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Everything You Need to Know About U.S. Passport Photo Requirements

Getting or renewing a passport? Here's what you need to know about photo requirements.

Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey.

With routine processing times ranging from 10 to 13 weeks, getting a new passport is a time-consuming and sometimes cumbersome operation. No one wants to prolong it by providing a photo that doesn't quite meet the state department's requirements.

You don't have to buy pricey passport photos from any specific place — not the UPS Store, Walgreens , nor anywhere else — to meet those requirements. You can go the DIY route, but you need to be sure your photo follows a few specific rules. Here's what to wear (and what not to wear), the correct image size, approved backgrounds, and other rules you need to know when submitting a photo for your passport book or card.

Size and Resolution

Getting the dimensions right are arguably the hardest part of providing your own passport photo. What is a passport-size photo? The U.S. Department of State requires a square photo that's two inches long and wide. Your face must take up between one inch and an inch and three-eights from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.

The photo should show you clearly and without editing — this is a #nofilter zone. Also, selfie photos aren't allowed "because they are often the incorrect size and have the wrong head position." You must have someone else take the photo or take it using a tripod.

Your passport photo should be sharp — not blurry, grainy, or pixelated — and printed on photo-quality paper. It can be matte or glossy, as long as it doesn't have holes, creases, or smudges.

Color and Light Requirements

The Department of State wants the photo in your passport to be in color, but it doesn't stand for too much busyness in the background. Photos must be taken against plain, untextured white or off-white backgrounds with no shadows. You should be well-lit in the photograph, so that your skin tone is accurately represented.

Only Recent Photos Allowed

The rules state that your photo must be taken within six months of submitting it with your passport application. "We verify that the photo looks like you," reads the Department of State website, presumably by comparing your photo to the one on your driver's license or another proof of identity.

Posing for Passport Photos

Save the sultry or silly poses for Instagram. According to the State Department, in passport photos, you should have "a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and mouth closed." No big cheesy grins, no silly faces, no pouts.

In your photo, you should be facing the camera directly with your full face in view. If you are getting a passport photo for a baby or young child, this is harder than it sounds. There is more leniency for baby passport photos, according to the State Department.

What to Wear (and What Not to Wear)

Passport photos are not the place to make fashion statements. The State Department wants your photo to be "taken in clothing normally worn on a daily basis." However, no uniforms or clothing that looks like a uniform. Also, no camouflage attire.

You should not wear a hat or head covering in your photo. If you wear a hat or head covering for a religious or medical reason, you need to submit a signed statement that "verifies that the hat or head covering is part of recognized, traditional religious attire that is customarily or required to be worn continuously in public or a signed doctor's statement verifying the item is used daily for medical purposes," according to the State Department. Even with those signed statements, your full face has to be visible.

Also, no wearing headphones or earpieces. You can, however, wear jewelry, including body jewelry, as long as it doesn't hide your face. "Permanent tattoos are acceptable for passport purposes as well," the guidelines say.

As far as glasses go, the Department of State changed its ruling on those in 2016. It now requires that glasses are removed for the photo, even if you aren't using a flash camera. If you have a passport older than 2016 that includes a photo in which you're wearing glasses, it's still valid. But when you take a new photo for renewal, you'll have to take them off. If you have a medical need that prevents you from removing your glasses for the photo, the State Department requires a signed note from your doctor.

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Applicants for nonimmigrant visas at the U.S. Embassy are required to upload an electronic photograph as part of completing and submitting their DS-160 application form on the www.state.gov website. You should also carry a copy of your photograph to the Embassy on the day of your interview.

• Frame subject with full face, front view, eyes open
• Make sure photo presents full head from top of hair to bottom of chin; height of head should measure 1 inch to 1-3/8 inches (25 mm to 35 mm)
• Center head within frame (see Figure 2 below)
• Make sure eye height is between 1-1/8 inches to 1-3/8 inches (28 mm and 35 mm) from bottom of photo
• Photograph subject against a plain white or off-white background
• Position subject and lighting so that there are no distracting shadows on the face or background
• Encourage subject to have a natural expression

Figure 2. Head Position & Placement

For Digital Images Uploaded to the DS-160

The head height or facial region size (measured from the top of the head, including the hair, to the bottom of the chin) must be between 50% and 69% of the image's total height. The eye height (measured from the bottom of the image to the level of the eyes) should be between 56% and 69% of the image's height.

Image pixel dimensions must be in a square aspect ratio (meaning the height must be equal to the width). Minimum acceptable dimensions are 600 pixels (width) x 600 pixels (height). Maximum acceptable dimensions are 1200 pixels (width) x 1200 pixels (height).

Well-Composed Photos

Specifications of photograph required for the visa application form

Frequently Asked Questions about Photos

Fingerprinting

All visa applicants, except those traveling on official government business, who are under the age of 14, or who are over the age of 79, are fingerprinted by the U.S. Embassy as a part of their visa interview. During the visa application process, usually at the interview, an ink-free, digital fingerprint scan will be quickly taken.

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Here's when you need (and don't need) a passport to cruise.

It's the type of sailing – closed-loop or open-loop – that largely determines whether or not you need a passport to cruise.

