The photograph format required for the nonimmigrant visa is similar to that required for U.S. passport processing.

The applicant's signature must appear on the reverse side of the photograph. Photographs are required for all applicants, including children.

Even though 1 photograph is required for nonimmigrant visa application, it is advisable to keep a few extra photos with you just in case needed. There is also a photo center within visa application center (VFS) in Mumbai.

Submit your Nonimmigrant Visa Application, DS-156 with the photo format as explained below.

Important: Please follow these instructions carefully. If photographs presented do not meet these requirements your application will be considered incomplete.

• The photograph for each visa applicant must be an un mounted, full face photo, as described above.
• The photograph must have been taken within the last six months.
• One photograph must be submitted stapled or glued to the application DS-156. If the photo is stapled, staples should be place as far away as possible from the applicant's face.
• The photo for each visa applicant submitted must measure:
• 2 by 2 inches (roughly 50 mm square) with the head centered in the frame.
• The head (measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin) should measure between 1 inch to 1 3/8 inches (25 mm to 35 mm) with the eye level between 1 1/8 inch to 1 3/8 inches (28 mm and 35 mm) from the bottom of the photo.
• The photograph must be a full-face front view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly.
• The applicant's head, measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the hair, should be between 1 inch and 1-3/8 inches. The head should be centered in the photo. The head of the person being photographed should not be tilted up, down or to the side.
• The face should cover about 50 percent of the photo area.
• The photograph should be in color, but must have only a white or off-white background. Photos with dark, busy or patterned backgrounds will not be accepted.
• In general, the applicant's head, including both face and hair, should be shown from the crown of the head to the tip of the chin on top and bottom and from hairline side-to-side. It is preferable that ears be exposed.
• The photo should show a clear, front view, full face of the applicant. The applicant should be in normal street attire, without hat or dark glasses against a plain white or off-white background. The applicant should have a natural expression, mouth closed, and eyes open and looking directly ahead. Photos in which the face of the person being photographed is not in focus will not be accepted.
• Head coverings and hats are only acceptable due to religious beliefs, and even then, may not cover any portion of the applicant's face.
• Eyeglasses worn on a daily basis can be worn for the photo. However, there should be no reflections from the eyeglasses that obscure the eyes.
• Sunglasses or other wear, which detracts from the face, are not acceptable unless required for medical reasons (an eye patch, for example). A medical certificate may be required.
• A photograph depicting a person wearing a traditional facemask or veil that does not permit adequate identification is not acceptable.
• Photos of military, airline, or other personnel wearing hats are not acceptable. Photographs of applicants wearing tribal, national costume, or other headgear not specifically religious in nature are not acceptable.
• For a minor child, only the child must be the subject in the photo. Nothing used to support the minor child, whether by mechanical or human means, should be in the camera's frame.
• Only original photographs are acceptable. Copied or digitally scanned photos of photos will not be accepted. In addition, photos must not be retouched to alter the customer's appearance in any way.
• Group photos are NOT accepted for a party applying for a visa together. Since a separate visa is issued to each qualified applicant, an individual photo is required in all cases.
• Staple or glue one photograph to the DS-156 in the designated space. If the photograph is stapled, staples should be placed as far away as possible from the applicant's face.
• Do not enclose photographs in glassine or other types of envelopes. The photograph must be stapled or glued properly to the DS-156 in the designated space.
• Photos should be printed without borders.
• Side or angled views are NOT accepted.
• Digitally reproduced photographs must be reproduced without discernible pixels or dot patterns. Photocopied photographs are NOT accepted.
• The photos should be printed on thin photo-quality paper.
• Dark glasses or nonprescription glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable unless you need them for medical reasons. A medical certificate may be required.
• Uniforms should not be worn in photographs except in the case of religious attire that is worn daily. Otherwise, normal street attire should be worn.
• Digitally altered or retouched photographs are NOT acceptable. The applicant's appearance and the background of the picture must not be altered.

Also, read photo guide with many examples.