CVS Visa Photo: Price, Service & Smarter Alternative

CVS charges $16.99-$17.99 for visa photos (same as passport photos). Here's how to get the same compliant photo for $1.

Key Fact

US visa photos and passport photos are identical—same 2x2" size, same requirements. CVS doesn't have a separate "visa photo" service; just ask for passport photos.

What Visa Photos Do You Need?

DS-160 (Nonimmigrant Visa: B1/B2, F1, H1B, etc.)

• Digital upload: 600×600 to 1200×1200 pixels, JPEG, max 240KB
• Printed backup: Bring 2 photos to interview (in case upload failed)

DS-260 (Immigrant Visa / Green Card via Consulate)

• Required: 2 printed photos at interview (mandatory)
• Size: 2×2 inches on photo-quality paper

USCIS Forms (I-485, I-765, I-131)

• Required: 2 photos per form (same specs as passport)
• Recency: USCIS prefers within 30 days of filing

CVS Visa Photo Service

Pricing

2 printed photos $16.99-$17.99
Digital copy (add-on) +$3.99
4 photos (for USCIS) ~$21-$25

What's Included

Staff takes your photo
2 printed 2×2" photos
Ready in 10-15 minutes
Free retakes if rejected

The Problem with CVS for Visa Photos

No digital file by default
DS-160 requires a digital upload. CVS charges $3.99 extra for a digital copy.
Only 2 photos included
USCIS applications need 2 photos per form. Filing I-485 + I-765 + I-131? That's 6 photos = multiple CVS visits or $20+ extra.
Can't verify before paying
You pay first, then hope the photo is compliant. If it's rejected by USCIS or DS-160, you need to return to CVS.
$17 × family = expensive
Family of 4 applying for visas? That's $68-$72 just for photos at CVS.

CVS vs 1 Dollar Passport Photo

	CVS	1 Dollar Passport Photo
Price	$16.99-$17.99	$1.00
Digital file included	+$3.99 extra	Yes, free
Printed photos	2	6 (on 4×6 sheet)
DS-160 compatible	With $3.99 add-on	Yes, auto-formatted
Preview before paying	No	Yes
Background removal	White backdrop only	AI removes any background
Family of 4 cost	$68-$72	$4.00

Your savings vs CVS

$15.64

That's 92% off CVS prices

$1.00 + $0.35 CVS printing = $1.35 total for 6 photos + digital file

How to Get Visa Photos for $1.35

Take a photo

Use your phone against any background. Our AI removes it and adds compliant white.

Get both formats ($1)

Digital file for DS-160 upload + printable 4×6 sheet with 6 photos.

Print at CVS ($0.35)

Upload to CVS Photo, select 4×6 print, pick up same day.

CVS Visa Photo FAQ

Does CVS take visa photos?

Yes. CVS passport photo service works for US visa photos too—they have identical requirements (2x2 inches, white background). The service costs $16.99-$17.99 for 2 photos. Just ask for "passport photos" since they're the same thing.

Are CVS photos accepted for DS-160 visa applications?

Yes, CVS photos meet State Department requirements for DS-160 applications when taken correctly. However, for online DS-160 submission, you need a digital file (600x600 to 1200x1200 pixels, max 240KB). CVS charges extra for digital copies.

Can I use CVS photos for USCIS applications (green card, EAD)?

Yes. US passport, visa, green card, and EAD photos all use the same 2x2 inch format. CVS photos work for I-485 (green card), I-765 (EAD), I-131 (travel document), and DV Lottery applications.

How much does CVS charge for visa photos?

CVS charges $16.99-$17.99 for 2 printed photos. Digital copy costs an extra $3.99. If you need 4 photos (common for USCIS), you'll pay around $21-$25 total.

Can I print my own visa photo at CVS?

Yes! Create your photo with our $1 tool, then print the 4×6 sheet at CVS for $0.35. You get 6 photos for $1.35 total—saving over $15 compared to CVS visa photo service.

What if my DS-160 upload fails?

If your photo won't upload to DS-160, bring 2 printed photos to your visa interview as backup. The consulate will use the printed photos if the digital upload failed. Our tool provides both digital (for DS-160) and printable formats.

Skip the CVS Line. Get Your Visa Photo for $1.

Digital file for DS-160 + printable sheet with 6 photos. AI-powered compliance check included.

Get Started

Select country and document type

Country

Document Type

Only $1 - Free preview before payment

Then print at CVS for $0.35 if needed