Do You Need a Passport for a Cruise?

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A passport isn't always required for cruising.

To determine whether or not you need a passport to cruise, you first need to figure out if the itinerary is closed-loop or open-loop (also known as open-jaw).

Closed-loop cruise: A closed-loop cruise typically doesn't require a passport since it begins and ends in the same U.S. port (though there are some exceptions to this rule).

Example: Royal Caribbean International 's seven-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise stops in several countries – the Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti and Grand Cayman – but the itinerary is considered closed-loop because it starts and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Open-loop cruise: An open-loop cruise begins in one U.S. port and ends in a different U.S. port.

Example: Carnival Cruise Line 's 16-day Panama Canal from Seattle itinerary is not considered closed-loop because it departs from Seattle and completes its journey in New Orleans.

All of the above regulations have been determined by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: a plan by the departments of State and Homeland Security that determines which documents are acceptable for proving identity and citizenship when entering the United States.

Where to cruise without a passport

There are several destinations where you can cruise without a passport on a closed-loop sailing. They include the following:

• The Bahamas

When looking at cruises to these locations, be mindful of the home ports. The Bahamas, Mexico, Bermuda, the Caribbean and Canada are all foreign ports, which means they only qualify for the passport exception if they are a stop along your cruise itinerary . If the cruise originates in any of these countries, it is likely you will need a passport.

Since Alaska, Hawaii and New England are all U.S. destinations, any closed-loop routes departing from these locations will not require a passport. However, keep in mind that it can be hard to find closed-loop cruises originating in Hawaii or Alaska.

To find closed-loop itineraries for a Hawaiian voyage or Alaskan cruise , try searching for sailings departing from major cities on the West Coast, like Seattle or Los Angeles . By contrast, quite a few closed-loop cruises leave from New England ports, but they are often marketed as Canadian cruises.

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When you need a passport for closed-loop cruises

Some cruise itineraries include foreign ports that require a passport for disembarkation. This is most commonly an issue for travelers on a closed-loop Caribbean cruise. Barbados , Guadeloupe , Haiti, Martinique , St. Barts , and Trinidad and Tobago all require U.S. citizens to present a valid passport to disembark and enter the country, despite WHTI regulations not requiring a passport for these destinations. Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private island , is an exception and does not require a passport despite its location in Haiti.

If your itinerary includes a country requiring a U.S. passport, your cruise line will require you to have the passport at check-in. Note that your passport must not expire within six months of your arrival in a foreign country or else it won't be considered valid for international travel.

Read: The Easiest Way to Renew Your Passport

Acceptable forms of ID

All travelers – U.S. citizens and foreign nationals alike – must present documents that show identity and citizenship when entering the United States. A U.S. passport can show both. If you don't have one or don't want to bring one, be aware that you may need to present more than one document.

U.S. citizens 16 and older

If you're a U.S. citizen age 16 or older sailing on a closed-loop cruise without your passport, you will need a government-issued photo ID like a driver's license. In addition, you must present a document that proves your U.S. citizenship. These include:

• Passport card
• State-issued enhanced driver's license (EDL)
• Government-issued birth certificate
• Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST)
• American Indian Card (Form I-872) or Enhanced Tribal ID Card

The Trusted Traveler Programs are risk-based programs to facilitate the entry of travelers who have been vetted and preapproved. Most of these programs will provide you with a machine-readable card that allows you to pass through border checkpoints quickly. Keep in mind, some of these IDs are only available to travelers 16 and older.

Read: TSA Precheck vs. Global Entry

U.S. citizens younger than 16

U.S. citizens younger than 16 are only required to present proof of citizenship, such as one of the following documents:

• Original, notarized or certified copy of their government-issued birth certificate
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by U.S. Department of State
• Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Read: How to Get a Passport for Kids

Non-U.S. citizens

If you are a lawful permanent resident (or LPR) of the United States, you are required to present a permanent resident card or other valid evidence of permanent residence status.

Non-U.S. citizens, with the exception of Canadians and Mexicans, are not subject to passport exceptions, so a valid passport will need to be provided. Canadian citizens can present a valid passport, Enhanced Driver's License or Trusted Traveler Program card. Mexican citizens must present a passport with a visa or a Border Crossing Card.

Unacceptable forms of ID

While most common forms of identification are accepted, there are a few exceptions. U.S. military identification cards and U.S. Merchant Mariner documents are valid forms of identification, but only when traveling on official orders or in conjunction with official maritime business, so it is unlikely they will be accepted when traveling on a cruise.

Here are some other documents that will not be accepted as proof of citizenship:

• Voter registration cards
• Social Security cards
• Baptismal papers
• Hospital certificates of birth (for anyone older than a newborn)

It is important to note that many of the permitted forms of identification, such as a passport card or EDL, are only accepted at land and sea border crossings. Unforeseen circumstances, such as a medical air evacuation, may cause you to return to the U.S. by air travel. In this case, these documents won't be accepted when you try to reenter at the border crossing.

