixels too small, has an off-center eye line, or shows faint shadows behind ears, your entry is silently eliminated before the lottery drawing takes place. ApprovaVisa tests all 22 official biometric parameters to guarantee your entry is counted.

Official DV-2027 Biometric Specification Matrix

State.gov Source

Aspect RatioSquare 1:1600×600 px minimum

Head Height50% to 69%300 to 414 pixels from chin to crown

Eye Line Level56% to 69%336 to 414 px from image bottom

File Size Limit≤ 240 KilobytesStandard sRGB color space

Backdrop StandardPure WhiteZero shadows, 0 patterns

Eyeglasses RuleStrictly ProhibitedMandate active since Nov 2016

ONLINE CHECKER & MAKER

How to Create Your Certified DV Lottery Photo Online

60 Seconds Turnaround

01 // Snap or UploadANY PHONE

Take a portrait using your smartphone camera against any plain surface or upload an existing recent photo.

02 // AI DV-ScanAUTOMATED

Our engine isolates the subject, deletes all background shadows, scales head height to exactly 50–69%, and checks facial oval alignment.

03 // Instant JPEG240 KB LIMIT

Download an optimized 600×600 pixel JPEG under 240 KB, formatted specifically for direct upload to the official State Dept DV lottery portal.

OFFICIAL GUIDANCE

Frequently Asked Questions for DV Lottery Photos

Q:Can I submit a photo with glasses?

No. Eyeglasses are strictly forbidden. The US Department of State will automatically disqualify any application with glasses due to glare and iris obstruction. Even medically necessary glasses require a signed physician statement.

Q:Can I use last year's photo if my appearance hasn't changed?

Never reuse a photo from a previous DV Lottery entry. The consular automated verification system cross-references previous years' entries. Submitting the same photo guarantees immediate disqualification.

Q:What should I wear for the DV Lottery photo?

Wear normal, everyday street clothing with colors that contrast with the white background (e.g., navy, black, red, green). Avoid white clothing (which blends into the background) and uniforms. Religious headwear is permitted if the full facial oval is visible.

Don't Let a Bad Photo Waste Your Green Card Opportunity

Validate and generate your official 600×600 px DV-2027 photo in under 60 seconds with 100% compliance guarantee.

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