US visa photo Philippines: DS-160 600×600 max 240KB, Embassy Manila/Cebu. https://www.pixid.studio/guide/us-visa-photo-philippines

🇵🇭 Philippines → 🇺🇸 US visa · Last verified: May 2026

US Visa Photo Requirements for Filipino Applicants — DS-160 & Embassy (2026)

600×600 px Max 240 KB DS-160 2×2 in

Quick answer: Upload 600×600 px JPEG, max 240 KB, square 2×2 in framing on DS-160. Interview at US Embassy Manila or Consulate Cebu. Bring one print if your appointment letter requires it.

Official sources: travel.state.gov · ustraveldocs.com/ph

US visa DS-160 digital photo for Filipino applicants
DS-160 is digital-first — 600×600 px under 240 KB, not DFA 35×45 mm.

Use this page if…

  • Filipino applying for a US non-immigrant visa (B1/B2, H1B, student, etc.) via DS-160.

Do not use this page for: Philippine passport (DFA renewal) renewal, applicants outside this origin country, or generic sizing without VFS context — see general US visa photo guide or Philippine passport (DFA renewal).

US visa from Philippines is digital-first: DS-160 needs a square 600×600 px JPEG under 240 KB. A DFA ePassport print at 35×45 mm will not upload — export the square file first, then print one 2×2 copy only if your embassy letter requires it.

US Embassy & Consulate in the Philippines

After DS-160, schedule interview at:

CentreAddress / areaNotes
Embassy Manila1201 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila 1000Non-immigrant visas — most applicants
Consulate CebuWaterfront Cebu City Hotel, Lahug, Cebu CityVisa renewals — limited categories

US Embassy Philippines · travel.state.gov

Photo specification

RequirementSpecification
Digital size600×600 pixels (square)
Physical equivalent51×51 mm (2×2 inches)
File formatJPEG
Max file size240 KB
Head height50–69% of image height
BackgroundPlain white or off-white
Recency≤ 6 months
GlassesNot permitted

DS-160 requires square 600×600 digital upload — not DFA 35×45 mm. Using a passport photo file will fail the portal.

Printed photo or digital upload?

Digital upload is primary. DS-160 blocks submission without a compliant JPEG. Export 600×600 under 240 KB via PixID. One printed 2×2 copy may be required at interview.

Document photo compliance checks — background, head size, and framing
Visa centres check measurable rules — crop, background, and head height — not whether the photo is flattering.

What usually goes wrong for Filipino applicants

  • Using DFA 35×45 mm instead of square 600×600
  • File over 240 KB from phone camera original
  • Blue studio background
  • Uploading before fixing shadows

Print for interview if required

Print one 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) copy on photo paper if your Manila or Cebu appointment letter asks for it.

PixID — $4.99

PixID checks crop, background, and file size for US visa rules — without altering your face. $4.99, money-back guarantee.

See also

Frequently asked questions

What size for US visa from Philippines?
600×600 px JPEG — square, max 240 KB.
Where to interview?
US Embassy Manila or Consulate Cebu.
Print or digital?
Digital on DS-160; print may be required at interview.
Can I use passport photo?
No — DFA uses 35×45 mm; US requires square 600×600.
OFW US visa photo?
Same DS-160 digital spec for all non-immigrant categories.
Glasses allowed?
No for US visa photos.
How recent must the photo be?
Taken within the last 6 months and reflecting your current appearance.
Why does DS-160 reject my photo file?
Common causes: file over 240 KB, not square 600×600 px, or shadows on the background. Export from PixID at DS-160 size before you submit the form.
Can I reuse my DFA ePassport photo?
Usually no — even when print size looks similar, DFA ePassport crop and visa head-height rules differ.

US visa from Philippines — DS-160 600×600 digital

Create Your Photo — $4.99

Verified against U.S. Department of State photo requirements.