Make US Visa Photo (DS-160)

A critical rule change implemented in 2016 prohibits the wearing of eyeglasses in US visa photos. This is the most common reason for rejection. You must remove your glasses to ensure your eyes are clearly visible without glare or refraction. Even if you wear glasses every day, they must be removed for the photo.

Exceptions for eyewear are extremely rare and are only granted for urgent medical reasons, such as recent ocular surgery. In such cases, you must submit a medical statement signed by a medical professional. Even with this exception, the frames must not cover your eyes, and there must be no glare on the lenses.

Regarding clothing, you should wear your normal daily outfit. Uniforms, or clothing that looks like a uniform, are not permitted unless it is religious attire worn daily. Do not wear a hat or head covering unless it is for religious purposes. If worn, the head covering must not cast shadows on your face, and your full face must remain visible.

Your photo must capture a full-face view facing the camera directly. Do not tilt your head to the side or look down. The head must be centered in the frame, occupying between 50% and 69% of the image's total height.

Maintain a neutral facial expression with both eyes open. This means no smiling, frowning, or grimacing. A neutral expression is crucial for facial recognition software to accurately process your biometric data. Avoid exaggerated expressions that distort your facial features.

The photo must be taken in front of a plain white or off-white background. No patterns, textures, or other objects should be visible behind you. It is often best to wear darker clothing to create a clear contrast between yourself and the white background.

Lighting is equally important. The photo must be evenly lit to avoid shadows on your face or the background. Shadows in the eye sockets or under the chin can cause rejection. Ensure there is no red-eye effect in the final image.

When photographing a baby or toddler, no other person should be in the photo. If you are holding the child, your hands must not be visible. The child should be looking at the camera with their eyes open.

A helpful tip is to lay the baby on their back on a plain white sheet. This supports the head and provides the correct background automatically. Alternatively, you can cover a car seat with a plain white sheet and take the picture there. Ensure no shadows fall on the baby's face.