US visa photos use the same 2 × 2 inch square as the passport. The online DS-160 form checks the upload itself, so a correctly sized square file matters more than a print.
The finished photo is 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm), which is 600 × 600 pixels at 300 DPI.
From the bottom of the chin to the top of the hair, the head is 25.4–34.9 mm (50–69% of the height).
The background is plain and even: white or off-white, with no pattern, texture or shadow behind the head.
Face the camera straight on, with a neutral expression, mouth closed and both eyes open.
Take glasses off. A few offices still accept clear lenses, but most biometric checks reject reflections and frames, so removing them is the safe choice.
Light the face evenly, with no shadow across it and no bright spot on the forehead.
Keep hair away from the eyes. Religious head coverings are accepted if the face from chin to forehead stays visible.
Use a recent picture - most authorities say within the last six months - and do not retouch or filter the face.
These figures follow the issuing authority's published specification. Confirm with the United States authority before you apply.
2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm). As a digital file that is 600 × 600 pixels at 300 DPI, which prints at exactly that size.
What background does a United States Visa photo need?
White or off-white, plain and evenly lit. The editor fills that colour for you and can cut the original background away on your device.
How big should the head be?
From chin to the top of the hair, 25.4–34.9 mm in a 50.8 mm tall photo - 50–69% of the height. The editor measures it and warns you if it is outside the range.
Is my photo uploaded anywhere?
No. Cropping, background removal and export all run in your browser. The only downloads are the face and background models, the first time you use them.