Visa Guides•5 min read

USA Student Visa (F-1) Photo Guide 2026: Size & Requirements

Applying for a US student visa? Your DS-160 application photo must meet strict State Department specifications.

US student visa photo specifications

The photo requirements are identical to US passport photos. See our detailed US photo guide.

Is the US student visa photo the same size as a US passport photo?

Yes. Both use 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) photos with the same background, expression, and digital format requirements.

Do I need a physical photo for a US visa interview?

Yes. Bring two printed 2×2 inch photos to your visa interview, in addition to the digital photo uploaded with your DS-160.

Ready to resize your photo?

Use our Image Resizer to hit exact KB and pixel targets, or try the Background Color Changer for a perfect white backdrop.