A DV passport is a travel document that one eligible from a country with low immigration rates has to receive before they can enter the United States when selected under the Diversity Visa (DV) program, also known as the Green Card Lottery.

When processing the application, be sure to strictly adhere to the U.S. Department of State official guidelines that require strict photo compliance. A successful DV photo must have standard dimensions, a standard background color and facial expression, and be very strictly aligned with standards set by the rule book so as not to be disqualified.

Preparing Your Application for the DV Program

The first step in applying for the DV program is confirming your eligibility and gathering the required documents. It is a totally online process, making it easier and faster for applicants around the world. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you:

1. Check Eligibility

Before you start the application, make sure you qualify. The DV program is available to natives of countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S. You must be born in an eligible country, and you must meet either the educational or work experience requirement. In particular, you must have either:

• A high school diploma or its equivalent, or
• Work experience of at least two years in a job requiring at least two years of training or experience based on the classification of the U.S. Department of Labor.

2. Complete the Online Application

The next thing is to fill out the online entry form from the official website of the U.S. Department of State. You will need to provide some personal information including:

• Full name (matching the one on your passport)
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Eligible country
• Educational and work experience information
• Valid email address

You will also be required to upload a recent photograph of yourself, which should be in accordance with the photo requirements specified below. The application is straightforward, but it is essential to verify all entries for accuracy. Minor mistakes can result in disqualification.

3. Submit Your Entry

Once you have filled out the application form and uploaded your photo, recheck it and submit your application. The submission is free, and then you will receive a confirmation number. Make sure to save this number as it is required for checking the status of your DV entry and for any future correspondence.

4. Follow the Results and Next Steps

After the lottery, you can check your entry status online by using your confirmation number. It is a lucky day if you get selected, and the embassy will contact you further on the visa application process. 

Getting the Perfect Photo for Your DV Passport

The most critical aspect of the DV application is the submission of a photo. Below are the key photo requirements and how to ensure your photo is compliant:

1. Photo Size and Dimensions

Your photograph should be 2 inches by 2 inches (51 mm by 51 mm). The head should be between 1 inch and 1.4 inches (25 mm to 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. Ensure the photo is clear and high-quality with no distortion.

2. Background

The background should be plain white or light-colored. It should be uniform without shadows or patterns, and the facial features are clearly outlined. 

3. Facial Expression and Position

The U.S. Department of State requires a neutral expression, which is no smiling, frowning, or any facial expression. The eyes must be open, and both eyes have to be seen clearly.

4. Clothing and Accessories

Uniforms and camouflage clothing are not acceptable. Head or face coverings are acceptable only if worn for religious purposes and do not cover your face. Glasses are also not acceptable in the photo, effective from November 1, 2016. 

5. Lighting and Quality

The picture should be taken with good lighting, so that there are no shadows on your face or background. Use a camera of good quality to ensure that the picture is clear and free of pixelation or distortion. 

6. Digital Photo Submission

Submit a digital photograph in JPEG format. Ensure it is of the correct size and does not exceed 240 KB. Uploading your photograph in accordance with U.S. Department of State guidelines will help prevent delay or rejection of your application.

With proper preparation, submitting your application will be a smoother process, bringing you one step closer to achieving your goal of obtaining U.S. permanent residency through the DV lottery program.