DV lottery

Specifications

FAQ

Bullets are grouped from this country’s requirement text and spec fields. If a topic has no matching lines in our data, we show common international-style guidance—always confirm with your issuer.

1.Photo basics & quality▼

• Final print size for this preset: 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm).
• In addition to the digital image requirements, your existing photo must be:
• Diversity Visa Program Entrants
• If you are entering the Diversity Visa (DV) Program online, you must upload your digital image as part of your entry. Your digital image must be:
• Do you want to scan an existing photo? In addition to the digital image requirements, your existing photo must be:
• Each DV applicant will need to bring two (2) identical photos to the interview. Your photos must be:
• Taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance
• Taken in full-face view directly facing the camera
• 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
• Scanned at a resolution of 300 pixels per inch (12 pixels per millimeter)
• In JPEG (.jpg) file format
• Equal to or less than 240 kB (kilobytes) in file size
• In a square aspect ratio (height must equal width)
• 600x600 pixels in dimension
• Printed on photo quality paper
• Always confirm the latest rules with the official issuing authority or online application portal before you submit.
• Printed dimensions for this preset: 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm), 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm).
• Suggested print resolution: 600 DPI (confirm with your issuer).
• Typical digital dimensions when specified: 600 × 600 px (confirm upload requirements).
• A printable physical photo may be required for this document type (when applicable).
• Online submission with a digital file may be required (check the current application flow).
• Photo paper when printing: matte.

2.Pose & expression▼

• Sized such that the head is between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (22 mm and 35 mm) or 50% and 69% of the image's total height from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
• With a neutral facial expression and both eyes open
• Head size in frame: Head must be between 1 -1 3/8 inches (25 - 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head

3.Attire & accessories▼

• Taken in clothing that you normally wear on a daily basis
• Uniforms should not be worn in your photo, except religious clothing that is worn daily.
• Do not wear a hat or head covering that obscures the hair or hairline, unless worn daily for a religious purpose. Your full face must be visible, and the head covering must not cast any shadows on your face.
• Headphones, wireless hands-free devices, or similar items are not acceptable in your photo.
• The frames of the eyeglasses must not cover the eye(s).
• There must not be glare on eyeglasses that obscures the eye(s).
• If you normally wear a hearing device or similar articles, they may be worn in your photo.

4.Lighting & background▼

• Taken in front of a plain white or off-white background
• There must not be shadows or refraction from the eyeglasses that obscures the eye(s).
• Background (summary): White — plain and evenly lit unless your issuer specifies a different tone.

Visual guide

Illustrative reference photos served from a third-party CDN. Use only as informal guidance; follow your official instructions.

How to make this photo

1. 1.Step 1: Use a digital camera or a smartphone

   • —Find someone to take the photo for you and selfie photo is not acceptable for passport photo application. If you have a tripod, use it. A tripod will make it easier to keep the camera steady and level. The distance of the person to the camera should be around 1 meter.

2. 2.Step 2: Find a venue with good lighting

   • —When taking photo, you should face the light, such as a nice bright window or the door. This can provide even lighting to avoid shadows on the face and background. The face must be evenly lit. There should be no shadows and glares on the face.
   • —Note: A simple wall is fine; you can tidy or replace the background while editing.

3. 3.Step 3: Wear properly for your passport photo

   • —Do not wear uniforms. Wear regular street clothes in your photo.
   • —Do not wear eyeglasses. If you wear glasses, sunglasses, or tinted glasses, take them off for your passport photo.
   • —Your face must still be fully visible. Don’t let your hair drape over your face and obscure your eyes. If you have very long bangs that cover your eyebrows, you should pin them back with bobby pins. It’s best if your ears show, as well, but that won’t cause your photo to be rejected.
   • —No hats are allowed in passport photos unless it is religious headgear such as a headscarf or yarmulke that you wear every day.

4. 4.Step 4: Pose for a passport

   • —Look straight towards the camera with face straight on. Head should not be tilted or rotated.
   • —Both ears showing or both edges of the face visible if hair covers the ears.
   • —Shoulders should be visible, and there should be enough space around the head for cropping the photo.
   • —Position the camera in the same height as the head.

5. 5.Step 5: Have a neutral facial expression

   • —You can smile in your passport photos, but the government prefers that you have a neutral facial expression.
   • —Smiling or having your mouth open is usually not acceptable, especially under the new international passport rules.
   • —Online Passport Photo Generator