Green card photo check

Getting your photo right is one of the most important parts of applying for the US Green Card Lottery.

In this guide, I’ll outline the official requirements for Green Card Lottery photos, explain what makes a good vs. bad image, and walk you through how to take a compliant photo at home.

Let’s get started:

Below are the official requirements from the US Department of State and Federal Register for the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery. 

Your digital image must meet every one of these standards to avoid automatic disqualification.

Image specifications

• Format and colour: JPEG (.jpg) in colour, using sRGB colour space
• Dimensions: 600 × 600 px (minimum) to 1200 × 1200 px (maximum)
• File size: No larger than 240 KB, with compression no greater than 20:1
• No retouching: Photos must be natural. No filters, no editing to change appearance, and no background replacements

Composition and head position

• Head size: Must occupy 50–69% of the image height (chin to crown)
• Eye level: Positioned 56–69% from the bottom of the image
• Full-face view: Look directly into the camera, neutral expression, both eyes open
• Recent photo: Taken within the last six months, showing your current appearance

Background and quality

• Background: Plain white or off-white; no patterns, textures, shadows or visible objects
• Image quality: Sharp, in focus, and clear. No pixelation, distortion, glare or dark shadows

Clothing and accessories

• Attire: Everyday clothing; no uniforms (except for daily religious wear)
• Head coverings: Allowed only if worn daily for religious reasons, and mustn’t obscure the face or cast shadows
• Eyeglasses: Not permitted since 1 November 2016 unless medically necessary (with a doctor’s note, and no glare or shadows)
• No extra items: Remove hats, headphones, sunglasses, uniforms or jewellery that obscures facial features; hearing aids are allowed

Tips for taking a Green Card Lottery photo at home

You don’t need a professional photographer to get a perfect Green Card Lottery photo because you can do it yourself at home with a bit of preparation. 

Below are some practical tips to help you take a compliant DV Lottery photo.

1. Set up a proper background

Choose a plain white or light-coloured wall as your backdrop. 

If you don’t have a white wall, hang a white sheet. Ensure the area behind you is smooth and free of patterns or objects. 

This gives the required neutral background.

2. Get the lighting right

Take the photo in a well-lit area, ideally with natural daylight. 

Position yourself facing a window (not in direct harsh sun) or use two light sources from either side to minimise shadows. Avoid standing under a ceiling light that casts shadows on your face. The goal is even lighting without dark shadows or bright glare on your features. 

A cloudy day outside or bright indoor lighting with diffusers works well.

3. Position the camera correctly

Have someone else take the photo or use a tripod or self-timer. 

The camera (or smartphone) should be at eye level, about 1.2–2 metres away. Stand straight and look directly at the camera. Keep about an arm’s length (1 metre) distance from the background wall to prevent shadows. Ensure your head and upper shoulders are fully in frame. 

This setup will help get the correct head size (your face should fill roughly 50–69% of the photo height).

4. Compose and take multiple shots

Take a few test shots to check framing and lighting. 

The image should have space above your head and around your shoulders (remember it’ll be cropped to a square).

5. Keep your expression neutral

Do not smile broadly (a gentle, closed-mouth smile is fine, but no teeth). Also, don’t frown or raise your eyebrows. Simply look straight ahead with a calm, neutral expression, and both eyes open. 

It can help to blink right before the photo to avoid half-closed eyes.

6. Remove unallowed items

Take off any glasses, hats, or head coverings (unless worn daily for religious reasons). 

Also, remove headphones or earbuds. 

If you wear a headscarf or turban for religious reasons, you can keep it on, but ensure it doesn’t shadow your face and your full face is visible. Tuck away any hair hanging in front of your eyes.

Why use PhotoAiD to check your Green Card photo?

Green Card Lottery photo requirements are strict, and even small mistakes can disqualify your entry. 

PhotoAiD (available as ID Photo & Passport Photo for Android and as Passport Photo for iOS) helps you avoid common issues by checking your image against official US guidelines.

Here’s how it works:

1. Upload your photo. Whether taken at home or already saved on your device.
2. Get a free AI check. Our tool scans for key compliance points like background, head position, size and format.
3. Optional expert check. For added assurance, you can have a human reviewer confirm your photo meets all requirements.