DS-160 Photo Requirements (2026)
The DS-160 visa application requires a digital photo upload with strict technical specifications. Here are the exact requirements and how to fix common upload errors.
Quick answer
DS-160 photos must be 600×600 pixels minimum, JPEG format, under 240KB, in sRGB color space. Same 2x2 inch appearance as a US passport photo, but with stricter digital file requirements.
What is the DS-160?
The DS-160 is the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application required for all US nonimmigrant visas. If you're applying for a tourist visa (B1/B2), student visa (F1), work visa (H-1B), exchange visitor visa (J1), or any other nonimmigrant category, you'll complete the DS-160 at ceac.state.gov.
Part of the application requires uploading a digital photo that meets specific technical standards. This is where most applicants run into problems — the file requirements are stricter than most other government photo uploads.
Digital photo specifications
| Requirement | Value |
|---|---|
| Format | JPEG (.jpg) |
| Dimensions | 600×600 to 1200×1200 px |
| File size | 240 KB maximum |
| Color space | sRGB, 24-bit color |
| Compression | 20:1 maximum ratio |
Source: U.S. Department of State — Digital Image Requirements
Photo appearance requirements
The appearance standards for DS-160 photos are the same as US passport photos:
- ✓ 2x2 inches (51x51mm) when printed
- ✓ Plain white or off-white background
- ✓ Taken within the last 6 months
- ✓ Neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open
- ✓ No glasses or sunglasses
- ✓ Head size 1 to 1⅜ inches from chin to top of head
- ✓ Face centered, directly facing camera
- ✓ No hats or head coverings (except religious)
For detailed appearance guidelines, see our US visa photo guide or common rejection reasons.
Common DS-160 upload errors
If your photo is rejected during upload, here's what the error messages mean and how to fix them:
"Photo does not meet requirements"
Cause: File size exceeds 240KB, wrong dimensions, or non-JPEG format
Fix: Resize to exactly 600×600 pixels and compress to under 240KB
"Image could not be processed"
Cause: Wrong color profile — iPhones use Display P3, DS-160 requires sRGB
Fix: Convert color profile from Display P3 to sRGB before uploading
"File format not supported"
Cause: Photo is in HEIC/HEIF format (default on newer iPhones) instead of JPEG
Fix: Export or convert the photo to JPEG format
Photo shows "X" on confirmation page
Cause: Upload failed silently during form submission
Fix: Bring a printed 2×2" photo to your visa interview as backup
DS-160 vs passport photo: what's different?
The appearance requirements are identical. The differences are in the digital file specifications:
| Specification | DS-160 (Visa) | MyTravelGov (Passport) |
|---|---|---|
| Physical size | 2x2 inches | 2x2 inches |
| Pixel dimensions | 600-1200 px | 600-1200 px |
| Max file size | 240 KB | 10 MB |
| Color space | sRGB (24-bit) | sRGB |
| Background | White | White |
The key difference: DS-160 has a much stricter 240KB file size limit compared to the 10MB allowed for passport renewal. This is why photos that work for MyTravelGov often fail on the DS-160 form.
Which visa types use DS-160?
Travel & work
- • B1/B2 — Tourist and business visitors
- • H-1B — Specialty occupation workers
- • L — Intracompany transferees
- • O — Extraordinary ability
- • E-2 — Treaty investors
Education & exchange
- • F1 — Academic students
- • M — Vocational students
- • J1 — Exchange visitors
- • K — Fiancé(e) visas
- • R — Religious workers
Immigrant visas (green card) use Form DS-260 instead, but the photo requirements are similar. See our USCIS photo guide for immigration photos.
Stop getting DS-160 upload errors
Our tool outputs photos in exactly the right format: 600×600px JPEG, under 240KB, sRGB color profile, white background. Works for all nonimmigrant visa types.
Create DS-160 photo — $1Frequently asked questions
What size photo do I need for DS-160?
The DS-160 requires a square digital photo between 600x600 and 1200x1200 pixels, in JPEG format, under 240KB. The physical equivalent is a 2x2 inch (51x51mm) photo. The photo must be in sRGB color space with 24-bit color depth.
Why does my DS-160 photo keep getting rejected?
The most common causes are: file size over 240KB, wrong color profile (Display P3 from iPhones instead of sRGB), non-square dimensions, HEIC format instead of JPEG, background not white enough, or wearing glasses. Even if the automated tool accepts your photo, consular officers may reject it during manual review.
Is the DS-160 photo the same as a passport photo?
The physical appearance requirements are identical — 2x2 inches, white background, neutral expression, no glasses. The digital upload specifications are more restrictive for DS-160: maximum 240KB file size (vs 10MB for MyTravelGov passport renewal), and strict sRGB color space requirement.
What happens if my DS-160 photo upload fails?
If the upload fails, your DS-160 confirmation page will show an "X" instead of your photo. You must then bring one printed 2x2 inch photo to your visa interview along with the confirmation page. The embassy or consulate will attach the photo to your application.
Can I use a selfie for DS-160?
The State Department recommends against using phone selfies due to quality concerns. However, a phone photo can work if it meets all requirements: proper lighting, white background, correct dimensions, and sufficient quality. Our tool helps ensure compliance regardless of how the photo was taken.
Do I need to bring a printed photo to my visa interview?
It depends on the embassy or consulate. If your DS-160 photo uploaded successfully (photo shows on confirmation page), some locations don't require a printed copy. However, many embassies still ask for 1-2 printed photos. Check the specific instructions for your interview location.
Which visa types use the DS-160 form?
All nonimmigrant visa types use DS-160, including: B1/B2 (tourist/business), F1 (student), H-1B (work), J1 (exchange), L (intracompany transfer), O (extraordinary ability), and K (fiancé). Immigrant visas use DS-260 instead, but photo requirements are similar.
Related guides
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