Proper Photo for Green Card Lottery Registration
One of the most important parts of Green Card Lottery registration is submitting a photo that meets the U.S. immigration law standards. Thousands of applicants fail to qualify simply because of submitting incorrect photos.
Each applicant and their eligible dependents (spouse and children under 21) must submit a valid and compliant photo to participate in the lottery.
For DV Lottery, the photo must have:
- A straight angle facing the camera
- A square format, with a size of 600 x 600 pixels up to 1200 x 1200 pixels
- A white background
- A colored image without glasses or hearing aids
- Hair should not cover the face
- Ears do not need to be visible
- Head coverings are allowed for religious reasons, but the face must be completely visible
The photo must be digital, and no printed version is required. If a photographer does not provide digital files, avoid using their service for the lottery.
Photo Requirements for the Green Card Lottery
- It is highly recommended to take your photo at a professional studio.
- If taking your own photo (not recommended), ensure the following:
✅ Photo must be taken within the last six months
(The U.S. State Department prohibits using last year’s photo. If your photo matches a previous submission, your entry will be disqualified).
Source: U.S. State Department X (Twitter)
✅ Background must be white
✅ No shadows on the face or background
✅ Glasses, hearing aids, neckties, and long hair are acceptable, as long as they do not create reflections or cover the face
✅ Square format, dimensions 600 x 600 to 1200 x 1200 pixels
✅ Digital file required
✅ The head should take up 50% – 69% of the image height
✅ Neutral facial expression – no smiling, anger, stress, or exaggerated expressions
✅ No retouching or editing
✅ Distance from the camera should be at least 1.25 meters, ensuring the chest to the top of the head is visible
Technical Specifications for DV Lottery Photo
✅ File Format: JPEG (JPG)
✅ File Size: Maximum 240 KB
✅ Resolution: Minimum 600 x 600 to 1200 x 1200 pixels
✅ Color Depth: 24-bit color
✅ DPI: Minimum 150 pixels per inch (dpi)
📌 Additional Photo Requirements
- Printed photo size: 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
- Scanning resolution: 300 dpi
- Pixels per millimeter: 12
Tools for Verifying a Proper DV Lottery Photo
You can use the U.S. State Department’s free photo tool to check if your photo meets the standards.
📌 Note: This tool only adjusts size, not lighting or other requirements.
How to Take a Proper Photo for the Green Card Lottery
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What Should the Green Card Lottery Photo Background Look Like?
The photo background must be plain white, with no shadows.
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📌 Tip: A white sheet or blanket can be used as a background.
What Is the Best Head Position for the Green Card Lottery?
Your head must be centered and facing directly toward the camera. It should take up 50% – 69% of the photo height.
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Can You Wear Head Coverings in the Green Card Lottery Photo?
✅ Religious head coverings are allowed, but the face must be fully visible.
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❌ Hats or headwear for fashion purposes are not allowed.
Can You Wear Glasses in the Green Card Lottery Photo?
❌ As of November 1, 2016, wearing glasses in your Green Card Lottery photo is no longer allowed.
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✅ Remove all glasses and sunglasses before taking the photo.
Should the Green Card Lottery Photo Be in Color?
✅ The photo must be in color, with a minimum 24-bit depth. Black and white photos are NOT accepted.
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Can the Green Card Lottery Photo Be Edited?
❌ No digital modifications or retouching should be applied to the photo. Altering the background or removing elements digitally can lead to disqualification.
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📌 Tip: Instead of editing the background, use a white sheet or wall for a natural background.
Green Card Lottery Photos for Infants and Children
If you are applying for children under 21 years old, their photos must also meet the requirements.
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✅ No other person should be in the photo
✅ The baby should not have a pacifier
✅ The child’s face should be fully visible
✅ Eyes must be open
📌 Tip: Place the baby on a white sheet and take the photo from above. Alternatively, use a white-covered baby seat.
Example of an Accepted Green Card Lottery Photo
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Checklist: Green Card Lottery Photo Requirements
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Background | Plain, light-colored (white) |
| Head Size | Must occupy 50% – 69% of the photo height |
| Head Position | Facing forward, centered |
| Lighting | Even, no overexposure or shadows |
| Editing | No retouching or digital modifications |
| Face Visibility | No hair covering face, neutral expression |
| Head Covering | Only allowed for religious reasons |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Jewelry | Should not obscure facial features |
| Photo Size | 51 x 51 mm (2 x 2 inches) |
| Resolution | 600 x 600 – 1200 x 1200 pixels, square |
| File Size | Maximum 240 KB |
| File Format | JPG (JPEG) |
| Photo Validity | Taken within the last 6 months |
📌 Source: U.S. State Department Official Website
This comprehensive guide ensures that your Green Card Lottery photo meets all official requirements and prevents common errors that can lead to disqualification.