Canada passport and visa photo requirements
The passport photo and the visa photo are separate rules, for different people. Every figure below was read on an official Canada government page; the page and the date are beside it. "Not stated" means the page does not say, and we will not fill the gap.
Canada passport photo
For Canada's own citizens applying for or renewing a Canada passport.
- Printed size
- 50 mm wide x 70 mm high (2 x 2¾ inches) canada.ca · read
- Digital size
- min 1,200 w x 1,800 h px; max 3,000 w x 4,500 h px; 3:2 aspect ratio, portrait canada.ca · read
- Head size
- Print: 31-36 mm chin to crown. Digital: 45-50% of photo height canada.ca · read
- Eye line
- Not stated on the official page
- Background
- plain white or light-coloured canada.ca · read
- Glasses
- Allowed if eyes clearly visible and no glare; sunglasses and tinted glasses not accepted, even prescription canada.ca · read
- Digital file
- .jpeg or .jpg, 200 KB to 5 MB (online renewals only) canada.ca · read
- How recent
- no more than 6 months before the application date canada.ca · read
Official page: canada.ca
Canada visa photo
For visitors applying for a visa or permit to travel to Canada.
- Printed size
- at least 35 mm x 45 mm (1 3/8 x 1 3/4 inches) canada.ca · read
- Digital size
- Not stated on the official page
- Head size
- 31-36 mm chin to crown canada.ca · read
- Eye line
- Not stated on the official page
- Background
- plain white or light-coloured canada.ca · read
- Glasses
- Non-tinted prescription glasses allowed if eyes clearly visible; no sunglasses canada.ca · read
- Digital file
- Not stated on the official page
- How recent
- within the last six months canada.ca · read
Official page: canada.ca
A photo that matches every published figure can still be refused. The issuing authority decides, at the time you apply.
Newest read 4 October 2026. Check every figure against the government page.