Photo is a mandatory requirement and one of the most important parts of the US visa application process, be it an immigrant visa or non-immigrant (eg: visitor visas and student visas). But most people take this lightly. They don’t realize how important it is to look better and classy in your photo.
Most applicants don’t even know that the US immigrant department gave specific instructions on their websites.
Before applying for the Ds-160 form, let’s see how to capture your US visa photo in Bangladesh and plan accordingly. Remember, a US visa is one of the most powerful visas you can get, and at the same time, it is the hardest visa to secure.
Do I Need a Printed Photo for a US Visa?
Yes, soft copy and printed copy both are needed for the US visa (depending on your situation!).
Let me explain…..
When you fill out the DS-160 form, you need to attach a digital photo to the photo section (at the end of the form-filling procedure). The digital photo is actually a soft copy of your photo.
Wondering if you can fill out DS-160 without a photo? The straightforward answer is No, the photo is mandatory.
Now come to the printed photo. At the time of facing the embassy interview, you must bring two (2) identical photos. That’s why we said both soft copy and hard copy are needed. (You don’t need to bring printed photos if your photos are taken recently and your DS160 isn’t more than 6 months old.)
US Visa Photo For Bangladesh: Guideline
There is a specific guideline for the US visa photo for applicants.
What is the photo requirement for a US visa in Bangladesh?
- In color
- 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) in size
- Photo on your current appearance(recommended to be Taken within the last 6 months)
- Full-face view directly facing the camera
- Both eyes open and have neutral facial expressions and
- Plain white/off-white background
- Lab Print
- No shadow on the photo
Size and Dimension
So, what is the size of a visa photo in Bangladesh? Your digital image must be:
- Equal to or less than 240 kB (kilobytes) in file size.
- In JPEG (.jpg) file format.
- 2 x 2 inches
- 600×600 pixels in dimension.
Head Size & Orientation:
The photo should be taken from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. Plus, the head is between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (between 25 and 35 mm). us visa photo size sample.
Eyeglass
Eyeglasses are no longer allowed in US passport photos, except for medical reasons.
Attire
Any regular attire is ok but we recommend dressing modestly as this photo will make an impression on the application form. Always choose a dress that really suits you, and you look amazing in the photo.
Headscarf
Headscarf is allowed but in a way that shows the hair and both of your eyes.
Where Do I Take My US Visa Photos?
Ideally, you can take your US visa photos with any renowned photo studio.
Listed below are a few recommended US visa photo studios in Dhaka close to the Embassy. The Embassy does not recommend any particular studio. You may use any studio you wish and are not obligated to use any of the ones listed below. But these are the studios some previous visa-accepted applicants have suggested.
Colorpoint Studio
- 3, Metropolitan Plaza, Gulshan-2 Circle
- Dhaka-1212
Dhaka Color Point Digital Studio & Lab
- 44 Gulshan Avenue, Gulshan 1, Dhaka 1212
- Tel: 88-02-985-9893, 88-02-883-2012
- Email: dhakacolorpoint@yahoo.com
Hollywood Picture Studio’s
- 2-3 Zahed Plaza, 30 North Avenue (Ground Floor), Gulshan Circle-2 Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
- Phone: 88-02-8815489, 01819-229868, 01919-229868
Panorama Commercial Photographer
- L. Mallick Complex, 12, Purana Paltan (2nd Floor), Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
- Phone: 88-02-9553047, 01911-356856
- E-mail: Panorama.mahbub@yahoo.com
Qamar Photographers
- 18/2 Topkhana Road (1st Floor), Dhaka
Sonargaon Studio
- Russell Center, 27 Hatkhola Road (Opposite Ovishar Cinema Hall), Dhaka-1203, Bangladesh
- Phone: 88-02-9559892, 01714-242567
- E mail: lilymomotaz@hotmail.com
V.I.P. Photo Studio & Lab
- Gulshan Palladium (1st floor), Road-95, Gulshan-2, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh
- E-mail: vipstd123@yahoo.com
FAQ
Can I wear makeup for US visa photo?
Yes, you can. But don’t use too much makeup that ruins your natural physical appearance.
Can I take a photo with my phone for a US visa?
The US embassy doesn’t have any guidelines regarding this. But we recommend taking photos from a professional photo Lab as there are so many requirements to meet.
Is it OK to smile in a US visa photo?
Normal expression is required, so no smile.
What should I wear for my passport photo?
We recommend wearing dark-colored clothes as the background is white. And you can’t wear the uniform.
Is colored hair allowed in a passport?
The color of your hair is not a big deal if the hair is fully visible.