Green card

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).
• Digital Photo Requirements
• Instructions for Submitting a Digital Photograph (Image) for the USA-GREEN-CARD Lottery Registration Entry (DV Lottery)
• The submitted image must adhere to the following specifications. Photographs submitted must be a recent photograph, taken within the last 6 months. Please be advised that Failure to comply with any of the following requirements may result in Disqualification from the US DV Lottery Program.
• The image file must adhere to the following compositional and technical specifications and can be produced in one of the following ways: taking a new digital image or using a digital scanner to scan a photograph.
• Compositional Specifications:
• The submitted digital image must conform to the following compositional specifications or the entry will be disqualified.
• Acceptable Visa Photos
• Color photographs in 24-bit color depth are required
• Color photographs may be downloaded from a camera to a file in the computer or they may be scanned onto a computer. If you are using a scanner, the settings must be for True Color or 24-bit color mode. See the additional scanning requirements below.
• Technical Specifications
• The submitted digital photograph must conform to the following specifications or the system will automatically reject the E-DV entry form and notify the sender.
• Taking a New Digital Image
• If a new digital image is taken, it must meet the following specifications:
• JPEG - the image must be in the Joint Photographic Experts Group format.
• 240 kilobytes (240 KB) is the maximum image file size.
• Image Resolution and Dimensions:
• 600 pixels (width) x 600 pixels (height) - are acceptable dimensions. Image pixel dimensions must be in a square aspect ratio (meaning the height must be equal to the width).
• 24 bits per pixel, Image must be in color. [24-bit black and white or 8-bit images will NOT be accepted].
• Scanning a Submitted Photograph
• Before a photographic print is scanned, it must meet the compositional specifications listed above. If the photographic print meets the print color and compositional specifications, scan the print using the following scanner specifications:
• Scanned at a resolution of at least 300 dots per inch (dpi).
• The image must be in the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) format.
• The maximum image file size is 240 kilobytes (240 KB).
• 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: 1000 × 1000 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▼

• 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▼

• Head Coverings and Hats

4.Lighting & background▼

• Background (summary): White — plain and evenly lit unless your issuer specifies a different tone.

5.Children & infants▼

• A digital photograph (image) of you, your spouse, and each child must be submitted online with the E-DV entry form. The image file can be produced either by taking a new digital photograph or by scanning a photographic print with a digital scanner.

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