Visa Photo & Green Card Photo Requirements
One Photo Format, Many Applications
The U.S. government uses the same 2×2 inch photo format for passports, visas, green cards, and most immigration documents. If your photo meets U.S. passport standards, it works for all of these applications.
Kindro's free photo tool creates photos that comply with requirements for all U.S. immigration documents.
U.S. Visa Photo Requirements
Whether you're applying for a tourist visa (B-1/B-2), work visa (H-1B), or student visa (F-1), the photo requirements are the same:
- Size: 2×2 inches (51×51 mm)
- White or off-white background
- Taken within the last 6 months
- Color photo (no black and white)
- Full face, front view, eyes open
- No glasses, hats, or head coverings (religious exceptions apply)
Green Card (Permanent Resident) Photos
Green card applications (Form I-485, Adjustment of Status) require two identical photos. The specifications match passport photos exactly:
- 2×2 inches with head height between 1 and 1-3/8 inches
- Plain white background
- Taken within the last 30 days (stricter than the passport 6-month rule)
- Write your name and A-number on the back in pencil
DV Lottery (Diversity Visa) Photo
The Diversity Visa lottery has specific digital photo requirements:
- Digital format: 600×600 pixels (minimum)
- File format: JPEG (.jpg)
- File size: under 240 KB
- Same composition rules as passport photos
Kindro generates a 600×600 pixel digital photo that meets these requirements.
Naturalization (Form N-400) Photos
When applying for U.S. citizenship, you need two identical passport-style photos. USCIS uses the same 2×2 inch format. These photos must reflect your current appearance — take a new photo even if your passport photo is recent.
Other Countries Using 2×2 Photos
Several countries accept the U.S. 2×2 inch format or very similar dimensions:
- Philippines — 2×2 inches for passports and visas
- India — 2×2 inches for U.S. visa applications
- Vietnam — 2×2 inches for U.S. visa applications
- Mexico — similar size for consular documents