How to prepare a digital U.S. visa photo

The U.S. Department of State requires a square JPEG between 600 × 600 and 1200 × 1200 pixels, in sRGB colour and no larger than 240 KB. Here is what to check before you save and upload.

Official photo checklist

• Use a recent colour photo taken within the last six months.
• Save a square JPEG between 600 × 600 and 1200 × 1200 pixels, in 24-bit sRGB colour, at 240 KB or less.
• Face the camera directly with a neutral expression and both eyes open.
• Use a plain white or off-white background with even lighting.
• Keep the head between 50% and 69% of the image height, measured from chin to top of head.
• Do not digitally change your appearance. Cropping and resizing do not replace the composition checks.

Make the file on your iPhone

1. Take a sharp, evenly lit portrait against a plain white or off-white background.
2. In Photo Lili, choose the U.S. visa preset or enter a square size between 600 and 1200 pixels.
3. Move and zoom the portrait until the face is centred and the head-size guide is satisfied.
4. Keep the original background when it already meets the rule; avoid edits that change your appearance.
5. Save a JPEG at 240 KB or less, inspect it at full size, and compare it again with the official examples.

Common mistakes

Selfies taken too close can distort the face. Other frequent problems include shadows, a patterned wall, a tilted head, smiling, eyeglasses, a low-resolution source, and assuming that a square crop alone makes the photo acceptable.

Official source

Requirements checked on October 5, 2026: U.S. Department of State — Digital Image Requirements.

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