Knowing the Canadian passport photo guide is crucial for several reasons:
- Accuracy: A compliant photo ensures smooth travel by meeting border control’s identification requirements. Incorrect photos can lead to delays, resubmissions, or even denied entry.
- Efficiency: Understanding the specs beforehand saves time and money by avoiding retakes or professional photographer fees for non-compliant photos.
- Stress-free experience: Eliminating confusion and uncertainty about photo requirements contributes to a smoother and less stressful application process.
- Professionalism: A well-presented photo reflects positively on your application and reinforces a professional image.
Here are the full rules for the Canada passport photo:1
- Size and Specifications
- Dimensions: 50 mm wide x 70 mm high (2 inches wide x 2¾ inches high).
- Face size: The height of your face on the photo (from chin to crown of the head) must be between 31 mm (1¼ inches) and 36 mm (1⁷⁄₁₆ inches).
- Recency: The photo must have been taken within the last six (6) months.
- Clear and sharp: No blurs, red-eye, shadows, glare, or reflections.
- Background: Plain white or light-colored with good contrast between your features and the background.
- Full front view: Face and top of shoulders squared to the camera, centered in the frame. The head must not be tilted to the side.
- Neutral expression: No smiling, mouth closed. Eyes open and visible.
- Printed: On high-quality photographic paper.
Visas for Future Passport Photo Service
Use the Visas for Future passport photo service to get a passport photo that’ll work for your application. Simply take a photo of yourself using our guidelines, send it in and we’ll edit it. We’ll send you your passport photos by post with free shipping. We deliver to Canada, the EU, the US, and UK. For individuals outside of those countries, we can deliver your passport photos to your inbox, which you can print at home.
How it works
Take a photo.
We verify your photo.
Passport photos are delivered by post or email.
How to take your passport photo
Here’s how you can take passport photos at home to ensure that they’ll be high quality:
1.) Stand .5 meters or 2 feet from the wall. This ensures that there’s no shadow on your portrait.
2.) Place the camera 2 meters or 6 feet away from the subject. This will prevent distortion and give you a prettier picture!
3.) Have the camera on the same level as the subject’s face.
4.) Use plenty of lighting. Natural light is preferred but plenty of light in general is the best. Make sure it is even and doesn’t leave a shadow.
Benefits of using an online passport photo service
There are many choices when it comes to getting a passport photo, but here are reasons why you should go with an online agent:
- You don’t have to leave your house.
- We know the passport photo rules of the country you’re applying to.
- We validate your photo – we check your passport photo to make sure it is in order.
- Save money with bulk orders – you can order many passport photos and save.
Why choose us
Visas for Future is a convenient service that can help you with your passport photo needs. Here are six reasons why you should choose Visas for Future for your passport photo services:
- Expertise: Our experts ensure that your passport photo meets the official requirements of your destination country.
- Convenience: You can upload your own photo or take one with your smartphone, and we will crop, resize, and enhance it to create a perfect biometric photo.
- Support: We’re visa and passport photo experts. You can ask us travel questions, making your trip-planning process easier.
- Speed: Your photos are shipped within a day!
- Unlimited retakes: You can also take as many photos as you want until you are satisfied with the result.
What are the requirements and specifications for Canadian passport photos?
Size2
- Photos must be 50mm wide x 70mm high (2 inches wide x 2¾ inches high).
- The height of your face (from chin to crown of head) must be between 31mm (1¼ inches) and 36mm (1⁷⁄₁₆ inches).
Other specifications2
- Photo2
- Must be recent (taken within the last six (6) months).
- Must be clear, sharp, and in focus.
- It must show a full front view of your face and the top of your shoulders squared to the camera.
- You must have a plain white or light-colored background with good contrast between your features and the background.
- Must be free of red-eye, shadows, glare, or reflections.
- No hats, headbands, sunglasses, or other headwear (except for religious or medical reasons).
- Neutral facial expression (no smiling).
- Eyes open and visible.
- Printed on high-quality photographic paper.
- Quantity: You will need two (2) identical photos.
Guidelines and criteria for Canada passport and visa photos for babies
While the general specifications for Canadian passport and visa photos apply to babies, there are some nuances and allowances due to their age and the challenges of capturing appropriate pictures.
Size and Specifications2
- Size: Same as adults, 50mm x 70mm (2 inches x 2¾ inches).
- Head height: Between 31mm (1¼ inches) and 36mm (1⁷⁄₁₆ inches) from the chin to the crown of the head.
- Recent: No more than six (6) months old.
- Clear, sharp, and in focus.
- Background: Plain white or light-colored.
- Full front view: Face and top of shoulders squared to the camera.
- No red-eye, shadows, glare, or reflections.
- No hats, headbands, sunglasses, or other headwear (except for religious or medical reasons).
- Neutral facial expression: Some minor variations are allowed for newborns.
- Eyes open and visible.
- Printed on high-quality photographic paper.
Additional Notes for Babies
- Newborns:
- A photo can be taken while sitting in a car seat with a white blanket behind the head.
- The Passport Program understands the difficulty of getting a neutral expression and will allow some flexibility.
- Quantity: Two identical photos are required.
- Digital or printed: Both are accepted for online and paper applications.
- Originals: No photocopies.
- Signature and date: Not required on baby’s photos.
Tips for Taking Baby Photos
- Choose a time when your baby is calm and alert.
