Official Canada Photo Specifications
These are the passport photo rules for a paper application submitted in person or by mail.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 50 mm wide × 70 mm high. |
| Face height | 31–36 mm from the chin to the crown of the head. |
| Background | Plain white or light-coloured. The background must be the one in the original shot. |
| Photo age | Taken within 6 months of submitting the application. |
| Expression | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible, looking straight at the camera. |
| Glasses | Accepted if the eyes are clearly visible with no glare. Sunglasses and tinted glasses, including tinted prescription lenses, are not accepted. |
| Head coverings | Hats and head coverings are allowed only for religious beliefs or medical reasons. |
| Lighting | Uniform lighting with no shadows on the face or behind the head. |
| Editing | No digital alteration. Glare removal, red-eye removal, skin retouching, changes to scars, birthmarks or hair colour, clothing colour changes and background changes are all prohibited. |
| Number of photos | 2 identical photos. A guarantor signs one of them, and the photographer writes their information on the back. |
A Canadian temporary resident visa photo uses a different frame. The head height range is the same, but the print is smaller and must show the top of the shoulders.
| Visa photo requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Frame size | At least 35 mm × 45 mm. |
| Head height | 31–36 mm from the chin to the crown of the head. |
| Framing | Full front view of the head, face centred, with the top of the shoulders included. |
| Background and lighting | White or light background, a recent photo, and no shadows. |
Digital or Printed?
The format you need depends on how you apply, and a passport renewal can require a digital file.
| Route | Format | What matters |
|---|---|---|
| Paper passport application | 2 printed photos | Two identical 50×70 mm prints. A guarantor signs one photo, and the photographer writes their information on the back. |
| Online passport renewal | Digital photo | The online renewal needs a digital photo. Ask the photographer for both the digital file and printed copies at the same session. |
| Visa application | Digital or print | Follow the checklist for your application. The photo must be at least 35×45 mm, with the head measuring 31–36 mm. |
Take a Canadian Passport Photo at Home
The setup matters more here than for most countries, because the image itself cannot be edited afterwards.
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1
Set up a real plain wall
Stand about 1.5 metres in front of a plain white or light-coloured wall. Face a window so the light on your face is even and no shadow falls on the wall behind you. Do not plan on fixing the background later.
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2
Frame the head to 31–36 mm
Use the Canada 50×70 mm preset and keep a neutral expression with your mouth closed. Check that the chin-to-crown distance sits inside the range before you export, and keep the original background untouched.
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3
Print two identical copies
Export the 50×70 mm print for a paper application, or the digital file for an online renewal. If a guarantor must sign, keep one photo unsigned for the photographer to endorse on the back.
Why Canadian Photos Get Refused
These are the problems that most often send a Canadian application back.
| Common problem | How to fix it |
|---|---|
| Edited background | The background cannot be changed or removed. Reshoot against a real plain white or light-coloured wall. |
| Shadow on the face or wall | Move away from the wall and use even, uniform light. Shadows cannot be edited out afterwards. |
| Wrong head size | Recrop so the chin-to-crown distance is 31–36 mm on the 50×70 mm print. |
| Glasses glare | Glare cannot be retouched. Tilt the light or remove the glasses and reshoot so the eyes are clearly visible. |
| Tinted or sunglasses | Tinted glasses, including tinted prescription lenses, are not accepted. Wear clear lenses or no glasses. |
| Smiling or open mouth | Use a neutral expression with your mouth closed and your eyes open and clearly visible. |
| Photo older than 6 months | Retake the photo. It must be taken within 6 months of submitting the application. |
Canada Passport & Visa Photo Questions
What size is a Canadian passport photo?
A Canadian passport photo must be 50 mm wide by 70 mm high, and the face must measure 31 mm to 36 mm from the chin to the crown of the head.
Can I change the background of a Canadian passport photo?
No. IRCC does not accept digitally altered photos, and that includes changing or removing the background. The plain white or light-coloured background must be real, so photograph yourself in front of an actual wall.
Can I wear glasses in a Canadian passport photo?
Glasses are accepted if your eyes are clearly visible and there is no glare on the lenses. Sunglasses and tinted glasses, including tinted prescription lenses, are not accepted.
Can I smile in a Canadian passport photo?
No. You need a neutral expression with your mouth closed, your eyes open and clearly visible, and you must look straight at the camera.
How many photos do I need for a Canadian passport application?
You need two identical photos. A guarantor signs one of them, and the photographer writes their information on the back of the photo.
How old can a Canadian passport photo be?
The photo must be taken within 6 months of submitting the application.
What size photo does a Canadian visa application need?
A Canadian temporary resident visa photo must be framed at least 35 mm by 45 mm, with a head height of 31 mm to 36 mm from chin to crown, a full front view and the top of the shoulders visible.
Do I need a printed photo for an online Canadian passport renewal?
An online renewal needs a digital photo, so ask the photographer for both the digital file and printed copies if you may also submit a paper application.
Official Canadian Sources
These are the IRCC pages we check before each update. Passport and visa photos have separate specifications.
Other Official Photo Sizes
Ready to create your Canadian passport photo?
Download Proper, choose the Canada 50×70 mm preset, and export a photo with the correct head size and an untouched background.
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