To avoid extra delays in your return to the U.S. following unforeseen travel complications, the Department of State recommends that everyone taking a cruise from the United States carry a valid passport book in case of emergency.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Erin Vasta has traveled extensively to international destinations, gaining a deep knowledge of travel regulations in the process. Her expertise in this area has saved her family and friends from unnecessary travel delays and ensured stress-free trips through border security in nearly 15 countries. To write this article, Vasta used her international travel experience and research skills.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Passport Holders
• Cruise Packing List: Essentials to Bring
• Safe at Sea: The Best Cruise Insurance

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Make US Passport Photo for Free

Original US Passport photos online with our easy-to-use service. Simply upload a photo from your smartphone, and we'll turn it into a perfectly-sized passport photo that meets all official requirements. 100% guarantee acceptance of your photos.

Source: official website travel.state.gov

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US Passport Photo Maker

Integral to the application process is the requisite photograph, utilized by customs control for your identification. Armed with the correct steps, it's feasible to take this photo from the serenity of your living space using a smartphone or digital camera. Read ahead to decipher the procedure!

Steps to Make US Passport Photos Online

If you’d like to make your own photo for a US Passport, saving you the trouble of making an appointment with a professional photographer and turning up in person, there are a few important steps you’ll need to follow. We’ve broken them down for you below:

• On PhotoGov.com, first choose what sort of document you are preparing a photograph for—i.e., a passport, visa, etc.
• Next, take your photograph and upload it to our US Passport photo maker. Make sure you follow the necessary guidelines for creating a biometric picture.
• Refine your picture using our platform. PhotoGov.com automatically optimizes your photograph to help ensure it meets the necessary criteria, such as even lighting and image centering.
• Download your image. You are now ready to use the digital file as you like.

Guidelines and size requiements for a US passport

For successful US passport applications, it's vital to follow US passport photo requirements. Key criteria include a recent photo (taken within the last month) sized 2x2inch, a light and plain background, a neutral expression, and an unobstructed, full-face view, background color - White. Refrain from wearing glasses, headgear, or casting shadows, except for religious reasons. Abiding by these US passport photo requirements helps ensure a smooth application process.

The table below shows the official basic and main technical requirements:

• Name of document: US Passport 2x2 inch (51x51 mm)
• Country: United States
• Type of document: passport
• Quality: 300
• Back ground color:
• Photo size: Width: 2inch, Height: 2inch
• Approve for requiments US: Yes
• Image definition parameters: Correct for requiments
• Printable: Yes
• Suitable for online submission: No

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/photos/photo-composition-template.html

*Data from government agencies

US Passport Photo — Size and Requirements

Here is a deep dive into the nitty-gritty of the general photo requirements. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time applicant, understanding these requirements is crucial to take passport or visa photos that are accepted on the first try.

Technical requirements if you are going to process the photo yourself through Photoshop or other services:

In the , a photo for photo must be 2x2 inch in size. Photographs that deviate from these requirements will not be considered and will have to be retaken by the applicant.

US Passport procedures require colored photos to facilitate accurate identification by officials. Moreover, these pictures should prominently feature a neutral, white, or near-white background.

Resolution and file size (in KB or MB)

It’s important that your US Passport photograph is high-quality and clear, as this will make it easier for border officials to make it out and compare it to you. To that end, you should ensure that you use a resolution of no less than 300 DPI (dots per inch). Ideally, you should use a resolution of at least DPI, but between 300 and should be fine. Just remember, the clearer and more satisfactory your picture, the less likely your application is to be rejected; aim for a file size of between 1 MB and 15 MB.

Attire, clothing, dress code

When you take a picture for a US Passport, there is a particular dress code you must adhere to. The main points of this dress code are that you must:

Wear normal, everyday clothes.

Avoid wearing uniforms or camouflage clothing.

Avoid head coverings or headgear.

Avoid eyeglasses, including both sunglasses and spectacles.

If you adhere to these simple instructions and ensure that your picture is well-lit and of a high quality, your photograph should be satisfactory.

Image definition parameters

It’s essential that the photo quality is satisfactory. Ensure your picture is clear and properly focused, free of blur or noise. You should also make sure that it isn’t visibly pixelated and that it has been printed onto either matte or glossy photographic paper, as opposed to plain printer paper.

Background, contrast, and shadows

An US Passport picture must have both sufficient detail and high contrast. So, to ensure that your photograph is suitable, be sure to take it against a plain, neutral background, either white or off-white in color. This is important, as it helps you stand out in the picture. Additionally, be careful that there is no shadow in the photo, particularly any obscuring the face.

Example photos:

Below are examples of correct and incorrect photos

How to Take Your Own US Passport Photo

If you don’t want to go through the trouble and expense of locating and hiring a professional photographer to take your picture, you can simply take your own from home. So long as you follow the below instructions carefully, you can capture the perfect passport photo yourself:

1. Take a picture of yourself

Open up the PhotoGov.com photo service and take your picture. Make sure you’re not wearing any headcovers or glasses, do not wear a uniform, and keep your expression neutral. Ensure that the area is well-lit and that you are standing against a neutral background.

Clean background. More light. Not a blurry photo. Watch "How to take a photo" (00:46)

2. Upload your photo to PhotoGov AI

Next, upload your image and process it through our site.

