Make Photo for US DV Lottery Online

What Is the US Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Photo

A standard US Diversity Visa lottery photo (green card lottery photo), as the name suggests, is a picture that satisfies all the biometric requirements and is widely used for a US DV Lottery application. It is worth noting that such a photo has to meet certain standards when you take one. 

If you want to learn more about the photo requirements, then you are in the right place as we are going to explain to you some of the significant rules in our guide. It is advised that you get familiar with the requirements of a US DV lottery photo before you submit your application, which will increase your chances of the photo being accepted. What’s more, you will also get to know how to take photos all by yourself without going anywhere! 

US DV Lottery Photo Requirements

The photo attaches great importance to the application for a U.S. DV visa lottery and it has to meet a number of requirements that have been set by the official department of the United States. Below you will find all of the useful and important tips and requirements for the U.S. DV visa lottery photo. 

• The applicant is required to upload 1 digital photo or a scan of a printed photo that is at least 600 x 600 pixels up to a maximum of 1200 x 1200 pixels in size and the file size should not be more than 240 KB;
• The photo must be in color; (Black or white photos will not be accepted.)
• The picture you submit must be in JPG format;
• The photo resolution should be at least 300 dpi and the preferable one is 600 dpi;
• The photo must have a color depth of 24-bits;

In the case of a scan of a printed photo, the print must be scanned with a resolution of 300 dpi.

US DV Lottery Photo Guidelines

To apply for an American DV Lottery, a recent picture of yourself that is taken within 6 months is a must. When it comes to preparing the green card lottery picture, as we said previously, you have better have an intimate knowledge of the technical specifications of the required photo. 

• Keep your facial expression neutral;
• Face the camera and look directly at the lens;
• Avoid inappropriate outfits or uniforms as they may cause photo rejection. It is recommended to wear some everyday and casual clothing;
• The photo has to be taken against a white or off-white background;
• Accessories like eyeglasses, headphones, and other similar items are not supposed to be worn. It is suggested that you should avoid too much jewelry as well;
• The photo must be taken within the last 6 months and has to show your current appearance.

DV Lottery Photo Specifications

When taking your DV lottery photo, there are some must-known rules that you need to stick to, regarding aspects such as size, position, facial expression, clothing, and more.

Photo Quality:

The photo taken must be in focus, sharp, and of good quality. No visible pixels or blurring is allowed. The scanned photo must not have any scratches or fold marks;

Head Position:

The head must be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inch from the bottom of the chin to the top of the hair (also between 25 and 35 mm.) For a digital photo, please make sure that your head is between 50% and 69% of the total height of the image measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the chin;

Photo Retouching Is Not Allowed:

Keep in mind that digital alterations and retouching of the photo are strictly forbidden. The photo has to show your natural skin tone and natural eye color; 

Pose:

The applicant should pose in front of the camera and both the head and body should face ahead. The photograph must show the entire face and forehead of the person;

Facial Expression:

The facial expression must be neutral. You are not allowed to laugh or show teeth;

Lighting:

The photo has to be of high contrast and should reflect your natural skin color. The image should be properly exposed, neither underexposed nor overexposed is accepted. 

Shadows:

There should be no shadows in the background or on your face, neck or shoulders in the photo;

Hats:

It is not allowed to wear hats or head coverings in the DV lottery photo. The only exception is made for religious or medical purposes. If you have to keep one, you need to make sure that it does not cover your face or cause any shadows; (Plus, you must have a signed statement.)

Hair:

It is acceptable to have your hair loose but your ears have to be visible. Remember that your hair must not cover your face. If you have long hair, you should brush or tie it back;

Glasses:

It is not allowed to have any glasses on the U.S. DV lottery photo. Glasses such as prescription glasses, sunglasses and tinte are not allowed.

