Different Indian documents have different photo rules. The e-Visa bans spectacles. The regular visa caps files at 300 KB. VFS wants a pure white background. Here's exactly what each one needs.
Each Indian document type has different rules. This table shows exactly what differs.
| Requirement | Indian Passport (VFS USA) | India e-Visa | Regular Visa | US Passport (reference) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Print size | 2×2 in (51×51 mm) 2 identical prints |
Digital upload only | Digital upload (some missions also require prints) | 2×2 in Photo paper, matte or glossy |
| Digital format | JPEG Upload to govt portal |
JPEG, square 10 KB – 1 MB |
JPEG, square 10 KB – 300 KB |
JPG/JPEG/HEIF 54 KB – 10 MB (online renewal) |
| Background | PURE WHITE VFS is strict |
Plain light/white | Plain light/white | White or off-white |
| Glasses | Not allowed | "Without spectacles" | Not explicitly banned (but glare fails review) | Generally not allowed |
| Head size | Shoulders visible, good lighting | Full face, file-size focus | 25–35 mm | 25–35 mm (1–1⅜ in) |
| Recency | Within 6 months | Recent | Recent | Within 6 months |
| Baby eyes closed? | OK under 1 year | "Eyes open" required | "Eyes open" required | OK for babies |
Process: Complete govt portal form → Upload photo/signature → Register on VFS → Submit packet (mail or appointment).
Photos: 2 identical 2×2 in prints, pure white background, no glasses, within 6 months.
Fees: Govt fee + VFS service charge + ICWF contribution.
Tatkal: 3–4 business days if police verification clears; ~30+ days if complex.
VFS Centers: Tied to Indian consulate jurisdictions (DC, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, LA, NYC, SF, Seattle).
Process: Complete OCI portal form → Upload photo/signature → Submit via VFS.
Fee: US $275 per applicant + ICWF + VFS fees.
Common rejection: Poor photo/signature upload quality is the leading cause of returns.
Processing: ~5–6 weeks (varies; not guaranteed).
Age updates: OCI holders must re-upload new passport copy + photo at certain age milestones.
Upload: JPEG, square, 10 KB–1 MB. NO SPECTACLES.
Also upload: Passport bio page scan.
Apply: Minimum 4 days before arrival at indianvisaonline.gov.in.
Categories: e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Conference, e-Medical, and more.
Tip: Many applications fail at the upload stage — wrong file size or wearing glasses.
Upload: JPEG, square, 10–300 KB (smaller cap than e-Visa!), full face, eyes open, plain background.
Head size: 25–35 mm guidance provided.
When needed: Categories not available as e-Visa, or longer-stay visas.
Apply: Via indianvisaonline.gov.in.
Tip: The 300 KB file-size limit is the tightest of all Indian documents.
Photo is captured live at an enrolment center — you don't bring a printed photo. NRIs with a valid Indian passport can enroll (182-day residency not required). OCI holders can enroll as "Resident Foreign National."
PAN photos are 3.5 cm × 2.5 cm (not 2×2 inches!). White background, color photo. Different size from passport/visa — don't use the same template.
For parents: here's what differs by age for Indian documents.
Indian-origin population in the US (2023)
OCI cards issued for the US
Top states (~half of population)
Indian consulates in the US
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