A summary of such specification is below, but you really should read the very strict US government technical specifications for the photograph(s) to make sure you don't miss any. Any single error in your photograph will probably disqualify your application, and you will lose the opportunity to win a green card in the next two years.
Of course, if, as we highly recommend, you apply for the lottery using our services, you don't have to worry about your entry being disqualified, as one of our green card lottery expert will review your photograph, tell you what's wrong with it if any, and give you an opportunity to correct any mistake you may have made.
Submitting a Digital Photograph
You can take a new digital photograph or scan a photographic print with a digital scanner, as long as it meets the compositional and technical specifications listed below. If you want someone to check if your photo to be submitted meets the criteria listed here, you can do it here.
Photographs must be in 24-bit color depth. If you are using a scanner, the settings must be for True Color or 24-bit color mode.
Additional Photo Requirements
COMPOSITIONAL SPECIFICATIONS :
Head Position
- The subject must directly face the camera.
- The subject’s head should not be tilted up, down, or to the side.
The head height or facial region size (measured from the top of the head, including the hair, to the bottom of the chin) must be between 50 percent and 69 percent of the image's total height. The eye height (measured from the bottom of the image to the level of the eyes) should be between 56 percent and 69 percent of the image's height.
DIGITAL IMAGE HEAD SIZE TEMPLATE:
Light-colored Background
- The subject should be in front of a neutral, light-colored background.
Focus
- The photograph must be in focus.
No Decorative Items
- The subject must not wear sunglasses or other items that detract from the face.
No Head Coverings or Hats
- Head coverings or hats worn for religious beliefs are acceptable, but the head covering may not obscure any portion of the face. Tribal or other headgear not religious in nature may not be worn. Photographs of military, airline, or other personnel wearing hats will not be accepted.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
Taking a New Digital Image
If you take a new digital image, it must meet the following specifications:
Image File Format
- The image must be in the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) format.
Image File Size
- The maximum image file size is 240 kilobytes (240 KB).
Image Resolution and Dimensions
- Minimum acceptable dimensions are 600 pixels (width) x 600 pixels (height). Image pixel dimensions must be in a square aspect ratio (meaning the height must be equal to the width).
Image Color Depth
- Image must be in color (24 bits per pixel). 24-bit black and white or 8-bit images will not be accepted.
SCANNING A SUBMITTED PHOTOGRAPH:
Before you scan a photographic print, make sure it meets the color and compositional specifications listed above. Scan the print using the following scanner specifications:
Scanner Resolution
- Scanned at a resolution of at least 300 dots per inch (dpi).
Image File Format
- The image must be in the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) format.
Image File Size
- The maximum image file size is 240 kilobytes (240 KB).
Image Resolution
- 600 by 600 pixels.
Image Color Depth
- 24-bit color [Note that black and white, monochrome, or grayscale images will not be accepted.
For more information on how to apply for the green card lottery, get your free copy of our Diversity Visa Green Card Lottery Book today.