USCIS.loveGreen card photo: requirements, online check, mistakes
Photo for the DV lottery and US visa: 600×600 JPEG under 240 KB, white background, no glasses, under 6 months old. Common mistakes, free online checks, children, DV-2027 rules.
Author: Alina Kanametova- updated 14 min read
Source: an analysis by a community member (April 2026). On uscis.love it appears with editorial notes, dated updates and links to related pages of the site; first-person wording belongs to the author of the analysis, not the editors.
Update, 2 October 2026. The DV-2026 window has closed: by law DV-2026 visas could only be issued until 30 September 2026. The December 2025 pause on DV visa issuance has not been in effect since 28 August 2026 (State Department guidance of 31 August 2026, following the court order in Medani v. Trump). The State Department says it will announce the DV-2027 registration dates later - check travel.state.gov and dvprogram.state.gov. The 11 March 2026 rule did not change the technical photo requirements.
Information is current as of April 8, 2026. The situation with the DV lottery is changing dynamically. Always check the latest information at travel.state.gov and dvprogram.state.gov (the only official site for registration and checking results).
Key answer
Requirements for photos for the green card lottery (DV Lottery) and U.S. visa for 2026: exact technical parameters from the State Department, common mistakes that lead to disqualification, free online photo checking tools, how to take photos yourself at home, requirements for photos of children and infants, what’s new in DV-2027 (passport + $1), current status of the program, and key dates.
What is happening with the DV lottery right now
Before discussing the photo requirements, here is important context about the current status of the program.
On December 18, 2025, DHS (Department of Homeland Security) suspended the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV Lottery) program. The Secretary of Homeland Security, at the direction of the President, ordered USCIS to immediately stop processing applications under the DV program.
On December 23, 2025, the State Department officially announced the immediate suspension of DV visa issuance. Applicants can continue to attend interviews, and appointment schedules remain - however, visas will not be issued during this period. No exceptions.
The program is suspended, not canceled. The DV Lottery was created by federal law (INA Section 203(c)), and its permanent cancellation would require the passage of a law by Congress. An administrative suspension is a temporary measure.
The pause was lifted on August 28, 2026. State Department: in accordance with the Court's order in Medani et al. v. Trump et al., the December 2025 pause of diversity visa issuance is no longer in effect as of August 28, 2026 (State Department guidance, updated August 31, 2026).
Status of DV-2027: As of September 29, 2026, registration for DV-2027 is NOT open: dvprogram.state.gov says entries are not being accepted at this time, and the State Department will announce the start date "as soon as practicable." The new rules have applied since April 10, 2026. Follow ONLY the official program page.
April 2026 Visa Bulletin and DV: The Visa Bulletin for April 2026 pertains to the ongoing DV-2026 (shows cut-off numbers for current cases). This is NOT an announcement of a new DV-2027 drawing. The bulletin is a working document for the current cycle.
What’s new in the DV-2027 rules
On March 11, 2026, the State Department published the final rule in the Federal Register (in effect since April 10, 2026):
1. Mandatory passport
When registering, you must provide the details of a valid passport (name, number, country of issuance, expiration date) AND upload a scan of the biographical page and the signature page (JPEG or JFIF format, up to 5 MB). Previously, a passport was not required. This measure is against duplicates - in FY2025, 2.5 million duplicate applications were discovered. Exceptions: stateless individuals and citizens of countries where obtaining a passport is impossible for objective reasons.
2. Registration fee of $1
For the first time in over 30 years of the program's history, registration is paid. The amount is symbolic but non-refundable. Payment is made at the time of registration through the official website. If you win, the visa fee is an additional $330.
3. Changes in the application form
The "Gender" field has been replaced with "Sex." The "Age" field has been replaced with "Date of Birth." The technical requirements for the photo have NOT changed.
Lawsuit: In March 2026, 1,622 winners of DV-2026 from 72 countries filed a lawsuit (Ivanov v. Trump) demanding the resumption of visa processing before the deadline of September 30, 2026. DV visa issuance resumed on August 28, 2026 under a court order in a different case - Medani v. Trump (court cases).
How to pay $1 from Russia (and other countries with blocked cards)
Russian Visa and Mastercard cards have not worked for international payments since March 2022. "Mir" cards are not accepted on dvprogram.state.gov. However, it is possible to pay $1 - and it is not difficult.
