Non-immigrant Visa Photograph Requirements

The photograph must be:

• taken within the last six months;
• stapled or glued to the application DS-156;
• 5 cm square (roughly 2 inches) 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 2,5 and 3,5 cm (1 & 1 3/8 inches) with the eye level between 2,8 and 3,5 cm (1 & 1/8 inch to 1 & 3/8 inches) from the bottom of the photograph;
• in color, or black and white against a white background. Photographs taken in front of busy, patterned or dark backgrounds are not acceptable;
• unmounted, full face, with the face covering about 50% of the area of the photograph. Applicant must face the camera directly and should not look down or to either side. In general, the head of the applicant, 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 hair-line side-to-side. It is preferable that the 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; Head-coverings are acceptable only when the applicant's face is completely exposed.