US visa photo: ears must show?

12/15/2014 5:47:07 PM

I received several comments with links to official photo guidelines pages which never mention ears, and have example photos of women where the ears are covered. Aditya Somani confirmed that such photos have been accepted in the past and used in visas.

This seemed like convincing evidence that this is not a requirement—I still believe it isn’t,—so (due to lack of time) we did not re-do the photo in the last minute. Complying with the official requirements is not always enough though.

Here’s what actually happened:

When using the CITIC drop-off service in China, the bank clerk who takes the documents (not a consulate employee!) simply refused to accept the application because the ears don’t show.

I do not believe that there is a requirement that the ears should show, but people applying for a visa (especially in China) should know that something like this can always happen, and a clerk can refuse to take the documents out of his own initiative (regardless of what the actual guidelines may say). To avoid unnecessary delays, make sure your ears show in your visa photo.

9/2/2014 2:23:57 AM

I just went back and checked my mother’s photo on her US visa. And she has almost the exact same situation as yours.

One might argue saying that you could have your hair tied while taking the picture, but I find it unlikely that your visa will be rejected because your ears are not visible (considering it’s quite common for ladies to have longer hair). The other factors might be more important though.

In either case, I believe that if they are not satisfied with the picture, the consulate will contact you and ask you for another picture instead. I’ve seen that happen before when the consulate asked my father for a picture on a white background instead of a darker background.

In agreement with the comments, I suggest that you go ahead and apply for the visa.

Credit:stackoverflow.com‘

About me

Hello,My name is Aparna Patel,I’m a Travel Blogger and Photographer who travel the world full-time with my hubby.I like to share my travel experience.

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