Rule
The photograph of each visa applicant must be an un-mounted, full-face photo, taken within the
past six months. A “full face” photo is one in which the applicant is facing the camera directly.
The applicant should not be looking down or to either side, and the face should cover about 50
percent of the area of the photo. Although variations in hair styles and in head coverings make it
difficult to rigorously define the term “face”, 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. The key
requirement is that the photograph clearly identify the applicant. The photograph should measure
2 inches square (roughly 50 mm square) 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 1 inch to 1 3/8 inches
(25 mm to 35 mm) with the eye level between 1 1/8 inch to 1 3/8 inches (28 mm and 35 mm)
from the bottom of the photo. Photos may be either in color or black and white and must be taken
against a white or off-white background. Photos should be printed without borders. Photos
should be stapled or glued to Form DS-156, Nonimmigrant Visa Application. If the photograph is
stapled, the staples should be placed as far away as possible from the applicant’s face. Photos
taken in front of busy, patterned, or dark backgrounds will not be accepted.
Note that guidance concerning headcoverings remains unchanged. Headcoverings are acceptable
only under very limited circumstances and then only when the applicant’s face is completely
exposed.
