Nonimmigrant
Visa Photograph Requirements
The photograph format required for the nonimmigrant visa
has changed. This format is similar to that required for U.S. passport
processing.
Photographers can select Photography
Guide for detailed information to assist in preparing quality photographs.
Applicants, submit your Nonimmigrant Visa Application,
DS-156 with the new photo format, as explained below.
General
- The photograph
for each visa applicant must be an unmounted, full face photo, as described
below
- The photograph
must have been taken within the last six months
- One (1) photograph
must be submitted stapled or glued to the application DS-156
Photo Size
The photo for each
visa applicant submitted must measure:
- 2 by 2 inches
(roughly 50 mm square) with the head centered in the frame.
- The head (measured
from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin) should measure between
1 inch to 1 3/8 inches (25 mm to 35 mm) with the eye level between 1
1/8 inch to 1 3/8 inches (28 mm and 35 mm) from the bottom of the photo
Photo Appearance
- The photograph
must be a full-face view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera
directly.
- The applicant should
not look down or to either side, and the face should cover about 50
percent of the photo area.
- Side or angled
views are NOT accepted.
- The photograph
may be in color or black and white, but must have only a white or off-white
background. Photos with dark, busy, or patterned backgrounds will not
be accepted.
- In general, the
applicant's head, including both face and hair, should be shown from
the crown of the head to the tip of the chin on top and bottom and from
hairline side-to-side. It is preferable that ears be exposed.
- Head coverings
and hats are only acceptable due to religious beliefs, and even then,
may not cover any portion of the applicant's face.
- Sunglasses or other
wear which detracts from the face are not acceptable unless required
for medical reasons (an eye patch, for example).
- A photograph depicting
a person wearing a traditional facemask or veil that does not permit
adequate identification is not acceptable.
- Photos of military,
airline, or other personnel wearing hats are not acceptable. Photographs
of applicants wearing tribal, national costume, or other headgear not
specifically religious in nature are not acceptable.
Digital Photos
Digitally reproduced
photographs must be reproduced without discernible pixels or dot patterns.
Photocopied photographs are NOT accepted.
Attaching the Photo
to the DS-156
- Staple or glue
the one photograph to the DS-156 in the designated space. If the photograph
is stapled, staples should be placed as far away as possible from the
applicant's face.
- Do not enclose
photographs in glassine or other types of envelopes. The photograph
must be stapled or glued properly to the DS-156 in the designated space.
March 2003
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