3. Receive your Passport Photo

Finally, you can download your ID photo. These images can be printed off, or you can simply use them as digital photos.

US Passport Photo-Making Tips

Body-camera distance.

For optimal clarity in a passport photo, the individual's upper body, along with their head and hair, should be fully discernible for quick identification. Your camera should ideally be positioned 5-7 feet (1.5-2 meters) away. Consider capturing a few photos from different points to determine the perfect one.

A passport photo is essentially a facial capture, but the posture you assume has its bearing on the final shot. It's crucial to stand upright yet not come across as rigid. Keep your gaze focused straight into the camera, ensuring your face is visibly clear.

For the best results, your snapshot should be under uniform lighting and should avoid shadowed areas. It's vital for the clear visibility of your facial traits. It's ideal to have balanced lighting both laterally and from the fore and aft perspectives.

Can I Take My passport Picture at Home?

Should you be keen to put in the necessary work, crafting a professional-grade passport photo at home is well within your grasp. Follow this straightforward guide:

• Dress in line with the accepted standards.
• Ascertain optimal lighting in your chosen spot.
• Stand against a neutral-toned backdrop to ensure clarity.

How to Take a US Passport Photo Using a Phone

If your smartphone's camera delivers clear, high-quality photos, it's fit for your passport image needs. However, avoid the temptation of selfies. Instead, abide by these steps:

• Entrust someone to capture the shot for you.
• They should maintain a gap of 5-7 feet, ensuring only the top half of your body is in the frame.
• You can also utilize a tripod, positioning it 5-7 feet away and making necessary adjustments for the optimal photo.

How to Take US Passport Photos for Babies and Kids

Getting passport photos of children and babies might seem tricky, but they're bound by most of the usual guidelines. They should be dressed appropriately, and their photos should shine in clarity and lighting. However, the State Department often relaxes the rules a bit around the neutral expression criterion for them.

If you are photographing a newborn:

Spread a white sheet out over the floor.

Place the baby down on the sheet and take their photograph against it.

For slightly older babies:

Prop them up in a child’s chair against a white sheet.

If they are still unable to hold up their head, prop it up for them using a hand behind the sheet. Ensure no one else is visible in the shot.

Tools based on artificial intelligence

PhotoGov Features

Our in-built cropping feature allows you to trim new passport photos and ensure that they don’t have uneven edges. This allows you to neaten up your picture and ensure it’s the proper size for your passport.

You can also resize your picture as needed through PhotoGov, meaning that the end result will be a perfectly proportioned image that will fit just right into your passport. Additionally, you don’t need to worry about stretching or squishing the image and ruining the quality.

Background removal

If you can’t find a neutral background against which you can take a satisfactory picture, don’t worry; we have a background removal tool that can help you achieve the same results.

Auto-adjustment

With the click of a button, you can have our auto-adjustment tool immediately optimize your image to meet brightness, color, and contrast standards.

How Can I Convert My Photo to passport Size?

There are myriad ways to modify image sizes, but for the best results, consider our passport photo software - PhotoGov. With it, you can trust that you'll receive a crisp, correctly proportioned final photo, sans any visual degradation from stretching or compressing.

Why Choose Us?

User-friendly interface.

Sorting out your passport application is complicated and stressful enough without having to contend with confusing software. PhotoGov’s simple layout and user-friendly design will help streamline the process for you.

Wide editing functionality

With cropping, resizing, auto-adjustment, and background removal functions, PhotoGov makes getting a passport picture as easy as possible. Using our platform, you can ensure that your photograph meets all the necessary requirements with just a few clicks of your mouse.

Large selection of documents

As well as offering photographs for passports, we can also take care of ID, visa, citizenship, license, and work permit photos.

No Expensive Equipment

With our online passport photo service, you don't need any expensive photography equipment to get high-quality passport photos. All you need is a smartphone or digital camera and an internet connection, and you can upload your photo to our platform and have it processed in seconds.

No Need to Go to a Photo Studio

Our online service eliminates the need to visit a photo studio or photo booth to get your passport photos taken. This can save you time and money on travel, and means you can get your photos taken from the comfort of your own home or office.

No Specialized Skills Required

You don't need any specialized skills or knowledge to use our online passport photo service. Our platform uses advanced AI and machine learning algorithms to process your photo and ensure that it meets all official requirements. This means you don't need any experience with photo editing software or photo composition to get high-quality passport photos.

I Already Have a Digital passport Photo. How Do I Print It?

A digital snapshot isn't ready to be printed on just any paper. For the best results, you'll need to get it printed on high-quality matte or glossy photographic paper. You have the choice of either visiting a dedicated photo service or using our custom tool to do the printing at home.

Where to Get a passport Photo

Pharmacies and drug stores.

Major drugstore chains such as Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid grant prompt passport image capture services on their premises. Though not on the house, they commonly set prices near the $15 range.

Shipping centers

Prominent logistics services such as UPS, FedEx, and other closeby shipping locales feature passport photography offerings comparable to pharmacy-based ones. With a usual rate of about $15, it's a handy option if you're looking to outsource your passport photo needs.

