The United States has long been one of the most popular immigration destinations around the world. If foreigners want to obtain a Permanent Resident Card (also known as Green Card) to work and live permanently in the country, participating in the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program would be a convenient method. This diversity visa (DV) Lottery program, also called the green card lottery, provides a quota of 55,000 every year. However, with more than 11 million applicants, only one lucky person out of every 200 stands out, which is fierce competition. Whether you are qualified for the DV lottery application is related to your country of birth and education or work experience. However, even if you are eligible to pass the DV Lottery test, you are still likely to be screened out due to insufficient documents, unqualified photos, health conditions, criminal background and economic support, etc.
The DV-2025 Lottery is approaching and all applicants must include a DV Lottery Photo in their application form. The visa photo is featured with requirements as strict as a passport photo. And today, we are going to talk about what is a qualified US visa lottery photo. Moreover, we will also introduce a convenient DV lottery photo tool that makes a 100% acceptable image for you.
DV Lottery Photo Requirements
It is so lucky to be selected in the lottery that we should never miss the chance. Therefore, it is important to learn about the official standards of a proper photo listed as follows. As the DV lottery application is made online, you have to submit a digital photo.
General Requirements
- Size: a minimum of 600×600 pixels and a maximum of 1200×1200 pixels with a square aspect ratio
- Resolution: at least 300 dpi; 600 dpi is favorable.
- File size: less than 240 KB
- File format: JPG
- Color depth: 24-bits
- It must be a colored photo instead of a black-and-white one.
- Head measurement (from chin to top of head): 300-414 pixels
- Measurement from eye level to the bottom photo edge: 336-414 pixels
- If you provide a scanned printed photo, the print is supposed to be 2 x 2 inches and scanned with a resolution of 300 dpi.
Photo Validity
The photo for DV lottery photo must be taken within the last 6 months before the application date. That is to say, if your appearance has changed a lot after taking the photo during this period, you have to retake a new one that presents your current look.
Photo Quality
The photo for the diversity visa lottery must be clear, sharp and in focus. A scanned photo must be clear of scratches, stains, blurring, folding marks or watermarks. Don’t retouch it or change any facial features with the software.
Photo Background
The applicant should be the only one that appears in the picture. The background should be neutral and light-colored, such as white, off-white or light gray. The backdrop should be clear of any other items, persons, patterns, stains or uneven texture. The DV lottery photo tool we are going to introduce, AiPassportPhotos would automatically deal with it.
Pose and Facial Expressions
Applicants are required to show their whole face and forehead. Ears are not mandatory to be visible. You must face straight forward, so all facial characteristics would be captured, including the jawline and temples. Look at the camera and keep your eyes open. Keep a neutral expression, which means you can’t laugh, grin or frown because exaggerated movements would distort facial features. A natural smile is acceptable, but make sure to close your mouth and not show your teeth.
Lighting
The diversity visa lottery photo must show natural skin color and not have shadows, so the subject should be evenly lit. Avoid underexposed or overexposed in case of red eye effect, color difference and ununiform highlights. Take off your accessories if they cast shadows on the background, your face, neck and shoulders.
Headgear
Hats and head coverings are not allowed unless for religious or medical reasons. Remember to remove the headband or other decorations on the baby. If you have to wear it, please offer a signed statement from a religious leader or doctor indicating that you have to wear it in daily life or for treatment. Your face can’t be covered in any case.
Hair & Glasses
There are no specific requirements on hairstyles as long as it does not obscure any part of the face. Otherwise, you should tie it up, especially your eyes. Just carefully organize your hair behind you if you let it down.
Glasses is prohibited in the diversity visa lottery since 2016 because the reflection from the lenses would obscure the recognition of your eyes and the frame would cast shadows on your face.
How to Take a DV Lottery Photo at Home
Although it is suggested to use professional ID photo services in retail stores or studios, it is also acceptable to take a shot at home with your camera or phone if you have gotten acquainted with the photo requirements and the following photography tips.
Use a Tripod or Ask Other People for Help
If you hold your camera and take a selfie, it is not acceptable because it is too close to pose properly. Generally, the rear camera makes more clear photos than the front one. Therefore, you can set up your camera on a tripod or ask your friend or family to help. Then you can stand or sit 1-1.5 meters away from it. Set a timer or use Bluetooth remote to control your camera.
Make Use of Natural Light
Lighting is the most difficult part while taking DV lottery photo at home. Improper lighting would lead to shadows and influence exposure. The best solution is to find a well-lit room on a sunny day and take advantage of natural daylight. Face the window from which you can see the sunlight and let it illuminate both sides of your face.
Dress Properly
There is no specific requirement for attire. This is good news. You can wear casual clothes. Please note that uniforms, vests, off-shoulder tops or any other fancy dress are not recommended. Besides, don’t wear light-colored clothes that might blend into the background.
Pose Properly
Remember that you are not a model and not taking a fashion shot. Just pose according to the official requirements and try to be natural and relaxed. Make sure your head and shoulders appear in the frame.
How to Use DV Lottery Photo Tool
The biggest problem of taking biometric photos at home is to check compliance, and that is what AiPassportphotos does. Here is the step-by-step guide to using it.
- Step 1. Upload a photo on AiPassportphotos
After taking the photo by following the steps above, you can upload it to this DV lottery photo checker. The built-in AI technology will scan and check your face, lighting, photo quality, etc. If all these are qualified, it will automatically continue.
- Step 2: Wait for automatic processing
If necessary, the DV lottery photo tool will carefully outline the figure and replace the background that satisfied the authority’s requirements, so you don’t have to worry about not having a white wall at home.
Compared with manual cropping in Photoshop or other photo editors, AiPassportphotos doesn’t require users to enter size values or drag the mouse to resize, which is more efficient and easier to use.
- Step 3: Preview and Download the photo
Now your photo is ready. Preview and see whether you are satisfied with it. If not, you can reupload another one. If yes, feel free to click the “Get the photo” button to save it. The final result is guaranteed to be 100% compliant with the official requirements. You can save the digital template with one photo or printable templates with 4 identical ones.
Besides making DV Lottery images, this intelligent ID photo maker can also make qualified photos for most document types around the world, such as passports, visas, driving licenses, citizenship cards and so on. All of them require one click.
FAQs: DV Lottery Photo
Q: How many photos are required for my DV lottery application?
A: One digital photo is needed for online applications. If there are co-applicants, they should also submit one.
Q: Do I need to take a new DV lottery photo if I have added or removed tattoos?
A: Yes, if they are on your face.
Q: Do I need to retake the photo if I have lost weight?
A: Yes, if your figure and appearance have changed a lot. And it is also applicable if putting on a lot of weight.
Q: Do I need to retake the photo if I got a new gender identity?
A: Yes.
Q: Do I need to download and install the desktop application of AipassportPhotos?
A: No, it is an online tool that is compatible with all computers, phones and tablets.
Q: Can I wear makeup or jewelry in the photo for a diversity immigrant visa?
A: Yes, but make sure the makeup is light and does not change your facial features. Jewelry should not cover your face, cast shadows or reflect light.
Summary
After reading this passage, you must have been clear about DV lottery photo requirements. Taking a shot on your own could be quite simple if you follow the photography tips, including equipment settings, lighting, dress code and pose. With the help of a DV lottery photo tool, you can start working confidently.
The post How to Get a Qualified Photo for DV Lottery for 2025 first appeared on AiPassportPhotos.