Important: The card does NOT have to belong to the applicant. According to State Department rules, anyone can pay the $1 - a friend, relative, or colleague with a foreign card. The card is used only for payment and is not linked to the application.
Option 1: Card from a foreign bank (best option)
The most reliable way is to open a card at a bank in a country where international payments work:
| Country | Banks | Can it be opened remotely? |
|---|---|---|
| Kyrgyzstan | mBank, Bakai Bank | Yes - fully remotely through a proxy by power of attorney. The card is sent to a Russian address |
| Kazakhstan | Kaspi, Freedom Bank | Partially - often requires personal presence |
| Armenia | Ameriabank, Ardshinbank | Partially remotely |
| Georgia | Bank of Georgia, TBC | Usually requires presence |
mBank (Kyrgyzstan) - the most popular option among Russians. You can open it completely remotely, top up from Russian bank apps (Sberbank, Tinkoff, Alfa) in rubles, and convert to dollars within the app. The cost of opening through an intermediary: ~$30-50 one-time, after which the card works for any international payments.
Option 2: Ask a friend abroad
If a friend, relative, or colleague has a foreign card - ask them to pay $1 during registration. This is completely legal according to the program's rules.
Option 3: Services for paying foreign payments
There are Russian services that conduct payments abroad through their cards for a fee. It's risky - make sure the service is reliable.
Beware of scammers around the DV lottery!
- "Help with registration for $10-150" - hundreds of websites offer to register you for the lottery. The State Department warns: the only legitimate site is dvprogram.state.gov. Intermediaries may submit incorrect data or submit multiple applications (= disqualification).
- "You won - pay the fee" - if you received an email/letter about winning with a request to pay - this is 100% fraud. The State Department never sends notifications. Results are checked ONLY at dvprogram.state.gov.
- "We will pay $1 for you for $10-30" - giving a stranger access to your registration process is dangerous. It's better to pay yourself or ask a trusted person. Source: State Department Fraud Warning
Key Dates
| Event | Date / Status |
|---|---|
| DV-2026 Registration | October-November 2024 (completed) |
| DV-2026 Results | May 3, 2025 (published) |
| DV-2026 Status Check | dvprogram.state.gov - was available until September 30, 2026 |
| DV-2026 Visa Deadline | September 30, 2026 (hard, non-extendable; passed) |
| DV visa issuance pause | From December 18-23, 2025; not in effect since August 28, 2026 (court order) |
| DV-2027 Registration | Not opened, date not announced |
| New Rule (passport + $1) | In effect since April 10, 2026 |
Why a Photo is Needed and Where It Is Used
A photo is required in several places in the process:
- When registering for the lottery - a digital photo is uploaded to the application on dvprogram.state.gov. Without the appropriate photo, the application will not be accepted.
- When filling out DS-160 (visa application after winning) - a digital photo is uploaded to the form.
- At the consulate interview - 2 identical printed copies of the photo are needed.
Who Needs a Photo
A separate photo is required for EACH family member:
- Main applicant
- Spouse in a legal marriage
- ALL unmarried children aged 0 to 21
- ALL children from previous marriages (both yours and your spouse's) - even if the child does not live with you and does not plan to go to the USA. This is a mandatory requirement of the program. Each photo is a separate file, and the requirements are the same as for adults.
Technical Requirements for Digital Photo
The requirements are set by the U.S. Department of State and are the same for the DV lottery, DS-160 visa, and all other immigration visas.
Format and Size
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Format | Only JPEG (.jpg). PNG, GIF, and other formats are not accepted - convert to JPEG. |
| Image Size | 600x600 px - recommended and safe size for the DV lottery. The general page of the State Department allows a range of 600-1200 px, but the official Photo Tool crops specifically to 600x600, and DV instructions specify this size. Use 600x600 for reliability. |
| File Size | No more than 240 KB |
| Color | Full color (24 bit, sRGB). Black and white photos are NOT accepted. |
Face and Head
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Head Size | 50-69% of the height of the photo (from chin to crown = 22-35 mm when printed) |
| Eye Position | 56-69% from the bottom edge of the photo (28-35 mm from the bottom edge when printed) |
| Scanning a Paper Photo | If scanning from paper: size 2x2 inches (51x51 mm), resolution 300 dpi |
| Direction of Gaze | Directly at the camera, without tilts or turns |
| Facial Expression | Neutral, both eyes open, mouth closed. A slight smile is acceptable, a wide smile with an open mouth is not. |
Background and Lighting
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Background | Solid white or nearly white. Gray, blue, beige - rejection. Patterns and textures - rejection |
| Lighting | Even, without harsh shadows on the face or background |
| Quality | Clear, without pixelation, blurriness, glare, under- or overexposure |
| Red-eye | Not allowed |
Prohibited
| What is prohibited | Why |
|---|---|
| Glasses (any, since November 2016) | Create glare, obscure eyes. Exception: medical certificate |
| Head coverings | Exception: for religious beliefs, but the face from forehead to chin must be fully visible |
| Retouching and filters | Any digital processing that alters appearance |
| Photos older than 6 months | Appearance must match current |
| Duplicate photo from previous lottery | Leads to DISQUALIFICATION of the application |
| Foreign objects and people | Only the applicant in the frame, against a white background |
| Sunglasses | Cover the eyes |
| Uniform/camouflage clothing | Prohibited. Only casual clothing |
| Headphones and headsets | Completely prohibited |
Why are the requirements so strict?