Post offices and other passport acceptance agents

Handling passport applications naturally leads post offices and like-minded bodies to also cater to photography needs. Consistent with the pricing trend we've highlighted, these services often come at a cost of approximately $15.

Retail stores

It's not uncommon to find dedicated passport photo booths in a variety of retail locations, ensuring you get images up to the mark. The pricing model can differ among these establishments, yet most offer competitive rates.

How many photos are required for a US Passport 2x2 inch application?

You only need to submit one photo with your US Passport 2x2 inch application, though you should make sure it is of good quality and that it meets all their specifications. Different documents may require you to provide a greater number of photographs, so you should always make sure to double-check exactly how many you need before filing an application. Please note that you will still need to submit a photograph when applying for a passport renewal, even if your appearance has not changed much.

What are the usual passport photo prices?

If you want to get your photo taken at a pharmacy, shipping center, retailer, or other establishment with a photography booth, you can expect to be charged around $15. However, if you’re thinking about hiring a photographer to take your picture for you, prices will vary and will likely be considerably more expensive. Is money a little tight these days? Remember that PhotoGov provides free professional photography services for passports and other documents. When you use our platform, you can also avoid the hassle of having to get your picture taken in person.

How do I make sure my passport picture meets official requirements?

• Wear a neutral expression.
• Adhere to the dress code.
• Ensure your picture is of high quality.
• Do not edit your photo.

What is the recommended method for capturing a digital passport photo?

To obtain a fitting digital snapshot for an American passport, focus on balanced light conditions, dodge any shadows, settle for a basic white or near-white setting, and aim for a high-quality capture with an impassive countenance. You can rely on online resources to optimize and format the photo in line with requirements.

How recent must my photo be?

To ensure your application sails through smoothly, make certain your photo mirrors your present appearance and is not older than six months. Using antiquated images can throw a wrench in the application's progress or lead to its denial.

Can a mobile app help create a correct photo ?

Absolutely, there exist mobile apps crafted with Passport and Visa photo specifications in mind.

How do I get a ready photo for my document using PhotoGov?

If you're looking to obtain a compliant photo for your document, PhotoGov has laid out clear steps on their platform. Post completion, the service payment can be made via your bank card. Almost instantly, a superior quality electronic image will be emailed to you. PhotoGov offers assurance on your photo's alignment with document standards. For documents that come with no-cost photo adjustments, you won't be billed. Simply input your email details, and in less than a minute, your processed photo will be mailed to you.

Passport Pictures for Other Countries

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Who Is J.J. McCarthy's Fiancée? All About Katya Kuropas

University of Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy proposed to Katya Kuropas after more than five years of dating

Rebecca Aizin is an Editorial Assistant at PEOPLE. She has been working at PEOPLE since 2023. Her work has previously appeared on Elle, HGTV and Backstage. 

J.J. McCarthy/Instagram

J.J. McCarthy might have been the star of the University of Michigan football team, but he’s had an important M.V.P. by his side off the field: his fiancée, Katya Kuropas.

The quarterback, who was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, began dating Kuropas while both were still in high school at Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park, Illinois. In January 2024, he popped the question and the two announced their engagement with a sweet photoshoot .

On their second anniversary in October 2020, McCarthy posted a tribute to his girlfriend on his Instagram.

“They say, once a man finds the right woman for him, he can accomplish anything,” he wrote in the caption. “I am blessed and thankful for finding the right one for me at such a young age. Honored to have spent 2 years of my life with the woman of my dreams, and excited for the years to come.”

After committing to Michigan, McCarthy continued to date Kuropas, who has supported her fiancé in the bleachers throughout his career — including at the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship where Michigan defeated the Washington Huskies.

So, who is J.J. McCarthy’s fiancée? Here’s everything to know about Katya Kuropas and her relationship with the athlete.

They met in high school

McCarthy and Kuropas began dating on Oct. 8, 2018, when he was a sophomore in high school. Though he transferred from Nazareth Academy to IMG Academy due to the cancellation of the football season at Nazareth during the COVID-19 pandemic, the pair stayed together.

On their third anniversary in 2021, McCarthy expressed his gratitude for Kuropas’ unwavering support in an Instagram post .

“3 trips around the sun with the love of my life,” he wrote in the caption. “I honestly do not even know where I would be without this girl in my life. I simply do not deserve her because of the kind of woman she is. The pureness in her heart and soul is just one the many qualities that make this girl so incredible.”

They’ve been dating for over five years

After McCarthy graduated from high school in 2021, he began his college career at Michigan that fall. He officially became the team’s starting quarterback in 2022, and Kuropas has been by his side through it all.

The pair celebrated their fifth anniversary in October 2023 while McCarthy was in his junior year of college. The Michigan star posted a tribute to Kuropas in honor of the day, calling her his “queen,” alongside photos of the two embracing on a boat and some throwback shots of Kuropas when she was younger.

“1,825 days with the love of my life but a million moments that will be remembered and cherished for the rest of my life,” he wrote. “I couldn’t be more grateful for who you are and everything you do! You make me the best version of myself and it has been a complete blessing to continually watch you grow into the amazing woman you are.”

