CHANGE IN NIV PHOTO STANDARDS

R 111831Z FEB 03
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO ALL DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR POSTS
SPECIAL EMBASSY PROGRAM
AMEMBASSY KABUL
AMEMBASSY DUSHANBE
AMEMBASSY KHARTOUM

UNCLAS STATE 038747

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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