Need a DV Lottery photo in Toronto that is ready for the official online entry form? Green Day Photography provides professional U.S. Diversity Visa photos in our studio and through a mobile service across Toronto and the GTA. We prepare the final image to the exact DV upload specifications, including the required square crop, file format, file size, head position, background and lighting.
A correct photo does not increase your chance of being selected in the random draw. It does, however, help prevent a technically non-compliant image from creating problems with your entry. Final acceptance and eligibility decisions always belong to the U.S. Department of State.
Important update for 2026: The U.S. Department of State has said that the start date for the DV-2027 registration period will be announced separately. Do not rely on unofficial registration dates. Always check the official Diversity Visa page before submitting an entry.
Official DV Lottery Photo Requirements for 2026
For an online Diversity Visa entry, the U.S. Department of State currently requires a digital photo with the following specifications:
| Requirement | Official specification |
| Dimensions | Exactly 600 × 600 pixels for the DV online entry |
| File format | JPEG (.jpg) |
| Maximum file size | 240 KB or less |
| Shape | Square aspect ratio |
| Colour | Colour image in sRGB colour space |
| Photo age | Taken within the last six months and reflecting your current appearance |
| Background | Plain white or off-white |
| Head size | Top of head to bottom of chin must occupy 50% to 69% of the image height |
| Eye position | Eye level should be 56% to 69% of the image height measured from the bottom |
| Expression | Neutral expression, full-face view and both eyes open |
The image must show your natural appearance. Beauty filters, face reshaping, AI replacement, background manipulation that changes the outline of the person, or retouching that alters identifying features should not be used. You should also remove eyeglasses, headphones and wireless hands-free devices. Religious head coverings are permitted when worn daily, provided the full face remains visible and the covering does not create shadows.
DV Lottery Photo Service in Toronto and the GTA
Our service is designed for applicants who want a properly photographed and prepared file without guessing about crop, lighting or compression. You can visit our studio near 404 and Steeles, or book our at-home passport and visa photo service in Toronto.
What is included?
- Professional camera, lighting and plain background setup
- Guidance for facial expression, head position and clothing
- Precise 600 × 600 pixel crop for the DV online entry
- JPEG file prepared at 240 KB or less
- Digital delivery for online submission
- Free correction or retake if the photo is rejected because of our technical error
Pricing
- Studio DV Lottery photo: $50
- Mobile service: $100 for the first applicant
- Additional applicants at the same location: $25 each
Travel fees may apply for locations outside our regular service area. If you also need printed 2 × 2 inch photos for a U.S. passport or a future visa interview, tell us when booking so we can prepare the correct version. For a full comparison of printed U.S. specifications, see our U.S. passport photo guide for Toronto.
DV Lottery Photos for Couples, Families and Children
Follow the current DV instructions carefully when listing a spouse or eligible children. Each person whose photo is required needs a separate, recent image; one family photo cannot be reused for multiple applicants. Using an old photo from a previous entry period may also create a compliance issue if it no longer reflects the person’s current appearance.
For babies and toddlers, no parent, hand, toy or supporting person should appear in the frame. The child should face the camera with the eyes open, and the background must remain plain white or off-white. Our mobile setup is especially helpful for young children because the session can take place in a familiar environment. Parents can also review our infant passport photo guide, while remembering that U.S. DV rules are stricter about open eyes.
Common DV Lottery Photo Mistakes
- Uploading the wrong dimensions: A general U.S. visa image may allow other digital dimensions, but the online DV entry specifies 600 × 600 pixels.
- Reusing an old image: The photo must be recent and reflect your current appearance.
- Using filters or heavy retouching: The photo must show your natural appearance.
- Incorrect head scale or eye position: A square image can still be rejected if the face is framed incorrectly.
- Shadows or uneven lighting: Shadows on the face or background can make the image non-compliant.
- Wearing glasses: Eyeglasses are generally not allowed in a new U.S. visa or DV photo, except for rare documented medical circumstances.
- Submitting a photo of a screen or document: Scans from a driver’s licence, screenshots and low-quality snapshots are not acceptable substitutes.
How to Prepare for Your DV Photo Session
- Wear normal everyday clothing in a colour that separates clearly from a white background.
- Avoid uniforms unless the clothing is worn daily for religious reasons.
- Remove glasses, hats, headphones and large accessories before the photo.
- Keep makeup natural and avoid anything that significantly changes your normal appearance.
- Tell us if the photo is for the initial DV entry, a U.S. passport, or a visa interview because the required deliverables are different.
DV-2027 Registration Update
As of August 8, 2026, the Department of State has not published the start date for the DV-2027 registration period and says it will announce the date separately. Registration is free and is accepted only through the official Electronic Diversity Visa website during the announced period. Avoid websites that claim they can guarantee selection or charge a government registration fee.
Green Day Photography provides the photo service only. We do not choose entrants, influence the draw, determine nationality eligibility or guarantee a visa. Check the latest official DV instructions before submitting your entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size must a DV Lottery photo be?
For the online DV entry, the image must be exactly 600 × 600 pixels, square, in JPEG format and 240 KB or less.
Can I take my DV Lottery photo with a phone?
You may take the photo yourself, but it must still meet every technical and composition rule. Common problems include shadows, an incorrect crop, low image quality and digital processing that changes the person’s appearance.
Can I use my Canadian passport photo?
Not without creating a separate DV version. Canadian passport photos are rectangular and follow different measurements, while the DV upload must be a square 600 × 600 pixel JPEG.
Can I wear glasses in a DV Lottery photo?
Generally, no. New U.S. visa photos do not allow eyeglasses except in rare medical circumstances supported by a signed statement from a medical professional.
Does a professional photo improve my chance of winning?
No. Selection is random. A professional photo helps reduce preventable technical errors, but it cannot influence selection, eligibility or visa approval.
Book a DV Lottery Photo in Toronto
Choose a studio appointment near 404 and Steeles or book mobile service across Toronto, Richmond Hill, Markham, Vaughan, North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Aurora and surrounding GTA communities. Contact Green Day Photography to schedule your session and receive a properly prepared digital file for the official DV entry form.
Last updated: August 8, 2026. Photo requirements and registration dates can change. Always verify the latest instructions on the official U.S. Department of State website before submitting an entry.
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