Photograph Size
The photo for each 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.
Photograph 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 must be in color, but must have only a 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.
- When more than one photo is required, all photos of the person must be identical. All photos must not be more than 30 days old when an application is filed.
Resolution and Quality
- High- resolution photography and printing are strongly recommended.
- Both conventional and digital photography are acceptable, and conventional or digital printing methods may be used.
- Resulting print should exhibit a continuous-tone quality regardless of the print method used (dye sublimation, ink jet, laser, etc.).
- Digitally printed photos should be produced without visible pixels or dot patterns.
- Fine facial features should be discernible.
- The entire face should be in focus.
- The photograph should be printed on thin photo-quality paper.
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