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E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CVIS, CMGT
SUBJECT: CHANGE IN NIV PHOTO STANDARDS

1. The photo format required for NIV processing has been updated to improve the quality of photos in the CCD and make the format consistent with that required for US passport processing. For the time being, the IV photo standard remains the three/quarter profile, although CA expects this to change within the next several months to a single uniform standard. The revised DS-156 includes the new NIV photo specification.

2. Posts may phase in the new photo standard during the next two months. CA suggests posts contact major photography studios and travel agents to explain the change and be prepared to accept photos in the old standard during this interim period. This is particularly important in countries where these dimensions are not common for photos taken for identification purposes. The photo will continue to print on the MRV in the current format. However, the new dimensions and the specification that the background be white or off-white should result in significantly higher quality photos in the CCD and improve the results of
facial recognition and other anti-fraud efforts.

3. CA is working on outreach materials concerning photo quality that will be posted on the CA Internet page when available. However, posts should proceed with implementing the format change without waiting for these materials.

4. 9 FAM 41.113 PN1.2 "Photograph Requirements for MRV" has been updated as follows:

a. The photograph of each visa applicant must be an unmounted full face photo, taken within the past six months. A "full face" photo is one in which the applicant is facing the camera directly. The applicant should not be looking down or to either side, and the face should cover about 50 percent of the area of the photo. Although variations in hair styles and in head coverings make it difficult to rigorously define the term "face," in general, the head of the applicant, including both face and hair, should be shown from the crown of the head to the tip of the chin on top and bottom, and from hair line side-to-side. It is preferable that the ears be exposed. The key requirement is that the photograph clearly identify the applicant.

b. The photograph should measure 2 inches square (roughly 50 mm square) with the head centered in the frame. The head (measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin) should measure between 1 inch to 1 3/8 inches (25 mm to 35 mm) with the eye level between 1 1/8 inch to 1 3/8 inches (28 mm and 35 mm) from the bottom of the photo. Photos may be either in color or black and white and must be taken against a white or off-white background. Photos should be printed without borders. Photos should be stapled or glued to Form DS-156, Nonimmigrant Visa Application. If the photograph is stapled, the staples should be placed as far away as possible from the applicant's face. Photos taken in front of busy, patterned, or dark backgrounds will not be accepted.

5. Note that 9 FAM 41.113 PN1.2-1 guidance concerning headcoverings remains unchanged. Headcoverings are acceptable only under very limited circumstances and then only when the applicant's face is completely exposed.

POWELL

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