NVC / CEAC file size limit and PDF requirements
Short answer
NVC document uploads must be .pdf, .jpg or .jpeg files no larger than 2 MB each, with each document scanned as one file. Zipped or password-protected files are not accepted.
Source: Scanning and Uploading Tips
Source checked: October 21, 2026
Requirements
Every rule NVC / CEAC publishes that affects your PDF, with its source.
| Rule | Requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum file sizeRequired | 2 MB | Source [1] |
| Accepted formatsRequired | PDF, JPG, JPEG | Source [1] |
| Passwords and securityRequired | Not allowed | Source [1] |
| ScanningAdvice | 150 dpi, Scan in colour if the document is in colour.Re-scan at a higher resolution if the result is not readable. | Source [1] |
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Common rejection reasons
- Zipped or password-protected files. [1]
Also worth knowing
- Keep each multi-page document in a single file; do not split one document across uploads.
Sources
- [1]Scanning and Uploading Tips
U.S. Department of State
Read on October 21, 2026.
State Department mirror of travel.state.gov/…/scanning-and-uploading-tips.html, which blocked our automated request.
Get an email if these rules change
We re-read every source at least once a week. One email when a source for NVC / CEAC changes, nothing else.
Changelog
Found the official State Department scanning tips page. Status changed from secondary_only to verified.
Other United States portals
| Portal | Size limit | Page limit | Data |
|---|---|---|---|
| PACER / CM/ECF (U.S. federal courts)Federal, courtVerified | Not verified | Verified | |
| USCIS online account evidence uploadFederal, agencyVerified | 12MBper file | Verified | |
| eFileAZ, Arizona limited jurisdiction courts (self-represented)Arizona, courtVerified | 9.5 MBper file | Verified | |
| Findlay (Ohio) Municipal Court e-filingOhio, courtVerified | 20 MBper file | Verified | |
| Florida Courts E-Filing PortalFlorida, courtVerified | 50MBper file | Verified | |
| Iowa Judicial Branch eFILE (EDMS)Iowa, courtVerified | 20 MBper submission | Verified |