No, you cannot use a picture taken with your phone for the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery.
The United States Department of State has strict guidelines for the photo requirements for the DV Lottery. These guidelines specify:
- Photo Type: The photo must be a recent, color photograph taken within the last six months.
- Background: The background must be plain white or off-white.
- Head Position: Your head must be centered in the photo, facing the camera directly.
- Facial Expression: You must have a neutral facial expression, with your mouth closed and your eyes open.
- Clothing: You must be wearing ordinary clothing with no headwear or accessories that cover your face.
- Image Size: The photo must be 600 pixels wide and 600 pixels tall.
- File Format: The photo must be in JPG or JPEG format.
- File Size: The photo must be no larger than 240 KB.
These requirements are designed to ensure that the photo accurately reflects your appearance and can be easily verified. Photos taken with a phone often do not meet these requirements, especially in terms of background, lighting, and image size.
It is recommended that you have your photo taken professionally at a photo studio. This will ensure that your photo meets all the requirements and increases your chances of being selected for the DV Lottery.
