Digital image requirements
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Shape | Square. Height equals width. |
| Dimensions | 600 × 600 pixels minimum, 1200 × 1200 maximum |
| File type | JPEG |
| File size | 240 KB or less |
| Color | Color, 24 bits per pixel, sRGB |
| Compression | Ratio 20:1 or less |
Framefare’s digital file is a 600 × 600 JPEG between 54 KB and 240 KB, within these limits.
Photo rules
- Color, taken within the last 6 months.
- Head between 1 and 1 3/8 inches (22 and 35 mm), or 50% to 69% of the image height from chin to top of head.
- Plain white or off-white background.
- Directly facing the camera, neutral expression, both eyes open.
- Clothing you normally wear daily. No uniforms except religious clothing.
- No headphones or wireless hands-free devices.
- Eyeglasses are no longer allowed in new visa photos except in rare medical cases with a signed statement.
- No digital enhancement or alteration that changes your appearance.
Other visa forms
- DS-260 (immigrant visa): two identical photos at your interview, 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm), on photo-quality paper. The Framefare 4 × 6 sheet holds six.
- Diversity Visa entry: JPEG, 240 KB or less, uploaded with your entry.
- Some embassies ask for one printed photo at the interview. Check the instructions for yours.
Two cautions
The visa page says low quality vending machine or mobile phone photos are not acceptable, so use a sharp, well-lit one. The State Department also offers a free photo tool for cropping, and an employee makes the final decision.
Framefare can replace a non-white background, but the State Department prefers original photos, so a real white wall or sheet is the safer route.
Common questions
What size is a DS-160 photo?
A square image from 600 × 600 to 1200 × 1200 pixels. Prints are 2 × 2 inches.
What is the maximum file size for DS-160?
240 KB.
Can I wear glasses in a DS-160 photo?
Not in new photos, except rare medical cases with a signed medical statement.
Does the photo need to be recent?
Yes, within the last 6 months. An embassy may ask for a new one if it does not reflect your appearance.
Sources
Rules checked October 21, 2026. Framefare is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of State, USCIS or any government agency, and cannot guarantee that your photo is accepted.