DS-160

DS-160photo tool

Align, crop and check your photo. It never leaves your device.

DS-160 DS-160 photo tool

DS-160 photo tool

Choose a photo
Align your face
Download

The photo tool needs JavaScript. Please turn it on, or use the official photo rules in the guide.

Your photo stays with you

All cropping and checks run in your browser. Nothing is uploaded, stored or sent to VISADOX or anyone else.

A tool can check sizes and framing, but not every rule. The consular officer decides whether a photo is accepted.

What the tool takes care of

Square format
Size between 600 × 600 and 1200 × 1200 pixels
File size up to 240 KB
Head height 50% to 69% of the image, set by your alignment
Plain, light background around the head
Enough detail in the original photo

Read the guide

Common reasons photos are rejected

Head too large or too small: From chin to top of head, your head must fill 50% to 69% of the image height. Align it with the lines instead of guessing.
Background not plain: A wall that looks white can still carry a shadow or a colour tint. Stand about half a metre in front of a plain white or off-white wall.
Shadows on the face: One light from above leaves shadows under the eyes and chin. Face a window in daylight and avoid direct flash.
Glasses: Glasses are not allowed in visa photos, except in rare medical cases with a signed statement.
Filters and edits: Beauty filters, smoothing and background replacement can lead to rejection. Turn off automatic enhancement on your phone.
Old photo: The photo must be taken within the last six months and show how you look today, even if an earlier photo was accepted before.

Questions

Does this tool change my face or background?

No. It only crops, resizes and saves the file. Changing your face or background would itself be a reason for rejection, so if the background is wrong, the tool tells you to retake the photo.

Does a passing check guarantee acceptance?

No. The tool checks measurable rules. Expression, lighting and quality are judged by CEAC and by the consular officer.

Can I use a phone photo?

Yes, if the light is even, the background is plain and the camera is straight in front of you. Ask someone else to take it; selfies at arm's length distort the face.

Do I also need a printed photo?

Usually the digital photo is enough. If the upload fails, the confirmation page shows a placeholder instead of your photo; then bring a printed photo of 5 × 5 cm (2 × 2 inches) to the interview.