Complete USA crew visa 2x2 inch Requirements for US - Expert Tips

Requirements

• Photo size: exactly 2×2 inches (51 × 51 mm) with no trimming or borders
• Head size and position: head height (top of hair to bottom of chin) 1–1 3/8 inches (25–35 mm) centered vertically with eyes 1 1/8–1 3/8 inches (28–35 mm) from bottom of photo
• Background color: plain white or off-white, evenly lit with no shadows, patterns, textures, or objects
• Image quality and print: high-resolution continuous-tone color print on matte or glossy photo paper with no creases, smudges, or pixelation
• Color and exposure: natural skin tones, properly exposed with no over- or under-lighting, no red-eye, no filters or color casts
• Facial expression and pose: neutral expression or natural smile, mouth closed, both eyes open, directly facing camera with full face visible
• Glasses and eyewear: no glasses or sunglasses; medical or prescription glasses allowed only with a signed doctor’s note and no glare on lenses
• Head coverings: only for religious purposes; must not cover hairline or cast shadows on the face, full facial features from chin to forehead and both cheeks visible
• Clothing and uniforms: normal street attire; no military, police, or camouflage uniforms; collars should not obstruct the neck outline
• Photo recency: taken within the last six months to reflect current appearance
• Retouching and digital alteration: strictly prohibited; no airbrushing, softening of skin, or removal of blemishes
• File format (if uploading digitally): JPEG (.jpg), dimensions exactly 600×600 pixels at 300 dpi, file size ≤ 240 KB, sRGB color space

Step-by-Step Process

• First step: Capturing and preparing your 2×2-inch crew visa photo
• Use a high-resolution color camera or smartphone (minimum 300 dpi) to ensure sharp detail
• Position the subject against a plain, light-colored (white or off-white) background with no shadows or patterns
• Frame the head so it measures between 1″ and 1⅜″ from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head within the 2×2″ frame
• Center the subject’s face and shoulders and leave equal white space around the head for cropping tolerance
• Ensure a neutral expression, both eyes open and visible, mouth closed, and no hair or eyewear obscuring the face
• Use uniform, everyday clothing—no military uniforms, camouflage, or head coverings except for religious purposes (if the face remains fully visible)
• Save the digital file as JPEG in sRGB color space with no compression artifacts; file size should be between 240 KB and 1 MB
• Second step: Verifying, printing, and submitting your photo—and why each action matters
• Review the digital image at 100% zoom to confirm clarity, correct head size, and even lighting (prevents delays due to blurriness or shadows)
• Print on matte or glossy photo-quality paper at exactly 2×2″ with no border or frame (ensures compliance with U.S. Department of State standards)
• Use a professional photo lab or calibrated printer to avoid scaling errors—measure the printed photo with a ruler to verify exact dimensions
• Affix the photo to your DS-crew visa application form using photo-safe adhesive tape on the four corners (avoids damage to the image)
• Double-check your name and date of birth on the back of the photo in pencil or non-smudging pen (aids easy identification at the consulate)
• Submit the attached photo with your completed application package—missing or non-compliant photos will result in rejection and processing delays

Tips and Best Practices

• Exact 2×2″ Size with Correct Head Proportion: measure overall photo and ensure head height is 1″–1 3/8″ from chin to crown to meet US biometric standards and avoid auto-rejects
• Uniform White or Off-White Background: use a plain, shadow-free backdrop so face-recognition software reads true skin tones and prevents retakes for background inconsistencies
• Even, Natural Lighting and True Color Balance: employ soft, diffused light to eliminate harsh shadows or glare and maintain accurate skin hues, reducing photo-quality failures
• Neutral Expression and Direct Eye Contact: keep mouth closed, eyes open and looking straight at the camera to satisfy biometric requirements and avoid delays for non-standard poses
• No Glasses, Hats or Head Coverings (unless religious): remove eyewear and non-religious headgear to fully expose your face and prevent immediate rejection for obscured features

Conclusion

Ensuring your US crew (C-1/D) visa photo meets the 2×2 inch specifications is critical to avoid delays or rejections. Adhering precisely to these requirements helps expedite processing and keeps your travel plans on track.

Key Points Summary:

• Photo dimensions: exactly 2×2 inches (51×51 mm)
• Head size: 1–1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) from chin to crown
• Background: plain white or off-white, no shadows or patterns
• Pose & expression: full-face view, neutral expression, eyes open and centered
• Attire: normal street clothes, no uniforms, no headwear (except for religious purposes)
• Glasses: prohibited (even if normally worn)
• Color & quality: high-resolution (600 dpi), true-to-life color, matte or glossy finish
• Recency: taken within the last six months to reflect current appearance