DV Lottery Photo Tool: Making Approvable Pictures

Going to the USA is a dream for many. However, traveling there is a bit more complicated than just buying a ticket, since you require a visa. You can either go through the hurdles of regular application or take your chances at DV Lottery. The winner gets a permanent resident card that allows life and work hassle-free.

To take part in the DV lottery, you still require a photo that matches official requirements. And you can make one yourself, saving a lot of time that going to a photo studio would take. All you need is DV lottery photo editor software and a handful of guidelines, and that’s exactly what you’ll find here! So, let’s dive right into the matter.

Easy-to-Use DV Lottery Photo Tool

Modern photo editing software can provide the same results as a professional service would. Passport Photo Maker is designed exactly for that. With dozens of templates for various IDs, facial features recognition, automated cropping, and other tools, you’ll easily edit a casual portrait shot into an appropriate visa photo. And in case you are a pro yourself, a client database, price management module, and other features will help you run your business.

A casual pic tuned to an appropriate visa photo

Need a perfect photo to take part in a DV lottery?
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Here's some features of Passport Photo Maker:

• ID formats for 130+ countries
• Facial features recognition
• Backdrop and clothes editor
• Built-in photo enhancer
• Paper-saving print layouts

Easy-to-Use DV Lottery Photo Tool

Now that you know what Passport Photo Maker is capable of, let’s take a look at how it works. Follow the step-by-step guide below to quickly edit your photo for the DV lottery.

Step 1. Click the button below to download the installation file for Passport Photo Maker. Run this file and follow the installation wizard prompts. Once all is set, launch the program.

Step 2. In the program, open a photo of yourself that fits as many requirements as possible (you’ll find the list below).

Step 3. In the right part of the window, find the list of countries and select the USA. Then select the Diversity Visa Lottery template.

Step 4. The program will automatically crop your photo according to the selected template. In case you want to adjust the result, go to the Crop tab and follow the instructions. Then click Next.

Step 5. On the Edit tab, you can replace the background, change clothes, tweak brightness, contrast, saturation, and other aspects of the image if necessary. Remember – the fewer edits you make, the better.

Step 6. Without leaving the Edit tab, click the Save Photo to File button and export the image. Done!

The tool automatically detects facial features and crops photos

DV Lottery Photo Requirements

The DV lottery is a complex and important affair for everyone involved. You have to exercise care and responsibility at every stage. But when it comes to taking portrait pictures, there’s at least a clear set of conditions you have to meet. So, here’s the list of DV Lottery photo requirements:

• Photo is not older than 6 months
• File format is JPEG with 24-bit color depth
• Maximum file size – 240 KB
• Image resolution – 600 by 600 pixels
• Photograph is clear and properly lit
• Eyes look into the camera, facial expression is neutral
• Face takes up from 50% to 69% of the image’s height
• No shadows, hair, or anything obscuring the face
• Photo is in color with a plain white backdrop
• No head coverings (unless prescribed by religion)
• No eyeglasses (unless absolutely medically required)

There are diversity visa photo checkers that can help you ensure your DV lottery picture matches most requirements. However, do keep in mind that the algorithms are not infallible and do not give a 100% guarantee of photo validation.

Correct measurement of a Green Card lottery photo

Appropriate Photo Examples and Guidelines

There are a lot of things you have to keep in mind in case you are taking an ID photo yourself. So, take a look at the examples below to have a clear picture of what you should and shouldn’t do.

Shot Composition

The background has to be plain white, and your face has to occupy from 50% to 69% of the total height of the picture.

Facial Expression

Look directly into the camera with your eyes wide open. Keep your expression neutral – no smiling, frowning, or smirking. Also, do not open your mouth and don’t tilt your head.

Lighting and Clarity

The photo must be in color and properly lit. Firstly, everything should be clearly visible. Secondly, there should be no shadows on your face, and no other obscuring objects (e.g. hair).

No Prohibited Objects

There should be no extra objects on your head – no headphones, scarves, medical masks, etc. The only exceptions are coverings prescribed by religion and glasses required due to medical condition (you still have to provide a signed medical statement).

Casual Clothes

You should wear something plain and casual. No professional uniform or extravagant garments are allowed. Religious attire can be an exception, though.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I edit my photo for the DV lottery?

Partially, yes. You can adjust the brightness, contrast, saturation, and crop the image to match the required DV lottery photo size. You may even erase the background and replace clothes. However, heavily retouching or altering facial features in any way is prohibited.

How do I resize a photo for the DV lottery?

Open your picture in a DV lottery photo size editor, such as Passport Photo Maker. Then use the tools of the program to make your image fit the following conditions: resolution is 600 by 600 pixels, file size is 240 KB, and color depth is 24-bit.

How can I edit my photo for USCIS for free?

To make your photo comply with USCIS requirements, you may use any image processor at hand. It is even viable to find ID or DV lottery photo tools online, free from the need to install any additional software on your device. However, if you want to increase the chances of successful submission and have more control over the result, it is better to opt for Passport Photo Maker or another specialized DV lottery photo editor.

What is the correct photo for the DV lottery?

Photos should be square, with a resolution of 600 by 600 pixels and 240 KB file size. There’s a long list of official DV lottery photo requirements, along with examples of dos and don'ts that you need to know.

Is the DV lottery photo checker accurate?

You do can use the DV lottery photo checker to see whether your photo complies with the basic requirements. However, as accurate as they are, the results of this check are not official, and your picture might undergo a more thorough examination upon submission.