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The photo must be a full face view in which the visa
applicant is facing the camera directly
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The applicant should not look down or to either side, and the
face should cover about 50 percent of the photo
area
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Side or angled views are NOT acceptable
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The photo should be in color, and must have only
a white or off-white background. Photos with dark, busy, or
patterned backgrounds will not be
accepted
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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
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Head coverings and hats are only acceptable due to
religious beliefs, and even then, may not cover any portion of the
applicant's face
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Sunglasses or other wear that detracts from the face are not
acceptable unless required for medical reasons, for example, an
eye patch
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A photo of an applicant wearing a traditional facemask or
veil that does not permit adequate identification is not
acceptable
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Photos of military, airline, or other personnel wearing hats
are not acceptable.
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A photo of an applicant wearing tribal, national costume, or
other headgear not religious in nature is not
acceptable
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A photo of a minor child must contain no one else. If the
child needs to be supported, the means of support should not be in
the camera's frame
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Group photos are NOT acceptable. As a separate visa is issued
to each qualified applicant, a photo of each applicant is
required
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Digital photos must meet all the requirements and be
reproduced without any dot patterns or pixels being
visible
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Digitally scanned photos and photocopied photos are NOT
acceptable. Only original photos are acceptable
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Digitally altered or retouched photos are NOT acceptable. The
applicant's appearance and the background of the picture must not
be altered