Square shape
Between 600 × 600 and 1200 × 1200 pixels
US Visa Photos (DS-160) · Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh
Get your visa photo right the first time—guaranteed to pass
Heading home to renew your visa? Get a photo that meets State Department rules, plus a digital file already sized for the DS-160 upload.
Book your visa photo · $40G★★★★★5.0 on GoogleUpload-ready fileFree street parking nearby
Everything the DS-160 checks
The form checks your file before it ever looks at your face. We get every one of these right before you leave.
JPEG format
Not the HEIC files iPhones save by default
240 KB or less
A phone photo is usually several megabytes
sRGB color
In color, with the profile the form expects
White background
Plain white or off-white, with no shadows
Head size
50–69% of the image height, facing forward
Why skip the phone photo
No upload errors
We export your file to DS-160 specs so it goes through the first time instead of the fifth.
No dorm-wall shadows
Studio lighting and a real white backdrop. You see yourself on the monitor and click when you're ready.
Prints, too
Two 2×2 prints come with your session, in case your consulate asks for one at the interview.
Who comes to us for this
F-1 · J-1
Students heading home
Renewing your student visa over winter or summer break.
H-1B · L-1 · O-1
Visa stamping trips
Getting your visa stamped at a consulate abroad.
H-4 · F-2 · J-2
Dependents & families
Every family member needs their own photo. Kids welcome.
J-1 SCHOLARS
Researchers & postdocs
Visiting scholars renewing for another year in the lab.
★★★★★
“I had a great experience at Cheesy Studio for my ID photo. The environment was relaxed and professional, and the team was very friendly and helpful. They even helped me with simple makeup and hair touch-ups, which made the whole experience feel easy and thoughtful. Highly recommend!”
Skyler Jin · Google review
Visa photo questions
Can I use my old passport photo?
Only if it was taken in the last 6 months and the file meets the DS-160 limits. The 240 KB cap is what trips most people up.
My upload keeps failing. Can you help?
Yes, that's exactly what this session is for. You'll leave with a file that's already the right size, shape and format.
Can I wear glasses?
No. Glasses aren't allowed in visa photos, so you'll take them off for the shot.
Can I get my home passport photo in the same visit?
Yes. Every country has its own rules, so your visa photo usually won't work for your passport. We also take Chinese, Indian and other passport photos—just tell us when you book.
6315 Forbes Ave · Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh