Digital image requirements
| Setting | Official general guidance | This preset |
|---|---|---|
| Shape and pixels | Square, 600–1200 pixels | 600 × 600 pixels |
| Format and size | JPEG, no more than 240 kB | JPEG, ≤ 240,000 bytes |
| Color | 24-bit sRGB | Browser canvas color output |
| Compression ratio | No more than 20:1 | Not an automatic compliance check |
Last verified: 2026-09. US Department of State digital image requirements. Follow the instructions for your specific application; Diversity Visa submissions have additional program requirements.
Choose the source carefully
Use the original photo, not a screenshot or a copy downloaded from a messaging app. Start with at least 600 pixels in both dimensions. The tool refuses smaller source images for this preset because adding pixels cannot recover missing detail.
Center your subject before adding the file. The crop does not detect faces, move the head or replace the background. Open the downloaded JPEG and compare its framing with the official composition examples.
File size is one part of the check
A green success message means the output meets the selected byte and pixel settings. It is not an approval of the photograph for a visa. If a file is rejected, check the application's error message and photo guidance before reducing quality further.
Other size limits
If another form explicitly asks for a smaller file, use the 100 KB image compressor or the 50 KB image compressor. Changing the limit does not make a photo suitable for a different official purpose.
Frequently asked questions
Does a successful result guarantee that my visa photo is accepted?
No. Success confirms the selected file-size and pixel settings. The tool does not check your face position, background or other composition requirements. Review the official instructions and the downloaded image before submitting.
Can I use a photo smaller than 600 pixels?
This preset requires a source at least 600 pixels wide and 600 pixels tall. Choose the original photograph if a copy is too small. Upscaling a small file would not recover the missing detail.
Does this automatically prepare a Diversity Visa entry?
No. This page is based on the general digital-image guidance. Follow the current instructions for the specific program, including its composition and image requirements.