DV Lottery Photo Requirements

If you are planning to apply for the Diversity Visa Lottery (DV Lottery),
submitting a correct photo is one of the key factors to ensure your application is not rejected in the future.
It is essential to strictly follow the photo specifications required by the U.S. immigration authorities to ensure your photo is accepted.
In this article, we will go over the most important photo requirements for the application in detail.

1. Photo Size:
   Required Dimensions: The photo size must be 600 x 600 pixels.
   ⚠️ Note: Ensure that the photo is perfectly square and does not deviate from this size.
   
   
2. Photo Format:
   Accepted Format: The photo must be in JPEG (JPG) format only.
   ⚠️ Warning: Other formats such as PNG or BMP will not be accepted in the electronic system.
   
   
3. Image File Size:
   Maximum Size: The image file size must not exceed 240 KB.
   💡 Tip: It's recommended to compress the image properly to maintain its quality and ensure it won't be rejected due to size.
   
   
4. Background Color:
   Required Background: The image background must be white or a very light color.
   ⚠️ Warning: Dark or colored backgrounds may lead to the image being rejected, so it’s recommended to take the photo against a plain white background.
   
   
5. Facial Features:
   Correct Position: Your face must be clearly visible, with your face directed straight toward the camera.
   💡Important Details: Your eyes must be fully open, and your entire head should be centered in the image, with a small space around it.
   
   
6. Facial Expressions:
   Required Expression: Your facial expression should be neutral, with no smile.
   Ideal Position: The mouth should be closed and the eyes naturally open.
   
   
7. Glasses and Accessories:
   Glasses Restrictions: Wearing sunglasses or medical glasses that show reflections is not allowed.
   Recommendation: It’s preferable not to wear any accessories or hats that cover the head or face, unless for religious reasons.
   
   
8. Head Coverings:
   Exceptions: Wearing a head covering is only allowed for religious reasons.
   Conditions: The entire face, from forehead to chin, must be visible, and the covering should not hide any part of the face.
   
   
9. Image Quality:
   Ideal Quality: The image must be clear and free of blurriness or shadows.
   ⚠️ Warning: Low-quality images or those excessively edited may result in the rejection of the application.
   
   
10. Photo Update:
    Validity Period: The photo must be recent, taken within the last 6 months.
    Final Note: Immigration authorities emphasize that the photo should reflect your current appearance to ensure accurate verification.
    
    

Common mistakes to avoid :

To avoid having your application rejected in the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Program, it's important to steer clear of certain mistakes that may affect the acceptance of your photo. Here are the most common errors to watch out for:

1. Using an Old Photo:
   The photo must be recent and taken within the last 6 months.
   Old photos may result in the rejection of the application.
   
   
2. Failure to adhere to the required image dimensions:
   The fixed dimensions for the image are 600 × 600 pixels.
   Any change to these dimensions, whether an increase or decrease, will result in the image being rejected.
   
   
3. Colored or inappropriate background:
   The background must be white or a very light color. Using a colored or patterned background
   will affect the acceptance of the image.
   
   
4. Wearing prescription glasses in the photo:
   Wearing prescription glasses or sunglasses is not allowed when taking the photo.
   Even prescription glasses with reflections may result in the rejection of the image.
   
   
5. Presence of shadows on the face or background:
   The photo must be completely free of shadows on the face or background.
   Shadows can affect the clarity of the image and may lead to its rejection.

Click here to submit your application now.