Most rejections happen because of the background. Cut your portrait out cleanly, then place it on the exact white or off-white your document requires.
Remove your portrait above, then set it on a canvas of the required color:
| Document | Background | Photo size |
|---|---|---|
| US passport | Pure white or off-white | 2×2 in (51×51 mm) |
| US visa / DV lottery | Plain white | 2×2 in, 600×600 px minimum |
| UK passport | Plain light-grey or cream | 35×45 mm |
| China visa photo | Plain white | 33×48 mm |
| Schengen visa | Light uniform background | 35×45 mm |
Always double-check the official checklist of your issuing authority — sizes and rules change.
Even, front-facing daylight. No harsh shadows on the face.
Head centered, look straight at the camera, mouth closed.
After cutting out, size the head to 70–80% of the photo height per your spec.