She’s supportive at his games

Kuropas has been a mainstay in the stadiums at McCarthy’s games, often showing up in blue and yellow to cheer on the Wolverines. She documents her festive outfits on her VSCO .

In January 2024, Michigan beat the Washington Huskies to secure their first national championship win since 1997. McCarthy celebrated by kissing his then-girlfriend after the big game.

"I'm so proud of you my love. Words can't describe. You did it!" Kuropas wrote on Instagram. To which McCarthy replied, "Wouldn't be here without you."

On the day before the 2024 NFL Draft, Kuropas shared a carousel of photos on Instagram of her time cheering her fiancé on while he played for Michigan.

"Extremely delayed but… Reminiscing on how amazing this past season was . An abundance of blessings and the best memories. Feeling so grateful for everything that unfolded & for everyone that was part of it!! Sad to see this chapter go, but excited for the next one🫶🏽," she wrote in her caption.

They love to travel together

In July 2023, Kuropas posted a picture of her and McCarthy on a boat on her VSCO — which he later also shared in his fifth-anniversary post for her. The previous year, the two traveled to the mountaintops together, where they posed for a sweet photo in front of a scenic view.

She has met his family

Kuropas has met McCarthy’s family and even joined them on the sidelines. During a New Year’s Eve game in 2022, Kuropas was cheering McCarthy on alongside his parents.

Though the Wolverines lost the game, ESPN panned to McCarthy’s family multiple times during the broadcast as they rooted for the quarterback.

They got engaged in January 2024

Annie Denten/anniedenten.com@anniedenten_

McCarthy proposed to Kuropas on a beach on Jan. 20, 2024. The two announced their engagement — and their new pup Marley! — on Instagram in a joint post.

"Me, You & Marley Forever & Ever✨🤍," they wrote in the caption.

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Xi and Blinken Trade Small Nods Over a Large Gap

The U.S. secretary of state and the Chinese leader struck conciliatory notes in Beijing. But there was no budging on, or hiding, their governments’ core differences.

By Ana Swanson and Vivian Wang

The areas where the United States and China can work together seem to be shrinking fast, and the risks of confrontation are growing. But it was clear on Friday that both countries are trying to salvage what they can.

Preserving some semblance of cooperation — and the difficulty of doing so — was at the heart of a meeting between Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and China’s leader, Xi Jinping, in Beijing on Friday. It was the latest effort by the rivals to keep communications open even as disputes escalate over trade, national security and geopolitical frictions.

Officials in both countries said they had made progress on a few smaller, pragmatic fronts, including setting up the first U.S.-China talks on artificial intelligence in the coming weeks. They also said they would continue improving communications between their militaries and increase cultural exchanges.

But on fundamental strategic issues, each side held little hope of moving the other, and they appeared wary of the possibility of sliding into further conflict.

China has accused the United States of working to stifle its technological progress and encircle Chinese interests in the Pacific.

The Biden administration is deeply concerned that cheap Chinese exports are endangering U.S. jobs, and is threatening more sanctions on China if Beijing does not roll back its support of Russia in its war in Ukraine.

“Russia would struggle to sustain its assault on Ukraine without China’s support,” Mr. Blinken said at a pre-departure news conference on Friday. “I made clear that if China does not address this problem, we will.”

Mr. Blinken said he had pressed China to take further actions to stem the flow of materials used to make fentanyl, including prosecuting those who were selling chemicals and equipment.

He said the issue of TikTok, the Chinese-owned social media platform that faces a potential U.S. ban in nine to 12 months under a law passed this week, did not come up.

In a sign of how the countries’ relations — which hit perhaps their lowest point in decades last year — had stabilized in recent months, Chinese officials struck a more conciliatory tone on Friday than they had during Mr. Blinken’s last visit, in June .

“China is happy to see a confident, open, prosperous and thriving United States” Mr. Xi told Mr. Blinken, according to a Chinese foreign ministry readout. “We hope the U.S. can also look at China’s development in a positive light.”

Mr. Blinken told Mr. Xi that he hoped to move forward on agreements on topics where Mr. Xi and President Biden had agreed to cooperate after they met near San Francisco in November.

“We are committed to maintaining and strengthening lines of communication to advance that agenda and again deal responsibly with our differences so we avoid any miscommunications, any misperceptions, any miscalculations,” Mr. Blinken said.

Still, more factors appear to be driving the two countries apart than keeping them together. Geopolitical disputes in Ukraine and the Middle East have presented new challenges. With an election approaching in the United States, the Biden administration is under pressure to offer more protections for American factories against Chinese imports.

Mr. Xi told Mr. Blinken that “the international situation is fluid and turbulent,” and that the United States and China should “honor words with actions, rather than say one thing but do the opposite,” according to the Chinese readout.

China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, who spent over five hours with Mr. Blinken on Friday, was more blunt, warning that negative factors in the relationship were “increasing and building.”

In recent weeks, U.S. officials have begun more urgently raising concerns about China’s economic assistance to Russia and have held out the possibility of further sanctions, including on the Chinese banks that have financed the trade.

