Requirements

Visa

Canada · Visa

Canada — Visa

Canada · Visa

Specifications

CountryCanada
Document typeVisa
Passport / visa picture sizeWidth: 35 mm, Height: 45 mm
Aspect ratio7:9 (35 × 45 mm)
Resolution (DPI)600
Required file size (digital)
Head in photoHead must be between 70 to 80 % of the photograph from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
Background colorWhite — plain and evenly lit unless your issuer specifies a different tone.
Printable photoYes
Digital photo for online submissionYes
Digital photo size (pixels)Width: 826 px, Height: 1062 px
Photo paper typematte

FAQ

Bullets are grouped from this country’s requirement text and spec fields. If a topic has no matching lines in our data, we show common international-style guidance—always confirm with your issuer.

1.Photo basics & quality
  • Final print size for this preset: 7:9 (35 × 45 mm).
  • If the photographs do not meet the specifications, you will have to provide new photographs before your application can be processed.
  • Provide two photographs of yourself with your application.
  • Your photographs must comply with the specifications below. If the photographs do not meet the specifications, you will have to provide new photographs before your application can be processed.
  • Photographs must be printed on quality photographic paper.
  • The photographs must be identical and taken within the last six months. They may be either black and white or colour.
  • If the photographs are digital, they must not be altered in any way.
  • A hairpiece or other cosmetic accessory is acceptable if it does not disguise your normal appearance.
  • The frame size must be at least 35 mm x 45 mm (1 3/8? x 1 3/4?).
  • Always confirm the latest rules with the official issuing authority or online application portal before you submit.
  • Dimensions for this preset: 35 × 45 mm (7:9 (35 × 45 mm)).
  • Suggested print resolution: 600 DPI (confirm with your issuer).
  • Typical digital dimensions when specified: 826 × 1062 px (confirm upload requirements).
  • A printable physical photo may be required for this document type (when applicable).
  • Online submission with a digital file may be required (check the current application flow).
  • Photo paper when printing: matte.
Collage comparing passport photo sizing and framing (Canada — Visa ID photo guide)
Good and bad sizing / framing examples
2.Pose & expression
  • The face must be square to the camera with a neutral expression, neither frowning nor smiling, with the mouth closed.
  • Your face must be square to the camera with a neutral expression, neither frowning nor smiling, and with your mouth closed.
  • The photographs must show the full front view of the head, with the face in the middle of the photograph, and include the top of the shoulders.
  • The size of the head, from chin to crown, must be between 31 mm (1 1/4?) and 36 mm (1 7/16?).
  • Head size in frame: Head must be between 70 to 80 % of the photograph from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
Correct straight-on passport photo pose (Canada — Visa ID photo guide)
Face the camera straight on with shoulders visible
3.Attire & accessories
  • You may wear non-tinted prescription glasses as long as your eyes are clearly visible. Make sure that the frame does not cover any part of your eyes. Sunglasses are not acceptable.
  • If you must wear a head covering for religious reasons, make sure your full facial features are not obscured.
  • Crown means the top of the head or (if obscured by hair or a head covering) where the top of the head or skull would be if it could be seen.
Correct straight-on passport photo pose (Canada — Visa ID photo guide)
Face the camera straight on with shoulders visible
4.Lighting & background
  • The photographs must be clear, well defined and taken against a plain white or light-coloured background.
  • Background (summary): White — plain and evenly lit unless your issuer specifies a different tone.
Acceptable passport-style photo with even lighting (Canada — Visa ID photo guide)
Even lighting and a clear, frontal face

Visual guide

Illustrative reference photos served from a third-party CDN. Use only as informal guidance; follow your official instructions.

Illustration of how an online passport photo tool works (Canada — Visa ID photo guide)
Reference

How an online passport photo generator typically works

Passport photo example with strong shadows on the face or background (Canada — Visa ID photo guide)
Avoid

Avoid heavy shadows on the face and background

Acceptable passport-style photo with even lighting (Canada — Visa ID photo guide)
Good example

Even lighting and a clear, frontal face

Passport photo example with incorrect head angle (Canada — Visa ID photo guide)
Avoid

Head should not be tilted or turned away from the camera

Passport photo example with incorrect head rotation (Canada — Visa ID photo guide)
Avoid

Keep the head straight; do not rotate the face

Correct straight-on passport photo pose (Canada — Visa ID photo guide)
Good example

Face the camera straight on with shoulders visible

Passport photo example with expression that may be unacceptable (Canada — Visa ID photo guide)
Avoid

Avoid exaggerated smiles or an open mouth when a neutral look is required

Collage comparing passport photo sizing and framing (Canada — Visa ID photo guide)
Reference

Good and bad sizing / framing examples

Examples of printed passport photo strips (Canada — Visa ID photo guide)
Reference

Printed photo strips (layout reference)


How to make this photo

  1. 1.Step 1: Use a digital camera or a smartphone

    • Find someone to take the photo for you and selfie photo is not acceptable for passport photo application. If you have a tripod, use it. A tripod will make it easier to keep the camera steady and level. The distance of the person to the camera should be around 1 meter.
  2. 2.Step 2: Find a venue with good lighting

    • When taking photo, you should face the light, such as a nice bright window or the door. This can provide even lighting to avoid shadows on the face and background. The face must be evenly lit. There should be no shadows and glares on the face.
    • Note: A simple wall is fine; you can tidy or replace the background while editing.
  3. 3.Step 3: Wear properly for your passport photo

    • Do not wear uniforms. Wear regular street clothes in your photo.
    • Do not wear eyeglasses. If you wear glasses, sunglasses, or tinted glasses, take them off for your passport photo.
    • Your face must still be fully visible. Don’t let your hair drape over your face and obscure your eyes. If you have very long bangs that cover your eyebrows, you should pin them back with bobby pins. It’s best if your ears show, as well, but that won’t cause your photo to be rejected.
    • No hats are allowed in passport photos unless it is religious headgear such as a headscarf or yarmulke that you wear every day.
  4. 4.Step 4: Pose for a passport

    • Look straight towards the camera with face straight on. Head should not be tilted or rotated.
    • Both ears showing or both edges of the face visible if hair covers the ears.
    • Shoulders should be visible, and there should be enough space around the head for cropping the photo.
    • Position the camera in the same height as the head.
  5. 5.Step 5: Have a neutral facial expression

    • You can smile in your passport photos, but the government prefers that you have a neutral facial expression.
    • Smiling or having your mouth open is usually not acceptable, especially under the new international passport rules.
    • Online Passport Photo Generator

Reference summary aligned with common third-party requirement listings. Always verify against the official embassy or visa center before you submit.