When you’re applying for a nonimmigrant visa to the United States, there are a couple of things you need to know about photos and fingerprinting. Let’s break it down in simple terms.
Fingerprinting
When you go for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate, they’ll take your fingerprints. It’s a quick and easy process, usually done digitally.
However, some people don’t need to get fingerprinted, like those traveling on government business or if you’re really young (under 14) or a bit older (over 79).
Photo Requirements
Your visa application photo is important, and there are some rules to follow:
- Recent Photo: Your photo must have been taken within the last six months. If you’re renewing a visa, it should be a new picture, not the same one as before.
- Head Size: The photo should show your whole head, from the top of your hair to the bottom of your chin. It should measure between 1-1-3/8 inches (25 to 35mm) or fill between 50%-70% of the photo.
- Photo Dimensions: It must be a square, 5cm x 5cm, with a minimum of 600 pixels x 600 pixels and a maximum of 1200 pixels x 1200 pixels.
- Head Orientation: Look straight at the camera, with your face fully visible and eyes open.
- Background: Sit against a plain white or off-white background. No clutter!
- Clothing: Wear your everyday clothes; no uniforms unless it’s daily religious clothing. No hats unless it’s for religious reasons, and they shouldn’t cover your face.
- Accessories: No headphones, hats, or similar items. Glasses are okay, but not if they have a strong tint.
- Eyeglasses: As of November 1, 2016, no eyeglasses are allowed.
- More Info: For detailed information, you can check the Department of State’s website.
If you have more questions about visa photos, the Department of State has a FAQ page with answers to common queries:
- How many photos do you need?
- What paper should you print your photos on?
- Do photos have to be in color?
- How recent should they be?
- What size should they be?
- Can you wear eyeglasses or hats?
- Can parents appear in a child’s photo?
- Is it okay if a child’s eyes are closed in the photo?
- How to take a photo of a baby?
- Can you use a digital camera?
- Can you fix the red-eye in the photo?
- Are photos copied from licenses acceptable?
- Are snapshots or mobile photos okay?
Remember, getting your visa photo right is crucial. Follow these simple guidelines, and you’ll be on your way to a successful U.S. visa application.