DV Lottery Photo Checker

My Mission: Helping Applicants Avoid a Common Mistake

Hello! I'm an individual software developer from Nepal. I created this DV Lottery Photo Checker because I saw how many people, full of hope for a new life in the U.S., had their dreams cut short by a simple, technical mistake: a non-compliant photograph.

The Diversity Visa (DV) Program is a wonderful opportunity, but its strict technical rules for photos can be confusing. My goal is to provide a straightforward, free, and accessible tool to help you check your photo *before* you submit it. This project is my way of using my programming skills to help fellow applicants navigate one of the most common hurdles in the process.

The Story Behind This Project

This tool wasn't created by a big company or a team of lawyers. It was built by one person—me. Living in Nepal, I've seen the excitement and anxiety that surrounds the DV Lottery season each year. I've heard stories from friends and community members who worried endlessly about their photo, and some whose applications were rejected for reasons they didn't understand.

I realized that a simple validation tool could provide peace of mind and prevent preventable disqualifications. So, I decided to build it. This website is the result of that effort—a personal project dedicated to making the DV application process a little less stressful for everyone.

How The Technology Works

The DV Lottery Photo Checker uses an automated script to analyze your photo based on the known technical requirements published by the U.S. Department of State. It checks for key parameters such as:

• Dimensions (e.g., 600x600 pixels)
• Head size and position within the frame
• Eye height
• Background color and uniformity
• File size and format

The tool provides instant feedback to help you identify potential issues. While I continuously work to improve its accuracy, it is an automated check and may not catch every nuance. It should be used as a helpful guide, not a final authority.

Your Privacy is My Priority

I understand that a personal photograph is sensitive data. Your trust is essential, and I designed this service with your privacy as the top priority.

The process is simple and secure: Your photo is uploaded directly to the server for analysis and is **permanently deleted immediately after the check is complete.** I do not store, view, share, or sell any photos or personal data. This service is free, and my goal is to help, not to profit from your information.

The Future of This Tool

As a solo developer, I plan to maintain and improve this tool as best as I can. My hope is to keep the checker up-to-date with any changes in the official DV Program rules and to make it even more helpful over time. This is a passion project, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute in a small way to your DV journey.