Taking a Photo DV Lottery-Compliant.

An easy to understand, useful checklist on how to have your photo perfect before your official submission.

Before You Start

  • Have a light background that is plain with an equal lighting.
  • Position the camera at the same level with the eye level and hold it.
  • Look at the camera, with an impartial face.
  • Do not over-edit, use filters, and other accessories that cover the face.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Prepare Background: Select plain and light background and no shadows.
  2. Lighting Arrangement: Soft, even front lighting is to be used.
  3. Position of the Camera: The eye-level, not extreme angles.
  4. Framing: In the center of the head and shoulders, face is not to be concealed.
  5. Facilities: Neutral expression, eye opened, mouth closed.
  6. Accessories: Cases Only in exception cases. No tinted lenses.
  7. Color & Resolution: Full color, apparent focus, pixelation is not present.
  8. File/Save As: JPG/JPEG Maximum 5MB. Check to our checker and get results before official submission.

Next Step: authorize Your Photo.

Checks on common requirements can be automatically checked in the DV Lottery Photo Checker and then submitted on the official site.

Disclosure: It is a self-governing tool and guide. It does not belong to any government agency. Never disregard the most recent official guidelines on the site of dvprogram.state.gov.