Tool guides
DV lottery and US visa photo at the right size
Where is the file processed?
Steps
- Shoot against a white wall: Stand in front of a white or off-white wall, without glasses, with the light in front of you. Ask someone to hold the phone at eye level, or pick a photo taken in the last 6 months.
- Choose the purpose: Pick “DV entry” for a 600×600 px photo, “DS-160 form”, “Print 2×2 in” for the interview, or “Scan a printed photo” if you have a paper print.
- Fit the frame to the guide: The tool crops and straightens the photo and draws a guide on top: head limits, eye line and center line. Move and zoom until your head and eyes sit inside the bands.
- Review the checklist: Each requirement shows a result with the measured value: head size, eye height, centering, background, sharpness, color, file size and photo date. Then confirm yourself that you aren't wearing glasses.
- Download and upload it yourself: Download the JPEG at the required size, or a 4×6 in sheet with 2×2 copies for printing. You upload it yourself on the official site.
What it offers
Official numbers, not guesses
Settings follow the photo requirement pages on the US State Department's website: 600×600 px, JPEG, up to 240 KB, with the head 50% to 69% of the image height.A checklist with clear results
Each requirement shows pass, warning or fail with the measured value, so you know what to fix before you upload, not after a rejection.We never alter your face or background
The State Department refuses photos digitally altered to change your appearance, so the tool only crops, straightens, resizes and compresses. If your background isn't white, we suggest retaking the photo against a white wall.Your photo stays on your device
Cropping, face measurement, checks and compression all run in your browser. Your photo is not uploaded to our servers.A print version too
For the interview you need two identical printed 2×2 in (51×51 mm) photos. The tool prepares a 4×6 in sheet with several copies and cut marks.
Limits
The tool runs on your device, so the largest file it can handle depends on your device's and browser's memory. Very large files can take longer on phones.
Frequently asked questions
What size is the DV lottery photo?
According to the State Department's photo requirement pages: a square 600×600 px JPEG, in color, 240 KB or smaller. Choose “DV entry” and these values are set for you.
Will you change my background to white?
No. The State Department doesn't accept photos digitally altered to change your appearance, and replacing the background could get your entry rejected. If your background isn't white or has shadows, retake the photo against a white or off-white wall.
Can I wear glasses in the photo?
No. Eyeglasses haven't been allowed in US visa photos since November 1, 2016. The tool asks you to confirm this yourself, because automatic glasses detection is only a hint.
What else does the photo need besides size?
It must be taken within the last 6 months, show your full face from the front with a neutral expression and both eyes open, and have a plain white or off-white background without shadows. If the photo carries a capture date (EXIF), the tool warns you when it's older than 6 months.
Is the DV lottery free? Where do I enter?
Yes, entry is free, and the official entry site is dvprogram.state.gov. Be careful with paid “lottery agents”, offices and websites that charge to submit your entry or promise you'll win. Check the official site for the entry period.
Is this tool affiliated with the US government? Will my photo be accepted?
No. It's an independent tool by akkadX, not affiliated with or endorsed by the US government. It helps you match the published numbers, but the final decision is made by the State Department and the consular officer.
Where can I read the official rules?
Photo requirements: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos.html and digital image requirements: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos/digital-image-requirements.html. Check them before each season, as requirements can change.
Is my photo uploaded? Does it work on my phone?
It isn't uploaded; cropping, checks and compression run in your browser on your device. The tool works on iPhone and Android in Safari or Chrome.