Canada Visa (35x45 mm) Photo Size Requirements and Online Tool

Please review the brochure ( PDF , 494 KB ) for further photo examples.

• The face must be square to the camera with a neutral expression, neither frowning nor smiling, with the mouth closed.
• If the photographs do not meet the specifications, you will have to provide new photographs before your application can be processed.

Requirements

• 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.

Specifications

• The photographs must be identical and taken within the last six months. They may be either black and white or colour.
• The photographs must be clear, well defined and taken against a plain white or light-coloured background.
• If the photographs are digital, they must not be altered in any way.
• Your face must be square to the camera with a neutral expression, neither frowning nor smiling, and with your mouth closed.
• 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.
• A hairpiece or other cosmetic accessory is acceptable if it does not disguise your normal appearance.
• If you must wear a head covering for religious reasons, make sure your full facial features are not obscured.

Photograph and head size specifications

• The frame size must be at least 35 mm x 45 mm (1 3/8″ x 1 3/4″).
• 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″).
• 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.
• If the photographs do not meet the specifications, you will have to provide new photographs before your application can be processed.

Photograph Specifications ( PDF , 494 KB )
You may print this and bring it with you to the photographer.

If you want to make passport/visa photos for other countries, click the button below.

How to make Canada Visa photo online

Step 1: Take a picture with a digital camera or a smartphone

Make sure someone takes your passport photo for you. Selfies are not accepted. Make use of your tripod if you have one. By using a tripod, you will be able to keep the camera level and steady. Ideally, the person should be around 1 meter away from the camera.

Step 2: Choose a venue with appropriate lighting

Face a bright window or the door when taking a photo. In this way, shadows can be avoided on the face and in the background. It is essential that the face is evenly lit. Ensure that the face is free of shadows and glares.

Note: You do not need to worry about the background, since our online passport photo generator will automatically do it for you.

Step 3: Dress appropriately for your passport photo

Uniforms should not be worn. Put on regular street clothes for your photo.

Eyeglasses should not be worn. You should remove any sunglasses, tinted glasses, or glasses that you wear if you are taking a passport photo.

Ensure that your face is fully visible. Make sure your hair doesn't cover your face or obscure your eyes. In the case of very long bangs covering your eyebrows, pin them back with bobby pins. Although it's better to show your ears as well, that won't stop your photo from being accepted.

Passport photos don't allow hats unless they're religious headgear such as a headscarf or yarmulke.

Step 4: Pose for a passport photo

Face the camera straight on and look straight at it. Avoid tilting or rotating the head.

It is important that the shoulders are visible, and there should be enough space around the head to crop the picture.

Make sure the camera is at the same level as the head.

Step 5: Maintain neutral facial expressions

It's okay to smile in your passport photo, but the government prefers you to have a neutral facial expression.

Under the new international passport rules, it is usually not acceptable to smile or have your mouth open.