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Non-Immigrant Visas

New NIV Application Form and Photo Requirements

On March 1, 2003, the Consular Section started using a new version of the nonimmigrant visa application form, DS 156. All people applying for a nonimmigrant visa after March 1 should make sure that they use the new version of the form. The form is available on the Internet at the State Department’s web site: http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi_forms.html. The courier service, American Express will also provide the form free of charge.

Photograph requirements:

  • The photograph must measure 2 inches by 2 inches (approximately 5cm or 50mm square) with no border.
  • The background must be off-white. The face should cover about 50 percent of the photo and measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 (25mm to 35mm).
  • The eyes should be between 1 1/8 and 1 3/8 (28mm to 35mm) from the bottom of the photo.
  • The photo must be full face with the applicant looking straight into the camera.
  • The hair from the crown should be visible and the ears should be exposed.

These requirements will be strictly enforced, and applicants who do not submit the correct photos will encounter delays.