The countdown is on – you’ve filled out your Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery application, but now you’re stuck at the photo upload, anxiously pondering whether your picture will pass muster. It’s a common worry.
It may come as a shock, but it’s true: every year countless applicants are rejected just because their photos don’t meet a complex set of strict technical criteria.
But you can avoid this pitfall if you thoroughly check all the details. This list will guide you through the 10 essential points to double-check before you hit “submit” on your DV Lottery application.
Last-Minute DV Photo Prep: A 10-Point Guide
Here’s a short list – check every point to make sure you have everything covered.
- You need to have a recent photo. It’s better to take a new one for the application, so it reflects your current look. But you can also use a picture you already have, if it was taken within the last six months. It’s not just a box to tick – it’s essential for accurate biometric identification. Even small changes matter, so don’t risk using an older picture.
- You can only apply with a perfectly square picture. It sounds trivial, but for DV Lottery digital submissions, it’s non-negotiable. The acceptable size is 600×600–1200×1200 px. If there’s any doubt, right-click the file, check “Properties,” and see for yourself. Don’t ignore it – you’ll thank yourself later.
- Your head should be centered and take up 50% to 69% of the image’s height. Guessing won’t cut it. Use a tool like PhotoGov’s DV Lottery Photo Tool to crop your image accurately and meet this requirement: https://photogov.net/documents/dv-lottery-photo-tool/.
- The picture must be set to the sRGB color space. Your camera is likely using it already, since that’s the standard. This ensures consistent color representation across devices, so your photo looks the same no matter where it’s viewed.
- The background must be completely plain – pure white or off-white, with no patterns, textures, shadows, or lines. It’s better to avoid even subtle shades like gray-ish or cream. Choose pure white – it’s the safest option.
- Your photo has to be in JPEG (.jpg) format; convert it if you need to. And the file size can’t be more than 240 KB. If it is larger, you’ll need to compress it. If you’re scanning a physical photo, it should be 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) and scanned at 300 pixels per inch to meet the digital requirements.
- Don’t use filters, Photoshop, or AI to tweak your photo. That means no smoothing out blemishes, adjusting skin tone, or altering your face’s shape. You can fix lighting or brightness, but keep it to a minimum.
- Look directly into the lens with a neutral expression, keep your eyes wide open, and your mouth closed. Your shoulders should also be in the picture – make sure they are even.
- Don’t wear eyeglasses unless you just had eye surgery and have a signed note from your doctor. The same goes for other devices, accessories, or anything else that might obscure your face.
- Wear your normal daily clothes. Steer clear of uniforms, camouflage, or anything resembling a costume. Religious headwear is fine, but it can’t cast shadows or obscure your face.
For more details, check the official Digital Image Requirements.
Special Circumstances: Babies, Religious Attire, and Medical Exceptions
The same technical rules apply to photos of infants or toddlers. But you can also lay them on a plain white sheet or drape a white blanket over their car seat. No shadows, both eyes open (unless they’re newborns), and no other people or objects in the shot with them.
You can have religious head coverings in the picture if you wear them daily. Just ensure that your face is fully visible, and there are no shadows. You won’t need any proof of your religion for the photo, but you may need to provide it during a later interview.
Medical exceptions for eyeglasses are extremely rare. If you can’t remove your glasses due to a medical condition (like recent eye surgery), you’ll need a signed statement from a doctor.
Any questions we didn’t cover? Check out the official Frequently Asked Questions. You’ll most likely find your answer there.
Where to Submit and Verify Your Application
You can only submit your application at the official dvprogram.state.gov site. It’s free. Beware of any fishy websites that ask you to pay them to submit it. Also, only trust the application dates on the official website – deadlines shift every year.
Also, don’t forget to double-check the official requirements at the U.S. Department of State Photo Requirements and Digital Image Requirements website pages, just to be safe.
Tools and Resources: What Can and Cannot Help
The U.S. Department of State offers a free Photo Tool on its website, but it’s important to know what it does.
It’s designed mainly for cropping photos for physical passport applications submitted by mail or in person, not for adjusting background color, resolution, or file size – key factors for DV Lottery submissions.
It’s better to use specialized tools like PhotoGov’s DV Lottery Photo Tool. It will help you resize your picture, adjust the background, and even fix your head tilt automatically. It’s free to use – so check it out.
You can also use greencardphotocheck.com to check if your photo meets all the requirements.
Final DV Lottery Photo Checklist (Before You Submit)
Here’s a quick summary of the key requirements – take a screenshot so you don’t forget anything!
| Requirement | Specification | Notes |
| Format | JPEG (.jpg) | Common image format |
| Dimensions | 600×600 px to 1200×1200 px | Square aspect ratio (1:1) |
| File Size | ≤ 240 KB | Might need compression |
| Color Space | sRGB | Standard for most cameras |
| Head size | 50%-69% of image height | From chin to top of the head |
| Background | White or off-white | Avoid patterns, shadows, or textures |
| Eyeglasses | Not permitted | Medical exceptions only with a signed doctor’s statement |
| Photo date | ≤6 months | Reflects current appearance |
Use this checklist as your guide, but remember: even the best tools or services cannot guarantee approval, although following these guidelines will help you boost your chances of a successful application.
The U.S. Department of State and its consular officials always have the final say in the matter. Don’t forget that the requirements can change. So before you hit submit, take a moment to double-check everything on the State Department’s website.
Key Links
- Official DV Lottery Program: https://dvprogram.state.gov
- State Department Photo Requirements: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos.html
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