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United States Visa Photo Maker

Upload any photo — the tool removes your existing background, drops in the plain white background required for United States visa, and produces a spec-exact 51×51mm image ready to submit.

AI background removal plain white background applied Exact 51×51mm output
Drop your photo here
or click anywhere in this box to choose a photo

JPG, PNG, or HEIC · Max 10 MB on Free · Face forward, eyes on the camera.

100% private — deleted after processing No sign-up to preview Spec-exact 51×51mm output

How to make a United States visa photo in 3 steps

Upload any photo of yourself, and the tool handles the entire United States visa spec pipeline — background removal, colour swap, spec-exact crop, file-size compression — in one pass.

1

Upload any photo of yourself

Use your phone or webcam against any background — a plain wall, a cluttered room, an office. The tool segments you from whatever is behind you, so you don't need a plain white backdrop before shooting.

2

Background is removed and replaced

The AI detects your face and body, removes the original background, and composites you onto the plain white required for United States visa applications. Hair and clothing edges are preserved.

3

Auto-crop to 51×51mm and download

Your face is auto-positioned within the 51×51mm frame at 300 DPI, and the output JPEG stays under 240 KB. Drag the crop box to fine-tune the position if needed.

Understanding the United States visa spec

The DS-160 (nonimmigrant visa) and DS-260 (immigrant visa) applications both require a 2×2 inch color photograph uploaded digitally. The photo must be JPEG format, between 54 KB and 240 KB, with a plain white background. The same photo specifications apply to all US visa categories — B1/B2 tourist, F1 student, H-1B work, and L-1 intra-company transfer.

Dimensions
51×51 mm
2.0 × 2.0 in
Resolution
300 DPI
Print-ready
Background
plain white
AI-swapped
Head height
25–35 mm
Chin to crown

Requirements at a glance

  • 2x2 inches (600x600 pixels at 300 DPI)
  • Plain white background
  • JPEG format, colour
  • Taken within the last 6 months
  • Head between 1 and 1-3/8 inches from bottom of chin to top of head
  • No glasses
  • File size under 240 KB for DS-160 upload

Common mistakes that get photos rejected

  • File over 240 KB — DS-160 uploader silently rejects
  • JPG saved with non-sRGB colour profile
  • Glasses or tinted lenses
  • Off-centre head position

Where United States visa photos are actually used

The DS-160 uploader silently rejects files over 240 KB — it just says "photo does not meet requirements" without specifying why. JPEGs saved with a non-sRGB color profile (common with Adobe Lightroom exports) also fail. This tool outputs sRGB JPEG under 240 KB by default.

Applications that accept this photo spec

  • DS-160 nonimmigrant visa (B1/B2 tourist, F1 student, H-1B, L-1, etc.)
  • DS-260 immigrant visa (Diversity Visa lottery winners, family-based)
  • K-1 fiancé visa petition
  • Green Card (I-485 Adjustment of Status)
  • Consular interview — bring two printed copies as backup

United States visa photo FAQ

What size is a United States visa photo?

51×51mm (2.0×2.0 inches) at 300 DPI, on a plain white background. The head must measure 25-35mm from chin to the top of the head.

What background color does United States require for visa photos?

Plain white. Photos on the wrong background — cream, beige, colored, or textured — are the most common reason for rejection. This tool automatically replaces your background with the correct one.

Can I take a United States visa photo with my phone?

Yes. Modern phone cameras produce more than enough resolution for the 51×51mm output. What matters is even lighting (no harsh shadows on your face), a straight-on angle, and a neutral expression. This tool handles the background and sizing.

What is the file size limit for United States visa photo uploads?

Most United States portals accept files up to 240 KB. This tool automatically compresses the output JPEG to stay under that limit while preserving the required 300 DPI resolution. If your specific portal has a stricter cap, use our Image Compressor to reduce further.

Is my uploaded photo saved on your servers?

No. Your photo is processed in memory and never stored on disk. The AI background removal runs server-side (the model is too large for a browser), but the input image is discarded immediately after processing. Nothing is logged, saved, or shared.

Can I print the United States visa photo at home?

Yes. The output is a 300 DPI JPEG at exactly 51×51mm, so any inkjet or laser printer produces the correct physical size when you print at 100% scale (not "fit to page"). Use the 4×6 print sheet option to get multiple copies on one sheet of photo paper.

Do I need to sign up or pay?

No sign-up required for basic use. Guests get 2 photos per day; free accounts get 3 per day. For higher volume, Pro plans unlock unlimited photos.

What if the background removal is not perfect?

The AI handles hair, clothing edges, and skin tones well for the vast majority of photos. If you see an edge artifact, try re-uploading with better lighting — indirect natural light from a window works best. You can also skip the background swap and crop only.
Reviewed by Editorial team Updated