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COVA automatic photo check refuses the file

"COVA automatic photo check refuses the file" is a message shown by COVA (China Online Visa Application). COVA runs an automatic photo check inside the online form. First step: Re-crop so the face size is right even if that trims some hair at the top; the MFA says the voluminous hair can be trimmed off.

Why it happens

COVA runs an automatic photo check inside the online form. Very high hair or a head that is too small for the frame are common reasons; the MFA allows trimming voluminous hair in the crop to keep the face size right.

What to do

  1. 1.Re-crop so the face size is right even if that trims some hair at the top; the MFA says the voluminous hair can be trimmed off.
  2. 2.Re-upload the 420 x 560 pixel file.
  3. 3.If COVA still refuses it, most visa centres sell a photo on site, so the application is not blocked.

Official wording

the voluminous hair can be trimmed off

Source: https://us.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/lsfw/zj/qz2021/201612/t20161206_4410998.htm

Affected documents

Frequently asked questions

We are an independent service, not a government website. Applying for a passport or visa is done with your government; we only prepare the photo.