DOS Follow-Up Cable on NIV Photos

R 090233Z NOV 01
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO ALL DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR POSTS
SPECIAL EMBASSY PROGRAM
AMEMBASSY DUSHANBE
AMEMBASSY NDJAMENA
AMCONSUL PESHAWAR
AMEMBASSY JAKARTA
AMCONSUL SURABAYA
AMEMBASSY BELGRADE
AMCONSUL LAHORE

UNCLAS STATE 195459


E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CVIS, CMGT

SUBJECT: Revised Procedural Notes Concerning NIV Photo Requirements
Ref: State 190930

1. Further to reftel, following re revised 9 FAM 41.113
procedural notes concerning photograph requirements for
MRV processing. Principal changes include specific
reference to head coverings being allowed only for
religious purposes and an attempt to define the term
"face."

2. Begin revised text of FAM notes:

PN1.2 PHOTOGRAPH REQUIREMENTS FOR MRV

a. The photograph of each visa applicant must be an
unmounted full face photo, taken within the past six
months. A "full face" photo is one in which the applicant
is facing the camera directly. The applicant should not
be looking down or to either side, and the face should
cover about 50 percent of the area of the photo.
Although variations in hair styles and in head coverings
(see discussion below) make it difficult to rigorously
define the term "face," in general, the head of the
applicant, including both face and hair, should be shown
from crown of the head to tip of chin on top and bottom
and from hair line side-to-side. It is preferable that
ears be exposed. The key requirement is that the
photograph clearly identify the applicant.

b. The photograph should measure from 1-1/2 to 2 inches
square (either in color or black and white against a light
background), and should be stapled to Form DS-156
(Nonimmigrant Visa Application). The staples should be
placed as far away as possible from the applicant's face.
Photos taken in front of busy, patterned, or dark
backgrounds should not be accepted.

c. Head coverings and hats are only acceptable due to
religious beliefs, and even then, may not obscure any
portion of the face of the applicant. Sunglasses or other
paraphernalia which detracts from the face as defined
above are not acceptable unless required for medical
reasons (an eye patch, for example). A photograph
depicting a person wearing a traditional facemask or veil
that does not permit adequate identification is not
acceptable. Photos of military, airline or other
personnel wearing hats are not acceptable. Photographs of
applicants wearing tribal, national costume or other
headgear not specifically religious in nature are not
acceptable. Consular officers are encouraged to use their
discretion and knowledge of local conditions in evaluating
the appropriateness of headgear in visa photos. Photos of
applicants for A and G visas wearing head coverings as
part of national costume may be accepted at the discretion
of the consular officer provided the face as defined above
is clearly identifiable.

d. Since a separate visa is issued to each qualified
applicant, an individual photo is required in all cases.
Group photos are not acceptable.

End revised text.

3. These changes will be incorporated in the next release
of Inserts.

POWELL