Wrong photo specs cause delays for tens of thousands of applicants annually. Each application type has different requirements: USCIS forms, DV Lottery, U.S. passport, immigrant visa. Below: every spec, every common mistake, every disqualifier.
USCIS application photos (passport-style)
- Size: 2 inches × 2 inches
- Head size: 1 inch to 1⅜ inches from chin to top of head (50-69% of image)
- Eye position: 1⅛ to 1⅜ inches from bottom of photo
- Background: White or off-white, plain
- Recency: Within 30 days of submission
- Format: Color, glossy or matte (printed), JPEG (digital uploads)
- Two identical copies required for most paper filings
DV Lottery photos
- Format: JPEG (.jpg)
- Dimensions: 600×600 pixels minimum, square (1:1)
- File size: Maximum 240 KB
- Color depth: 24-bit color
- Recency: Within 6 months
U.S. passport photos
- Size: 2 inches × 2 inches
- Head size: Same as USCIS (1 to 1⅜ inches)
- Background: White or off-white
- Format: Color, printed on photo paper
- Recency: Within 6 months
What disqualifies any of these photos
- Glasses (banned since 2016 for all U.S. travel and immigration documents)
- Hats or head coverings — exceptions only for daily religious wear (must show full face)
- Headphones, wireless devices visible
- Uniforms (military, work, etc.)
- Smiling broadly — neutral expression required
- Heavy makeup that obscures features
- Filters, beauty modes, digital alterations
- Shadows on face or background
- Multiple people, pets, or background objects
- Lens distortion from selfies taken too close
- Eyes closed, partially closed, or red-eye
- Tilted head — must face camera directly
Religious head coverings
Permitted if worn daily for religious reasons. The face must be fully visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead, and from ear to ear. No shadows from the covering can fall on the face. Submit a signed statement explaining the religious basis.
Photo for visually impaired applicants
Hearing aids and similar visible aids are permitted. Eye patches require a written statement.
Where to get photos taken
- USPS Post Offices ($15-20)
- CVS, Walgreens, Costco (varies)
- FedEx Office, UPS Store
- Professional photographers (more expensive but higher accuracy)
- Embassy-authorized photo studios when abroad
Avoid printing your own at home unless you have professional photo paper and color-calibrated printing. Cheap prints fade and discolor — common rejection reason.