US Visa Photo Requirements (for Indian Applicants)
| Size | 2×2 inches (51×51mm) |
| Background | Plain white only |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| DS-160 digital | 600×600px to 1200×1200px, JPEG, max 240KB |
| Recency | Within last 6 months |
US Visa Photo Requirements for Indian Applicants
Applying for a US visa (B1/B2, F1, H1B, or other categories) from India? Your DS-160 application requires a digital photo meeting specific requirements. Get it wrong and your application may be delayed. Here's exactly what you need.
The Key Point
US visa photos are 2×2 inches (51×51mm) square—the same size as Indian passport photos. The critical requirements: no glasses, white background only, and digital file must be 600×600px minimum, under 240KB.
Photo Requirements Apply to All US Visa Types
The same photo specifications apply whether you're applying for:
B1/B2
Tourist/Business
F1
Student
H1B
Work
L1
Transfer
J1
Exchange
K1
Fiancé(e)
All non-immigrant and immigrant visa categories use the same 2×2 inch photo requirement.
DS-160 Digital Photo Requirements
When completing your DS-160 online application, you must upload a digital photo. The requirements are strict:
File format: JPEG only
No PNG, BMP, or other formats accepted. Must be .jpg or .jpeg file.
Resolution: 600×600 to 1200×1200 pixels
Square format only. The system will reject rectangular images.
File size: Under 240KB
If your photo is too large, it must be compressed. Our tool handles this automatically.
Background: White only
Plain white or off-white. The DS-160 system may reject photos with shadows or colored backgrounds.
No glasses
Strictly prohibited since 2016. Even prescription glasses must be removed.
Pro tip: Complete DS-160 on a computer, not mobile. Photo upload often fails on mobile browsers. Save your application frequently—the system times out after 20 minutes of inactivity.
Where to Get US Visa Photos in India
You have several options for getting compliant photos:
- • Local photo studios: ₹80-200, but many don't provide digital files—ask specifically for DS-160 format
- • VFS Global centres: ₹250-350, includes digital file
- • Online tools: Take at home, get digital file formatted for DS-160
The most important thing is getting the digital file in the correct format—600×600px to 1200×1200px, JPEG, under 240KB. Without this, you can't complete your DS-160 application.
Common US Visa Photo Mistakes
These issues commonly cause DS-160 photo rejection or delays at the interview:
Wearing glasses
Even clear prescription glasses. This is the #1 rejection reason.
Wrong file size
DS-160 strictly requires 600×600px to 1200×1200px and under 240KB.
Non-white background
Shadows, colored walls, or gray backgrounds will be rejected.
Photo too old
Must be taken within 6 months and reflect current appearance.
Wrong head size
Head must be 50-69% of photo height. Too close or too far away gets rejected.
US Consulate Interview Tips
For your visa interview at the US Consulate (Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, or Kolkata):
- ✓ Bring 2 printed photos (2×2 inch) even though you uploaded digitally—some consulates request them
- ✓ DS-160 confirmation page with barcode
- ✓ Passport valid for 6+ months beyond intended stay
- ✓ Interview appointment confirmation
- ✓ Supporting documents based on visa type (offer letters, I-20, bank statements, etc.)
Important: The photo you bring to the interview must match the one you uploaded to DS-160. Use the same photo for both.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size photo do I need for US visa from India?
US visa photos must be 2×2 inches (51×51mm). This is a square format, different from Indian passport photos (51×51mm square but with different head positioning requirements). For DS-160 digital upload: 600×600 to 1200×1200 pixels, JPEG format, under 240KB.
Can I wear glasses in my US visa photo?
No. Since November 2016, glasses are not permitted in US visa photos unless you have a signed medical statement. Remove glasses before taking your photo, even prescription glasses.
Where can I get US visa photos in India?
You can get them at VFS Global centres, local photo studios (₹80-200), or online. Our tool costs $1 (~₹83) and creates both the digital file for DS-160 and a printable sheet for your interview.
What digital format is required for DS-160?
JPEG format, minimum 600×600 pixels, maximum 1200×1200 pixels. File size must be under 240KB. Square format only. Our tool automatically creates the correct size and compresses to meet the file size limit.
Do I need photos for the US visa interview?
Technically, you upload your photo digitally when completing DS-160. However, it's recommended to bring 2 printed photos to your interview as backup. Some consulates may request them.
Can I use my Indian passport photo for US visa?
While both are 51×51mm, the requirements differ slightly. US visas require a white background (Indian accepts light backgrounds), and glasses are strictly prohibited for US visas. It's safer to take a fresh photo meeting US requirements.
Related Pages
Need a 51×51mm US visa photo?
Create US Visa PhotoSources: US Department of State, DS-160 Application