Attachment 1 - General Photo Requirements
The photograph for each visa applicant must be an unmounted, full face photo, as described
below
• The photograph must have been taken within the last six months
• The photograph should be attached to the appropriate DS-230 with a paper clip.
Photo Size
• The photo for each visa applicant submitted must measure:
o 2 by 2 inches (roughly 50 mm square) with the head centered in the frame.
o The head (measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin) should
measure between 1 inch to 1 3/8 inches (25 mm to 35 mm) with the eye level between
I 1/8 inch to 1 3/8 inches (28 mm and 35 mm) from the bottom of the photo.
Photo Appearance
• The photograph must be a full-face view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera
~~. .
• The applicant should not look down or to either side, and the face should cover about 50
percent of the photo area.
• Side or angled views are NOT accepted.
• The photograph should be in color and must be taken against a white or off-white
background. Photos with dark, busy, or patterned backgrounds will not be accepted.
• In general, the applicant's head, including both face and hair, should be shown from the
crown of the head to the tip of the chin on top and bottom and from hairline side-to-side. It is
preferable that ears be exposed.
• Head coverings and hats are only acceptable due to religious beliefs, and even then, may not
cover any portion of the applicant's face.
• Sunglasses or other wear which detracts from the face are not acceptable unless required for
medical reasons (an eye patch, for example).
• A photograph depicting a person wearing a traditional facemask or veil that does not permit
adequate identification is not acceptable.
• Photos of military, airline or other personnel wearing hats are not acceptable. Photographs of
applicants wearing tribal, national costume, or other headgear not specifically religious in
nature are not acceptable.
Digital Photos
Digitally reproduced photographs must be reproduced without discernible pixels or dot patterns.
Photocopied photographs are NOT accepted.