- National security - the photo is used for identification at all stages of the process
- Automation - initial checks are conducted by a computer program according to ICAO standards (International Civil Aviation Organization). If the photo fails to meet even one parameter - the application is automatically rejected
Requirements for Printed Photo (for Interview)
Lottery winners invited for an interview must bring 2 identical printed copies:
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Size | 2x2 inches (51x51 mm / ~5x5 cm) |
| Paper | Quality photo paper (matte or glossy) |
| Content | Identical to the digital version |
| Head size | 1-1.375 inches (25-35 mm) from chin to crown |
| Eye position | 1.125-1.375 inches (28-35 mm) from the bottom edge |
Photos of Children and Infants
For infants: The child's face must not be obscured (by hair, hats, accessories). No other people in the frame - including hands or shoulders of the person holding the child. It is allowed to take a photo of the child lying on their back on a white/light surface. Eyes should be open if possible. Neutral facial expression (this is difficult for infants, but try).
Free Tools for Photo Verification
Official State Department Tool
Photo Tool (travel.state.gov) - the only official tool from the State Department.
It is important to understand: the official Photo Tool is a CROPPER (cropping tool), not a validator. It allows you to rotate, crop, and save the photo in a 600x600 px square. But it does NOT check image quality, background, facial expression, presence of glasses, and other parameters. The State Department explicitly states: "The photo tool is designed to assist you in cropping your photo. The final decision about whether a photo meets requirements rests with the Department of State." This means there is NO free official tool for complete validation. All "validators" below are unofficial.
Unofficial Third-Party Verification Services
All services below are unofficial. They can help identify obvious errors, but do NOT guarantee acceptance of the photo by the State Department.
| Service | What it does | Note |
|---|---|---|
| dvchecker.com | Automatic check of format, size, background, proportions | Free, fast |
| dvlotteryphotochecker.com | Check of format, size, background, face | Free |
| 64tools.com/tools/dv-lottery | Check + conversion to 600x600 JPEG | Free |
| aipassportphoto.com | AI check of face and head position | Free basic check |
| photoaid.com | DV Lottery photo checker, AI check + human review option | Basic check free |
| passportphoto.online | AI verification of photo + expert review separately | Basic check free |
Mobile Application
The 7ID app (from the developers of Visafoto) - free for iOS and Android. Analyzes format, background, photo quality, and eye position.
Paid Services with Guarantee
If you want a guarantee of photo acceptance: Visafoto.com, PhotoGov.net, epassportphoto.com ($7-15, AI processing + expert review).
Comparison of Tools
| Service | Price | What it is | Auto-processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| tsg.phototool.state.gov | Free | Official cropper from the State Department. Cropping only, NO validation | Cropping only |
| dvchecker.com | Free | Unofficial validator. Checks size, format, background | No (check only) |
| photogov.net | Free / $3-5 | AI processing: background replacement, cropping. Free in queue | Yes |
| epassportphoto.com | $7-15 | AI + expert (human) check | Yes + guarantee |
| Visafoto.com | Paid | AI correction + automatic processing | Yes |
Recommendation: Check with a third-party validator (more details), then finally - with the official tool. If the official tool accepts it - the photo is suitable.
How to Take a Proper Photo by Yourself
You can take it at home with a smartphone - modern cameras provide sufficient quality. But not every photo from a phone will be suitable.