The Most Common Mistakes When Taking Photos for DV Lottery

We have gathered a list of the most common mistakes of DV lottery photos that might cause the rejection of applications for the Diversity Visa Program. Let's take a look at what not to do when snapping a DV lottery photo below:

• The photo is underexposed or overexposed;
• Submitting a photo from the previous year;
• The red-eye effect or the 'flying head' effect;
• Wearing glasses in the photo;
• There are shadows or patterns in the photo;
• Wearing clothes that look like a uniform;
• Closed eyes or an open mouth;
• A wide smile, which is not allowed;
• The photo has been edited or retouched using a program such as Photoshop;
• The head in the frame is too close or too far.

How to Take a Good Photo with Your Phone?

Definitely, you can resort to a professional visa photo service to ensure the photo meets all the specified requirements, or you can simply take the photo yourself and resize it using an online DV photo tool for free. AiPassportPhotos is such an easy-to-use online DV photo editor to resize your picture to 2x2 inches within seconds.

Below you will get to figure out how to take a green card lottery photo with your phone, completely alone in the comfort of your own home. 

• Prepare a tripod or ask someone for help
• Set the proper lighting
• Get yourself well-dressed
• Pose according to the above-mentioned green card requirements
• Take a few pictures and choose the best one
• Upload it to AiPassportPhotos - Online DV Lottery Photo Tool
• Wait for AiPassportPhotos to detect your face, replace the background, adjust your head position, and crop the picture to 2x2 inches
• Preview the DV lottery photo
• Click "Free Download" to download the digital DV lottery photo without a penny
• AiPassportPhotos also offers a photo printout and mailing service, you can get your printed photos shipped to your home directly, saving you time and effort. 

Benefits of Using an Online DV Lottery Photo Tool

* Guaranteed Compliance

AiPassportPhotos ensures your photo meets the strict U.S. Department of State requirements, such as size, background, and facial position, reducing the risk of disqualification.

* Convenience

You can take and edit your DV lottery photo from the comfort of your home, avoiding the hassle of visiting a studio or photo booth.

* Fast and Easy

With AiPassportPhotos, you can quickly upload your photo, make necessary adjustments, and get a compliant image in just a few clicks, saving time and effort.

* AI-Powered Editing

The tool uses advanced AI technology to automatically enhance the photo, crop the photo precisely, and ensure the background is clear and uniform.

* Free of Charge

No need to spend extra money on professional photography services. AiPassportPhotos provides a cost-free way to create the perfect DV lottery photo online.

* Multiple Attempts

You can take and upload multiple photos until you're satisfied, allowing you to submit your best shot without worrying about wasting time or money.

FAQ

How to take DV lottery photos with an iPhone?

To take a DV Lottery photo with your iPhone, find a plain, well-lit background and ensure even lighting to avoid shadows. Position the camera at eye level, center your face, and include your head and shoulders. Keep a neutral expression with eyes open, and mouth closed, and avoid smiling. Wear everyday clothes and remove glasses or hats unless for religious purposes. After taking the photo, upload it to AiPassportPhotos to adjust size, background, and format, ensuring it meets U.S. Department of State requirements for the DV Lottery.

How to edit photos for DV lottery online?

With AiPassportPhotos, editing your DV Lottery photo online is simple. Upload your photo, and the AI tool will automatically adjust the background, size, and head position to meet U.S. Department of State requirements. This ensures your photo is ready for submission in just a few clicks, all from the comfort of your home.

Is a green card lottery photo the same as a us passport photo?

Yes, a Green Card lottery photo is generally the same as a U.S. passport photo. Both require a 2x2 inch size, a plain white or off-white background, and a neutral facial expression. The same standards for head position, lighting, and attire apply for both, ensuring compliance with U.S. Department of State guidelines.

Can I use old photos for DV?

No, you cannot use an old photo for the DV Lottery. The U.S. Department of State requires that the photo be taken within the last six months. Using an outdated photo could result in your application being disqualified, as the image must accurately reflect your current appearance.

What is the dress code for DV photos?

For a DV Lottery photo, the dress code is simple: wear everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms, except for religious attire worn daily. Make sure your clothing contrasts with the plain background, and avoid overly bright or dark colors that may blend in. Glasses, hats, and head coverings are not allowed unless worn for religious reasons. Keep the focus on your face, as the clothing shouldn't distract.