US visa photo requirements
The US Department of State has specific requirements for visa and passport photos. Every online application enforces them strictly:
- Dimensions: 2×2 inches (51×51mm)
- Pixels: 600×600 to 1200×1200 pixels
- Format: JPG
- File size: Under 240KB
- Background: Plain white or off-white
- Head size: Between 50% and 69% of the image height
These requirements are enforced by the online application system. A photo that is 1200×1200 but 300KB will be rejected. A photo that is 500×500 but 100KB will be rejected for dimensions. Both must be correct.
Why 240KB is a comfortable limit
240KB is generous compared to many other countries' limits. A 1200×1200 JPG at quality 90 fits comfortably under 240KB with no visible quality loss. The full 1200×1200 resolution is preserved, and every detail of your face remains sharp.
You do not need to reduce dimensions for US visa photos. Just compress the file to fit under 240KB, and the result will look identical to the original.
Verification steps before uploading
Check the following before you submit:
- The photo is exactly JPG format
- Dimensions are between 600×600 and 1200×1200
- The file size is under 240KB
- The background is white or off-white
- The head occupies the correct proportion of the frame
FITLY shows you the final file size so you can verify. For dimensions and composition, you need a photo editing tool.
Why compress locally
Your visa photo is a sensitive ID document. Uploading it to a server-based compressor means it could be stored, retained or leaked. FITLY processes the photo entirely in your browser, so nothing is ever uploaded. This is the correct way to handle a visa photo online.