US visa photo checker
The DS-160 photo upload rejects files that aren’t square, are under 600 pixels or are over 240 kB. Check your file here first, or create one in the studio, which runs a free full face check before you pay.
File inspection
Your file, in focus
its checks here
Format, dimensions and file size
We’ll measure the file against the limits published for this route.
File checks don’t measure face geometry, lighting or editing history. The US embassy or consulate makes the acceptance decision.
Now review the photograph
These checks need your eyes. Review each item against the file before you upload it.
Choose your file to begin the manual review.
Create a US visa photoUS visa photo requirements at a glance
- DS-160 upload
- Square JPEG, 600×600 to 1200×1200 pixels, 240 kB or less
- Printed photo
- 2×2 inches (51×51 mm), head 1 to 1⅜ inches from chin to top of hair
- Background
- Plain white or off-white, no shadows
- Glasses
- Not allowed, except in rare medical cases with a signed statement
- How recent
- Taken in the last 6 months
Independent checks before you apply
This is a file pre-check and a guided visual review, not an official checker. The US embassy or consulate decides acceptance. A file that passes does not prove the photo is recent, unedited or correctly framed.
What size is a US visa photo for the DS-160?
A square JPEG of at least 600×600 and at most 1200×1200 pixels, 240 kB or less. For a print, 2×2 inches.
Why was my DS-160 photo rejected?
Most often the file is not square, is smaller than 600×600 pixels, is over 240 kB, or the photo shows glasses, shadows or a background that isn’t white. The checker measures the file; the review list covers the rest.
Can I wear glasses in a US visa photo?
No. Glasses have not been allowed in US visa photos since November 2016, except in rare medical cases with a signed statement.
Is this an official checker?
No. It measures your file against the published limits. The embassy or consulate decides whether the photo is accepted.
Sources checked October 30, 2026: travel.state.gov photo requirements.