US Visa
Free US Visa Photo Checker for DS-160 | Online Validator 2025
Free online US visa photo validator for DS-160 application. Ensure your 600x600px photo meets embassy requirements: white background, neutral expression, no glasses. Instant compliance check before upload. Avoid DS-160 rejection.
Last updated Dec 1, 2025
Official DS-160 Photo Requirements
The US Department of State has strict requirements for photos uploaded to the CEAC (Consular Electronic Application Center) portal. Your photo must be a recent color photo taken within the last 6 months.
- Dimensions: Square aspect ratio, minimum 600x600 pixels, maximum 1200x1200 pixels.
- File Size: Must be less than 240 KB (kilobytes). Ideally between 54KB and 240KB.
- Background: Plain white or off-white. No shadows, textures, or lines.
- Head Size: Head must be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (22mm - 35mm), or 50% to 69% of the image's total height.
- Eyes: Both eyes must be open and clearly visible. Eye level should be 56-69% from the bottom.
Digital Image Specifications
The DS-160 form uses automated checks to validate uploaded photos. Ensure your file meets these technical specs:
- File Format: JPEG (.jpg) only.
- Color Space: sRGB (24 bits per pixel).
- Compression: Compression ratio should be ≤ 20:1 to avoid artifacts.
- No Retouching: Do not digitally alter your appearance (no skin smoothing, background replacement filters, or changing eye color).
Top Rejection Reasons
Avoid these common mistakes that lead to DS-160 upload errors or visa interview delays:
- Glasses: NOT allowed since 2016 (even prescription glasses). Remove them.
- Shadows: Heavy shadows behind the head or on the face (often from side lighting) will cause rejection.
- Low Resolution: Photos that are blurry, pixelated, or have compression artifacts.
- Bad Background: Backgrounds that are not pure white (e.g., cream, light blue, or textured walls).
- Expression: Smiling is not recommended. Maintain a neutral expression with mouth closed.
Why Use Our Free US Visa Photo Checker?
Our AI-powered tool is specifically calibrated for the CEAC portal's strict validation algorithms. Avoid DS-160 upload errors and embassy rejection:
- Automatic cropping to 600x600 pixels with correct head sizing (50-69%).
- Smart compression to <240KB without losing facial clarity.
- AI background removal - Replaces any background with compliant plain white.
- Shadow and lighting issue detection.
- Head tilt and alignment verification.
- 30-day money-back guarantee if rejected by DS-160 form.
Photo Examples
✓ Correct
Correct US Visa photo: 600x600px, plain white background, neutral expression, no glasses
✗ Incorrect
Incorrect US Visa photo: Wearing glasses, shadow on background, smiling, off-white background