LOTTERYUSA KNOWLEDGE CENTER

DV Lottery Photo Requirements: Size, Background and Framing

Understand the 600 × 600 JPEG standard, 240 KB limit, head position, photo recency, lighting and printed interview photographs.

Sources reviewed: · Independent preparation guidance

JPEG, size & square dimensions

For the DV digital entry: JPEG, 600 × 600 pixels, no more than 240 KB. Color image with appropriate quality; general digital guidance specifies 24-bit sRGB.

What to correct: Use the crop/export tool for size and format, then inspect the output visually. Conversion does not establish photo compliance.
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Recency & authentic appearance

Taken within six months and matching current appearance. Do not reuse an older annual-entry photo or alter facial appearance.

What to correct: Retake an old, filtered or heavily retouched image. This tool cannot establish when a photo was taken.
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Head size, eye height & camera position

Head height from chin to crown should be 50–69% of image height; eye level about 56–69% from the bottom. Face forward, head upright, neutral expression and eyes open.

What to correct: Use the official template and our manual guides. If angle, expression or framing cannot be corrected by a reasonable crop, retake the photo.
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Background, focus & lighting

Plain white/off-white background, clear focus and unobstructed face without distracting shadows.

What to correct: Retake with even light and sufficient background separation. Our tool does not remove backgrounds or verify lighting automatically.
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Glasses, clothing, head coverings & infants

Remove glasses and obstructing accessories. Religious headwear can be worn with the face visible. Medical exceptions need documentation. Infant images must not include another person.

What to correct: Review official exceptions and examples. Separate photos are required for each relevant family member.
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Printed photographs for interview

Each DV visa applicant generally brings two identical photo-quality prints, 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm), meeting the appearance standards.

What to correct: Ask the studio for U.S. immigrant-visa prints, and check the embassy’s current checklist.
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