Embassy of the United States

Non-immigrant visas

Visa Forms and Photo Requirements

VISA FORMS

Prior to the non-immigrant visa interview, all applicants must fill out the electronic DS-156 Non-Immigrant Application.  Additionally, all applicants 16 years of age and older must complete the DS-157 Supplemental Non-Immigrant Application.  Lastly, all applicants applying for F (Student), J (Exchange) and M (Non-academic Student) visas, and their dependents (F-2, J-2, M-2) must complete the DS-158 Contact Information and Work History for Non-Immigrant Visa Form. 

Click here to download other U.S. visa applications forms, including the DS-156E, DS-156K and DS-2013.

PHOTO REQUIREMENTS

Applicants for a U.S. visa must submit one (1) photo.  The following minimum requirements must be met or your application will not be processed. 

1. The photograph must not be older than six months.
2. The photograph must measure 2x2" (5x5 cm)
3. The photograph of the applicant's head must be between 1" to 1 3/8" (2.5 to 3.5 cm) when measured vertically.
4. The photograph must have a white background.
5. The photograph must be full face view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly.

For more on visa photo requirements, click here.