Photograph Requirements for the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Application
Digital Image Guidelines and Specifications
As part of your entry into the annual Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, also known as the Green Card Lottery, you must upload a passport-style digital photograph that meets strict compositional and technical requirements.
You may either:
- Take a new digital photograph, or
- Scan a recent printed photograph, provided it meets all specifications outlined below.
You are strongly encouraged to test your photo using the Photo Tool available on the U.S. Department of State’s E-DV website, which includes examples of acceptable and unacceptable photos, along with technical guidance.
Compositional Specifications
1. Head Position
- The subject must face the camera directly.
- The head should not be tilted up, down, or to the side.
- Head size (from top of head including hair to bottom of chin) must be 50% to 69% of the image height.
- Eye level (measured from the bottom of the image) must fall between 56% and 69% of the image height.
- Refer to the official Digital Image Head Size Template for reference.
2. Background
- The background must be neutral and light-colored (e.g., white or off-white).
- Avoid shadows, patterns, or textures in the background.
3. Focus and Clarity
- The photo must be sharp and in focus. Blurry or grainy images will not be accepted.
4. Attire and Accessories
- No sunglasses or decorative items that obscure the face.
- No head coverings or hats, unless worn for religious purposes. Even in those cases, the head covering must not obscure any part of the face.
- Tribal or non-religious headgear and photos of individuals in uniforms (military, airline, etc.) will not be accepted.
Technical Specifications
If Taking a New Digital Photo:
- File Format: JPEG (.jpg)
- File Size: Maximum of 240 kilobytes (KB)
- Dimensions: Minimum of 600 x 600 pixels, with a square aspect ratio (height must equal width)
- Color Depth: Must be in 24-bit color (not 24-bit black and white or 8-bit color)
If Scanning a Printed Photograph:
Ensure the print meets the compositional guidelines above before scanning.
- Scanner Resolution: Minimum of 300 dpi (dots per inch)
- File Format: JPEG (.jpg)
- File Size: Maximum of 240 KB
- Dimensions: 600 x 600 pixels
- Color Depth: Must be in 24-bit color
Note: Black and white, grayscale, monochrome, or 8-bit images will not be accepted.
Final Note
Photos that fail to meet these exact specifications may result in disqualification from the DV Lottery. Always double-check your image using the official State Department photo validation tool before submission.
Last Revision: March 2025.