Common misconception: "I took a photo on my phone - it will be fine." The State Department explicitly states that snapshots and low-quality photos from mobile devices are not accepted. A photo from a phone may be acceptable if you meet ALL requirements (background, lighting, size, format). But a "quick selfie" on the go is almost guaranteed to be rejected.
If you are unsure - consult a photo studio that takes document photos. They know the requirements.
1. Find a White Wall
Stand 1-2 meters away from a smooth white wall. The light source should be IN FRONT of you (from a window or lamp), not behind. There should be no shadows on the wall.
2. Prepare
Remove glasses, headwear, headphones. Wear clothing that contrasts with the white background (not a white shirt). A beard is allowed if it is your usual style.
3. Take the Photo
Camera at face level, distance 1-2 meters. Look directly into the lens. Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. Ask someone to take the photo or use a timer. Take 5-10 variations.
4. Crop to Square
Open in any editor (even the one built into your phone). Crop to a square 600x600 - 1200x1200 px. Head = 50-69% of height. DO NOT apply filters.
5. Check and Save
Upload to the official Photo Tool. If accepted - save as JPEG (up to 240 KB).
Common Mistakes: Summary
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Photo is not square (not 1:1) | Automatic rejection |
| Format is not JPEG | Automatic rejection |
| Size over 240 KB or under 600×600 px | Automatic rejection |
| A photo from a previous lottery | DISQUALIFICATION of the entry |
| Glasses | Rejection |
| Non-white background | Rejection |
| Retouching and filters | Rejection |
| Photo older than 6 months | Rejection |
| Headwear without a religious reason | Rejection |
| Shadows on the face or background | Rejection |
| Open-mouth smile | Rejection |
| Red eyes | Rejection |
If you won DV-2026
The window has closed: DV visa issuance, stopped in December 2025, resumed only on August 28, 2026, and DV visas cannot be carried over by law - DV-2026 visas could only be issued until September 30, 2026. As of September 30, 2026 the court in Medani v. Trump had not ordered visa numbers held past that date, and the plaintiffs' motion of September 24, 2026 awaited a ruling - see the case status on the court cases page.
- Consular issuance: the court vacated the 75-country pause on August 24, 2026 (CLINIC v. Rubio); the government has appealed - see court cases
- The DV-2026 status check on dvprogram.state.gov was available until September 30, 2026
- If you did not get your DV-2026 visa in time, consult an immigration attorney
Practical Tips
dvprogram.state.gov - the only official site
Any other sites claiming that registration is open or offering to "help with registration for a fee" are scams. Registration occurs ONLY at dvprogram.state.gov.
Prepare your photo in advance
When registration opens, the window may be short (2-3 weeks instead of the usual month). Have your photo ready.
Starting with DV-2027, a valid passport is required
If you do not have a passport - start the application process now. In some countries, the process takes months.
Winners do NOT receive notifications
Neither by email nor by mail. Check results ONLY at dvprogram.state.gov. Any "congratulatory" letters are scams.
Official Sources (only they have legal force)
The English version of the instructions is the only official one. The State Department publishes translations of DV instructions into other languages but marks them as "unofficial translation." In case of any discrepancies between the Russian/any other translation and the English original - only the English text has legal force.
| What | Link |
|---|---|
| Official site for registration and result checking | dvprogram.state.gov |
| Photo requirements (general) | travel.state.gov/photos |
| Digital photo requirements | Digital Image Requirements |
| Official Photo Tool (cropper) | tsg.phototool.state.gov |
| DV program page | Diversity Visa Program |
| Visa news | Visa News |
| Fraud warning | Fraud Warning |
Results Check: DV lottery winners do NOT receive notifications via email, SMS, or mail. Results are checked ONLY through Entrant Status Check at dvprogram.state.gov. Any "congratulation" letters are scams.
FAQ
Related
DV lottery: rules, timeline, odds
Who enters, when entries and results happen
Did not win DV: the paths that remain
O-1, EB-1A and NIW without a draw
DS-260: how to fill it in
The form after a win
Consulates: interview experience
Reports by city
Reference material, not legal advice: rules and practice change - check the primary sources and consult a licensed attorney where needed.
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- Real Timelines by Stage: From Petition to Visa
- Schengen for Warsaw Interview: Practical Logistics
- How the consular interview works
- The medical exam inside the US (I-693)
- Visa suspension for 75 countries: who is affected
- Child turns 21 without a green card: CSPA explained
- O-1 visa for Russian and Belarusian citizens: validity
From community discussions
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