Your Diversity Visa photo, explained.
Reviewed: October 19, 2026
A correctly sized file is only one part of a suitable DV photo. Start with a recent, clear original, then measure the crop without changing your appearance.
The measurements that matter
| Requirement | What to check |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | Exactly 600 × 600 pixels, square |
| Format and size | JPEG, at most 240 KB |
| Head height | 50–69% of the image height, measured from chin to top of the head, including hair |
| Eye position | 56–69% of the image height measured from the bottom |
Understand what those percentages mean
On a 600-pixel-tall photo, a head height of 60% is 360 pixels. An eye line 62.5% from the bottom is 375 pixels above the bottom, or 225 pixels below the top. These are useful targets within the allowed ranges, not extra requirements.
Include the top of the hair when positioning the head guide. Do not measure only the face or move the guide down to the forehead. If automatic detection is inaccurate, drag the top, eye, and chin lines to their actual positions.
Before you upload a photo
- Use a recent photo taken within the last six months. Do not reuse the photo from the previous year’s entry.
- Use a plain white or off-white background with even lighting. Avoid visible shadows behind the head.
- Face the camera directly, keep both eyes open, and use a neutral expression.
- Remove glasses, hats, and headphones. Review official guidance for documented medical exceptions or religious clothing.
- Ask the photographer for the full original, with room around the hair and shoulders.
What Photos7 changes
The tool crops, resizes, and compresses the file. It does not retouch your face, remove objects, change your skin, or replace the background. If the original leaves too little room, the editor may warn that the crop extends outside it. Return to the photographer for a wider original instead of relying on added edge space.
What a passing check cannot prove
A tool cannot establish when your photo was taken or whether it was used before. Face detection and background estimates can be wrong, particularly with difficult lighting, head coverings, or hair close to the background color. Review the final photo at full size and confirm the manual checklist. An optional AI review is another estimate and cannot guarantee acceptance or reliably prove the absence of previous edits.
Download and review
After adjusting the guides, review each check and download the JPEG. Photos7 targets at most 240,000 bytes to stay within the stated size limit. Keep the original file separately, and do not apply social-media filters or send the final file through an app that may change its dimensions.
Official requirements and source
Official requirements and source
The official authority makes the final acceptance decision. We do not guarantee approval.
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