Chinese visa photo from your phone, checked first

The Chinese Visa Application Service Center asks for a color photo taken in the last 6 months, 33 mm wide and 48 mm tall, with the head 28 to 33 mm tall and 15 to 22 mm wide, on a white or close to white background with no border. Your expression should be neutral with eyes open, lips closed and ears visible.

For the online application form, the visa center says the photo must be a JPEG no larger than 354×472 pixels, with a file size between 40 KB and 120 KB. Our file is exactly 354×472 and within that range.

In the U.S. you fill in the application online and upload your photo there. The consulate-general in Chicago also asks you to bring a standard ID photo when you hand in your passport. Our 4×6 print sheet has two 33×48 mm photos.

Yes, unless they are thick-rimmed, tinted or reflect light. If you can, take them off: our check can't see glasses yet.

No. The visa center asks for a neutral expression with your lips closed.

The online system checks the photo itself. Make sure the file is the 354×472 JPEG we give you and not a screenshot of it. Common reasons for a failed check are shadows on the wall, a head that is too small or too big, and glare on glasses.

No. A Chinese visa photo is taller than it is wide (about 1.3 × 1.9 inches). A U.S. passport photo is square, 2 × 2 inches, so don't reuse one for the other.

No. The U.S. Department of State says not to change your photo using computer software, phone apps or filters. We only check your photo and crop it to the official size. We never smooth skin, change the background or alter your face.

No. Your photo is checked and prepared on your own phone or computer. It is never uploaded to our servers.