Upload troubleshooting
DV Lottery Photo Upload Rejected? Troubleshooting Guide
An upload can fail before the visible portrait is reviewed. Check the actual file first, then rule out filename, browser and connection problems.
Reviewed against U.S. Department of State photo guidance · September 14, 2026
More visual examples
These are educational illustrations, not official government examples or photos to submit.
Upload troubleshooting order
| Symptom | Check | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong type | Actual encoding | Export JPEG |
| Wrong dimensions | Width and height | Crop then resize |
| Too large | Final size | Compress below 240 KB |
| Will not open | File integrity | Export from original |
| Still rejected | Browser and filename | Reload and retry safely |
On smaller screens, swipe horizontally to see every column.
Verify the final file
Renaming PNG, HEIC or WebP to .jpg does not convert it. Export a genuine JPEG.
Check the downloaded copy for 600×600 dimensions, square shape and a maximum size of 240 KB.
Simplify the filename and browser test
Use ordinary letters, numbers and a hyphen in a short filename. Keep the original separately.
Reload the official form in a current browser. If necessary, try a private window and temporarily disable extensions that alter forms.
Separate upload errors from acceptance
A successful upload does not prove the portrait meets background, lighting, expression, position and photo-age rules.
- Confirm the JPEG opens locally.
- Avoid repeated compression of a poor copy.
- Use a stable connection.
- Submit only through the official DV entry website.
Important: ToolsFA cannot access the government system or identify its private rejection reason.
Official sources
Always check the instructions for the program year in which you apply. ToolsFA is independent and is not affiliated with the U.S. government.