- Use natural light or bright, even lighting.
- Place a white sheet behind your baby to create a plain background.
- Use a distraction like a rattle or a toy to get their attention.
- Be patient and take multiple photos to increase the chances of capturing a good one.
Tips for and recommendations for capturing a passport photo successfully
Before the Shoot
- Know the requirements: Research the specific size, background color, expression, and other regulations for your country’s passport photos. You can usually find this information on the official government website.
- Choose your attire: Opt for solid colors that contrast with the background. Avoid busy patterns or clothing that covers your shoulders.
- Prepare your face: Keep makeup natural and avoid anything that obscures your features. If you wear glasses, remove them from the photo.
- Gather your equipment: Use a high-resolution camera or smartphone with a good camera. Have a plain white or light-colored background ready, like a sheet or poster board.
During the Shoot
- Lighting is key: Use natural light if possible, diffused through a window. Avoid harsh shadows and direct sunlight. If using artificial light, ensure it’s soft and even.
- Frame the shot: Position yourself centered in the frame with your head and shoulders visible. Leave enough space above your head for cropping.
- Maintain a neutral expression: Keep your mouth closed, relax your face, and look directly at the camera. Slight smiles for babies are allowed.
- Capture multiple shots: Take several photos to increase your chances of getting a good one. Experiment with slightly different angles and expressions.
- Focus on the details: Ensure your hair is neat and avoid covering your eyebrows or ears.
After the Shoot
- Review and edit: Check your photos for clarity, focus, and adherence to regulations. Crop and edit if necessary, but avoid major alterations.
- Print on high-quality paper: Use professional photo paper or a reputable printing service for optimal results.
- Double-check: Before submitting your photos, ensure they meet all the requirements and look professional.
Please note that creating a passport photo on your own does not guarantee that it meets all the government’s requirements. This can result in rejection of the photo, which can be frustrating and time-consuming. To avoid such problems, we recommend using Visas for Future’s online passport photo service. Our experts will ensure that your passport photo meets all the necessary requirements, leaving no room for rejection.
How to get a Canadian passport photo online?
Here’s the step-by-step process for obtaining your passport photo through Visas for the Future.
Step 1: Visit Visas for Future.
Step 2: Click on “Get Passport Photo now“
Step 3: Fill out the order form by providing your name, email, country of residence, and what country you are applying to.
Step 4: Pay the application fee.
Step 5: upload your photo.
Step 6: Receive your photo in seven days for printed photo service or in 24 hours for digital photo.
Canada Passport Photo Examples
Source: Canada.ca
Frequently Asked Questions
What not to wear for a passport photo in Canada?
Headwear
Hats, scarves, headbands, sunglasses (except for religious or medical reasons)
Clothing
Busy patterns or designs
Clothing that covers your shoulders (except for religious or medical reasons)
Clothes that create reflections on your face
Accessories
Large jewelry that covers your face
Anything that casts shadows on your face
What color should I wear for a passport photo in Canada?
Good choices
Neutrals: Black, white, navy blue, gray, brown
Other solid colors: Soft pastels, muted tones (avoid anything too bright or dark)
Things to avoid
Busy patterns or designs: These can be distracting and make it hard to see your face clearly.
Clothes that blend in with the background: White or a very light color next to a white background could make your face less visible.
Bright colors: These can draw attention away from your face and make the photo appear less professional.
Can I wear makeup in my passport photo in Canada?
You can wear makeup in your Canadian passport photo, but keeping it natural and avoiding anything that significantly alters your appearance is crucial.
Can I smile in a passport photo in Canada?
Unfortunately, no, you cannot smile in your Canadian passport photo. This applies to both adults and children (except for newborns, who have some flexibility due to their age).
- Government of Canada. (2023). Passport photos – Canada.ca. Canada.ca. <https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports/photos.html> [↩]
- Government of Canada (2023). Passport photos – Canada.ca. Canada.ca. <https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports/photos.html> [↩] [↩] [↩] [↩]
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Written by
Glen Vidania 
Glen Vidania is the Content Manager at Visas for Future, a company that offers online visa services for eco-friendly travelers. He is a certified Content Marketer and an experienced academic writer. He writes and promotes content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to the readers. He had work experience and gained skills in writing articles, data entry, SEO email marketing, and guest posting. He is also an expert in applying for visas for Turkey and India.
Managed by Glen Vidania
Glen Vidania is the Content Manager at Visas for Future, a company that offers online visa services for eco-friendly travelers. He is a certified Content Marketer and an experienced academic writer. He writes and promotes content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to the readers. He had work experience and gained skills in writing articles, data entry, SEO email marketing, and guest posting. He is also an expert in applying for visas for Turkey and India.
Published by Visas for Future
Visas for Future strives to help you virtually, so that your research is complete in one visit. Our articles are informative, complete and to-the-point. We write in an accessible way, so that non-native English speakers will understand. Our website is accessible for the visually impaired. We have full oversight of our articles and are unbiased in writing. Check our editorial guidelines.
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Cite this article
MLA Style
Vidania, Glen. "Canada Passport Photo Guide." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/canada-passport-photo-size-requirements/. Accessed on 14 September 2023.
Chicago Style
Vidania, Glen. "Canada Passport Photo Guide." Visas For Future. September 14, 2023. https://www.visasforfuture.com/canada-passport-photo-size-requirements/.