F1 Visa Photo Specifications
| Specification | Print (Embassy) | Digital (DS-160) |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) | 600 × 600 to 1200 × 1200 px |
| Format | Glossy photo paper | JPEG (.jpg) |
| File size | — | 54 KB to 10 MB |
| Background | White or off-white | White or off-white |
| Head height | 1 to 1-3/8 inches (25–35 mm) | |
| Glasses | Not allowed | |
| Recency | Within 6 months | |
| Quantity | 2 prints | 1 upload |
F1 Visa Application — When You Need Photos
1. DS-160 Online Application
Every F1 visa applicant must complete the DS-160 form online. During the form, you'll upload a digital photo:
- 600×600 to 1200×1200 pixels, JPEG format
- 54KB to 10MB file size
- The system validates your photo automatically
2. Embassy/Consulate Interview
Bring 2 printed photos (2×2 inches) to your visa interview. Some embassies have photo booths, but they're expensive ($10–$20) and you may have to wait in line.
3. University ID (After Arrival)
Many US universities use a passport-style photo for your student ID. Having extra copies of your visa photo can save time during orientation.
Tip for international students: Your home country's passport photo size may be different from the US 2×2 inch requirement. European photos are 35×45mm, Indian photos are 2×2 inches (same), Chinese photos are 33×48mm. Use WithSwag to get the exact US size regardless of where you're from.
Photo Size by Country of Origin
If you're applying from one of these countries, here's how your local passport photo compares to the US F1 visa requirement:
| Your Country | Local Passport Size | US F1 Visa Size | Same? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇳 India | 2×2 inches (51×51mm) | 2×2 inches | Yes ✓ |
| 🇨🇳 China | 33×48mm | 2×2 inches (51×51mm) | No ✗ |
| 🇰🇷 South Korea | 35×45mm | 2×2 inches (51×51mm) | No ✗ |
| 🇧🇷 Brazil | 50×70mm | 2×2 inches (51×51mm) | No ✗ |
| 🇳🇬 Nigeria | 35×45mm | 2×2 inches (51×51mm) | No ✗ |
| 🇬🇧 UK | 35×45mm | 2×2 inches (51×51mm) | No ✗ |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | 35×45mm | 2×2 inches (51×51mm) | No ✗ |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 35×45mm | 2×2 inches (51×51mm) | No ✗ |
Don't use your local passport photo for the US visa. Unless you're from India (same 2×2 size), your home country passport photo is almost certainly the wrong dimensions. Use WithSwag to create the correct US size.
Common Mistakes for F1 Applicants
- Using home country passport photo — Wrong size for most countries
- HEIC file from iPhone — DS-160 needs JPEG; convert first
- Photo taken in a photo booth abroad — Often wrong dimensions
- Wearing glasses — Not allowed since 2016
- Smiling — Must be neutral expression
- Photo older than 6 months — Must be recent
- Shadows or non-white background — Must be clean white
How to Take Your F1 Photo at Home
- Find a white wall with good natural light
- Stand 4 feet from the wall to avoid shadows
- Have a friend take the photo at eye level
- Use your phone's rear camera
- Take several shots, pick the best
- Upload to WithSwag — select US Passport/Visa size
- Download digital (DS-160) and print versions
- Print 2 copies on glossy photo paper
Cost Comparison
| Option | Cost |
|---|---|
| Photo studio near embassy | $10–$25 |
| Embassy photo booth | $10–$20 |
| CVS / Walgreens (US) | $16.99 |
| WithSwag (at home) | €3.00 (~$3.25) |
Create Your F1 Visa Photo Now
Correct US 2×2 inch size. DS-160 ready + print-ready. Works from any country. Done in 2 minutes.
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