The main specs
The DV entry photo is a square JPEG. Dimensions are between 600 × 600 and 1200 × 1200 pixels, the file must be 240KB or less, and the picture must be in colour. The head should fill roughly 50 to 69 percent of the image height.
Make the right size
Use the US visa photo maker to crop a square, centred photo. It exports 600 × 600 pixels, which is within the allowed range.
Get under 240KB
If the file is too large, run it through the 200KB tool, which stays safely below the limit while keeping the face clear.
Common reasons for rejection
A wrong size, a file above the limit, a shadowed background, a head that is too small, glasses glare, or a photo that has been edited or filtered.
Always confirm the rules
The official instructions are published for each entry period on the US State Department DV program site. Check them before submitting; PicFitter cannot guarantee acceptance.