File rules for the DV entry
The Diversity Visa program uses the State Department’s digital image requirements: a square JPEG between 600 × 600 and 1200 × 1200 pixels, no larger than 240 KB, in sRGB colour. A photo that doesn’t meet them can get the entry disqualified, so it is worth getting the file exactly right.
Every person needs a separate photo
The entry asks for a photo of you, your spouse and each eligible child. Open the page once per photo, or use the Application Pack to prepare them together and download one ZIP.
Common reasons photos get rejected
- An old photo or one already used in a previous year’s entry.
- Glasses, a patterned or dark background, or shadows on the face.
- The head too small or too large in the square — use “Manual” crop to fix it.
Questions
Does Zekoya check the background and pose?
No. It guarantees the file rules (format, pixels, size). The pose, lighting and background are up to you.
Can I make the file smaller than 240 KB?
Yes — choose a lower limit in “File size”. 600 × 600 photos usually end up around 100–200 KB at high quality.