Mr. Blinken said on Friday that the Chinese support for Russia was creating a threat not just to Ukraine, but to Europe more broadly, and that European leaders shared those concerns.

“All I can tell you is I was extremely clear about our concerns in some detail,” he said. “But we’ll have to see what actions follow from that.”

In a briefing with reporters in mid-April, a senior Biden administration official said that China had provided Russia with significant quantities of semiconductors, drones and industrial materials. That was helping to fill critical gaps in Russian supply chains that might otherwise cripple Russia’s war effort, causing the Russian military sector to expand more quickly than American officials had believed possible.

China has denied providing weapons to Russia, which Washington has said would be a red line. Otherwise, though, Chinese officials have shown little inclination to scale back their ties with Russia. On Thursday, soon after Mr. Blinken arrived in Beijing from Shanghai, President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia announced that he would visit China in May, in probably his first overseas trip since securing re-election last month.

Asked about Mr. Putin’s announcement at a routine news briefing on Friday, a spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry said he had no information to provide.

Trade frictions between the countries also continue to simmer, as American officials consider adding new tariffs on Chinese imports and restricting more exports of technology to China because of national security concerns.

Economic ties between the countries have long provided a source of strength for the relationship, a point Mr. Blinken reiterated while meeting with business executives in Shanghai on Thursday.

But with American businesses calling for more protections against China, and the prospect of a return of Donald J. Trump to the presidency, economic issues could turn more explosive.

To jump-start the economy, Mr. Xi and other Chinese leaders are stoking factory production and exports. But American leaders believe they must protect U.S. manufacturing, particularly the new factories making semiconductors, solar panels and car batteries in which the Biden administration is investing tens of billions of dollars this year.

At his news conference, Mr. Blinken said that China alone was producing more than 100 percent of global demand for products like solar panels and electric vehicles, and was responsible for one-third of global production but only one-tenth of global demand.

“This is a movie that we’ve seen before, and we know how it ends,” he said. “With American businesses shuttered and American jobs lost.”

Mr. Wang, the foreign minister, also saved some of his sharpest words for American trade policy. “The United States has adopted an endless stream of measures to suppress China’s economy, trade, science and technology,” he told Mr. Blinken during their meeting, according to the Chinese foreign ministry. “This is not fair competition but containment, and is not removing risks but creating risks.”

China knows that it likely has little room to sway the United States on trade, said Xie Tao, the dean of the School of International Relations and Diplomacy at Beijing Foreign Studies University. Instead, the Chinese government seems to be putting its focus on people-to-people exchanges, Professor Xie said.

Chinese media outlets have frequently raised Mr. Xi’s goal, announced after the summit near San Francisco last year, of inviting 50,000 young Americans to visit China. (Mr. Blinken said on Friday that he supported more Americans studying in China.)

“The Chinese government is really investing a lot of energy in shaping the future generation of Americans’ view of China,” Professor Xie said.

Li You contributed research

Ana Swanson covers trade and international economics for The Times and is based in Washington. She has been a journalist for more than a decade. More about Ana Swanson

Vivian Wang is a China correspondent based in Beijing, where she writes about how the country’s global rise and ambitions are shaping the daily lives of its people. More about Vivian Wang

Primary in Pennsylvania is here: A 2024 election guide from ballot issues to House races

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have essentially clinched their party’s 2024 nominations for the White House. But Pennsylvania voters on Tuesday will cast their ballots in a slew of contentious and potentially decisive congressional and state races that are still sure to make waves as the campaign chugs toward November.

The primary results in this pivotal swing state are certain to reveal insights about the major issues shaping the general election, namely on abortion and the Israel-Hamas war.

All 17 members of Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation are running for re-election in 2024 and three of those incumbents are facing serious primary challengers. Several others are also watching to see who their opponent will be in the fall. And, in some cases, the outcome of Tuesday’s races could determine which way those seats swing on Election Day. 

While it's a far-flung possibility, which party has a majority in Pennsylvania's congressional delegation also could have major implications on the presidential race. If the 2024 White House election is contested or tied, each state’s congressional delegation will have a single vote in deciding the winner. Currently, Democrats have a 9-8 advantage — meaning one general election race in November could make all the difference.  

At the state level, Democrats are hoping to hold on to their majority in the state House and take control of the state Senate. Republicans currently hold a 28-22 majority in the Senate, and Democrats are hoping to flip at least three seats to make it 25-25, giving them the majority via a tie-breaking vote from Democratic Lieutenant Gov. Austin Davis.  

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

Five Democrats and two Republicans are also battling for the open state attorney general position, once held by Democratic Gov.  Josh Shapiro . Michelle Henry, who is completing the remainder of Shapiro’s term since he was elected governor in 2022, is not running for the position.   

Candidates across these races are running on some of the biggest issues facing the country — from abortion to the war in Gaza to election integrity. And the candidates whom Democratic and Republican voters pick on Tuesday could give larger insights about their views on topics that appear central to this fall's general election.  

Here's a look at what to expect in Tuesday's primary. 

Abortion at play in Pennsylvania races  

Abortion has roiled down-ballot races across the country, and Pennsylvania is no exception. Reproductive rights have been a major topic in the attorney general’s race and in the Republican primary for the 1 st Congressional District.  

