Getting your visa photo right is crucial when applying for a US visa, and understanding the USA visa photo requirements for Indians is essential for a successful application. For Indian applicants, these photo specifications differ from regular passport photos and must meet precise standards set by the US embassy.
Meeting these exacting requirements helps ensure your visa application process moves forward smoothly, preventing unnecessary delays or potential rejections due to incorrect photo submissions.
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USA Visa Photo Requirements
The US embassy requires specific photo submissions based on visa type and application method:
| Visa Type | Photo Form | Quantity | Format | File Size |
| Tourist (B1/B2) | Electronic | 1 | JPEG | Max 240 KB |
| Tourist (B1/B2) | Printout | 1 | 2×2 inches | N/A |
USA Visa Photo Size, Age & Background
Essential specifications for your US visa photo include:
Size Requirements:
- Square format measuring 51mm x 51mm (2 inches x 2 inches)
- Digital dimensions: Minimum 600 x 600 pixels; Maximum 1200 x 1200 pixels
- Head height between 25mm and 35mm (or 50-69% of image height)
- Face centered in frame
- Equal margins on all sides
Photo Age and Quality:
- Taken within last 6 months
- No digital alterations permitted
- High-resolution image required
Paper Specifications:
- Both matte and glossy finishes accepted
- No creases or damage allowed
- Clear, sharp image essential
- Professional printing recommended
Background Standards:
- Plain white or off-white only
- No patterns or textures
- No shadows visible
Lighting Requirements:
- Balanced front illumination
- Natural skin tone visible
- No red-eye effect
- Professional studio lighting preferred
Face Position and Size:
- Head height 50-69% of image height
- Face perfectly centered
- Both ears visible if possible
- Natural head position
- Shoulders straight and visible
Expression Guidelines:
- Neutral expression mandatory
- No smiling permitted
- Eyes clearly open
- Direct gaze at camera
- Natural mouth position
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USA Visa Photo Attire & Accessories
Attire
- Regular daily clothing required
- No uniforms unless religious
- Avoid white or very light colors
- Shoulders must be covered
- No busy patterns or prints
Accessories
Glasses/Spectacles
- Clear prescription glasses only
- No tinted lenses allowed
- No glare on lenses
- Frames must not cover eyes
- Consider removing if possible
Health Accessories
- Hearing aids permitted
- Medical devices allowed
- Must not obstruct face
- Regular items only
- Documentation may be required
Jewelry
- Small, non-distracting pieces only
- No reflective items
- Regular wedding bands accepted
- Minimal facial jewelry
- Nothing casting shadows
Headwear
- Religious items only
- Must show full face
- No decorative items
- Face fully visible
- Documentation needed for religious wear
Makeup
- Natural everyday makeup only
- No heavy cosmetics
- Regular appearance maintained
- No dramatic effects
- Subtle and minimal
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USA Visa Photo Requirements for Children under 1 year
Requirements
- Recent photo within the last six month
- Eyes may be closed for babies under one year
- Baby only in frame
- White sheet background acceptable
- No visible support
- Natural head position
- Clear facial features without shadows
- 2×2 inches standard size applies
- Professional photos recommended
- No toys or pacifiers
USA Visa Photo Requirements for Children under 10 Years
Requirements
- 2 x 2 inches standard size photo
- Eyes must be open
- Neutral expression preferred
- No other person visible
- Standard background required
- Solo photograph only
- Natural pose essential
- Recent photo of minimum last 6 months is mandatory
- Clear facial features
- Professional quality needed
- No support visible
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Reasons for USA Visa Photo Rejections
Size and Format Issues
- Incorrect 2×2 inch dimensions not precisely followed
- Digital photos below minimum 600×600 and maximum 1200×1200 pixels requirement
- Wrong aspect ratio submission instead of perfect square
- Head size outside the 50-69% height requirement range
- Improper cropping affecting overall composition
- Digital file exceeding maximum 240KB size limit
- Poor resolution affecting image clarity and detail
- Non-compliant print size for physical submission
Background Problems
- Non-white or cream-colored backgrounds used instead of white
- Visible patterns or textures in the background area
- Visible objects or decorations in background
- Color variations in supposedly white background
- Textured walls used instead of proper backdrop
Lighting Deficiencies
- Harsh shadows appearing on face or background
- Overexposed areas losing facial detail
- Underexposed sections obscuring features
- Flash reflection causing red-eye effect
- Poor contrast affecting feature visibility
Expression and Pose Issues
- Subject smiling instead of neutral expression
- Eyes not directly facing the camera
- Head tilted or turned from center
- Closed or partially closed eyes
- Mouth open or teeth visible
- Looking away from camera center
- Unnatural facial expressions shown
- Improper head positioning affecting overall look
Quality Concerns
- No digital alterations allowed
- Blurry or unfocused image submitted
- Visible pixelation in digital photos
- Poor color reproduction affecting skin tone
- Visible digital compression artifacts
- Low resolution affecting overall clarity
- Improper printing quality issues
- Paper damage or creases visible
- Non-professional quality obvious
Suggested Read: How to Check USA Visa Status in India
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FAQs
What is the standard size for visa photos for my application as an Indian citizen in the USA?
USA visa photos must be exactly 2×2 inches (51x51mm) in a square format for all Indian applicants.
Can you use a photo with a coloured background for your USA visa application?
Only white or off-white backgrounds are acceptable; any other colors will result in automatic rejection.
Are glasses allowed in visa photos?
Clear prescription glasses without glare are allowed, but it’s recommended to remove them unless medically required.
What facial expression should you have in your visa photo?
Maintain a neutral expression with closed mouth and open eyes; smiling is not permitted in USA visa photos.
What should you do if your visa photo is rejected?
If your photo is rejected, visit a professional studio and ensure it meets all requirements including size, background, lighting, and expression.
Are there specific requirements for infant visa photos?
For infant photos, use a recent photo (within one month) with the baby awake if possible, no visible support hands, and standard size on a white background to meet USA visa photo requirements for Indians.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general guidance. Visa regulations can change, so it’s always a good idea to check the official USA immigration website or consult with a professional for the most current information.