All five Democratic candidates for attorney general have committed to protecting the right to abortion and access to FDA-approved medications such as mifepristone . Meanwhile, the Republican candidates have said that they do not believe the state constitution guarantees the right to an abortion. As attorney general, both would leave the issue for the state legislature to decide. 

In Pennsylvania’s 1 st Congressional District, longtime Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick is being challenged on his right flank by a candidate who believes abortions should be banned in nearly all circumstances — including in cases of rape and incest.  

Mark Houck, Fitzpatrick’s opponent, was acquitted of criminal charges stemming from an altercation at an abortion clinic.  The incident reportedly inspired him to run for public office. A devout Catholic, Houck co-founded the men's religious group The King's Men. He's worked as an author, motivational speaker and human resources manager.

Fitzpatrick is a moderate Republican. He is one of a handful of Republican representatives serving in districts that Biden won in 2020.  

The primary race could demonstrate just how important the issue of abortion is for the Republican Party’s base.  

Pennsylvania Democrats clash on Israel-Hamas war  

In Pennsylvania’s 12 th District, which includes Pittsburgh and some of its suburbs, first-term progressive Rep. Summer Lee, is facing a primary challenge over her opposition to the Israel-Hamas war. Bhavini Patel, a more moderate Democratic congressional candidate has tried to closely align herself with President Joe Biden. 

Lee, who is affiliated with the “squad,” was among the early advocates in Congress calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. She has been an outspoken opponent of providing U.S. military aid to Israel. 

Patel is a 29-year-old municipal council member who also describes herself as a progressive. She has framed the incumbent's criticism of Israel as detrimental to Biden’s re-election efforts and unrepresentative of a district that is home to a large Jewish community. 

The election on Tuesday could reveal just how salient the issue of the war is for Democratic voters — particularly in swing areas of the country. It may also forecast how other progressives facing similar challenges from moderate Democrats could fair in their races.  

What are the key Pennsylvania House races to watch? 

There are several other high-profile House primary races to watch in Pennsylvania.  

Six Democrats are competing for the chance to challenge GOP Rep. Scott Perry in Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District, which includes Harrisburg and Hershey.  

Perry was a former chair of the Freedom Caucus, one of the most conservative factions of the Republican Party, with members including Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz and Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. Perry was also a key figure in efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

While the area leans Republican, Democrats say they can win over independents and moderate conservatives in the area with a message centered around protecting democracy. They plan to tie Perry to Trump and conservative extremism.  

Out of the six Democratic candidates running to unseat Perry, news anchor Janelle Stelson and former "Top Gun" fighter pilot Mike O’Brien appear to have the best shot. The other candidates include Harrisburg City Council member Shamaine Daniels, progressive businessman John Broadhurst and former radio executive Black Lynch.  

To the northeast of Harrisburg, in the Lehigh Valley, three Republicans are competing to take on Democratic Rep. Susan Wild. Her seat, in Pennsylvania’s 7th District, is a top target for Republicans in November.  

Wild barely eked out a victory against her Republican opponent, Lisa Scheller, in 2022. She won 51-49.  

Pennsylvania’s state legislature hangs in the balance  

If Pennsylvania Democrats hold their narrow majority in the state House and win the state Senate in November, it would give Gov. Shapiro enormous power to pass his agenda in the last two years of his term.  

It would also mark the first time in three decades that the party controlled the state Senate; Tuesday’s elections could determine whether that’s possible.  

Because the local districts tend to lean Democratic or Republican, the results of the primary elections can have a large sway on the race.  

Democrats currently hold a two-seat majority in the state House, and Republicans hold a five-seat majority in the state Senate.   

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SpringHill Suites Lexington Fritz Farm

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Welcome to SpringHill Suites Lexington Fritz Farm

Newest all-suite hotel in south lexington, ky.

Travel in style at the all-suite SpringHill Suites Lexington Fritz Farm hotel, located off Nicholasville Rd. Designed in partnership with west elm, for your convenience our modern suites feature extra room, plush bedding, mini-fridge, microwave, and dedicated workspaces. Our convenient location offers something for everyone. Experience a variety of shopping and dining between The Summit at Fritz Farm and Fayette Mall, the largest mall in Kentucky. Stay connected with our free WiFi. Workout anytime with our 24-hour fitness center and relax after a long day in our indoor pool. Quite simply, from business trips to leisurely journeys, our pet-friendly hotel is a breath of fresh air.

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Check-in: 4:00 pm

Check-out: 11:00 am

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Pets Welcome

75USD (1-4 nights),100USD (5+ nights) non refundable fee per room per stay.

Maximum Pet Weight: 50.0lbs

Maximum Number of Pets in Room: 2

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Whether you're in town for business or leisure, the Bluegrass region has everything you need. Situated off Nicholasville Rd, you'll find that our location is easily accessible to many businesses and local attractions.

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4019 Finn Way, Lexington, Kentucky, USA, 40517

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For more information about the physical features of our accessible rooms, common areas or special services relating to a specific disability please call +1 859-3090515

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