Here are the full rules for the Canada passport photo:
Size and format
- Dimensions: 50 mm x 70 mm (2 inches x 2 3/4 inches) – a standard credit card size.
- Color or black and white: Both are acceptable, but color is preferred.
- Printed on: Plain, high-quality photographic paper. Digital copies are not accepted.
Facial features
- Neutral expression: No smiling, frowning, or closed eyes. Aim for a relaxed, natural look.
- Open eyes: Clearly visible, without red-eye effect or alterations.
- Full face view: Head facing straight towards the camera, not tilted or turned.
- Hair: Neatly styled and away from your face to reveal the full forehead and ears.
- Headwear: Not allowed unless worn for religious reasons. In such cases, it must not obscure your face or cast shadows.
Technical aspects:
- Clear and sharp focus: No blurs or pixelation.
- Uniform lighting: Avoid shadows, glare, or flash reflections.
- Plain background: White or light-colored, with good contrast to your skin tone.
- Head size and position: The distance between your chin and the crown of your head (natural top of head) should be between 31 mm and 36 mm (1 1/4 inches and 1 7/16 inches). Your face and shoulders should be centered in the frame.
To ensure that you comply with the standard requirements set by the Canadian government, use Visas for Future passport photo processing service. You can choose between a printed or digital photo based on your preference.
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 the 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 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’s 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, which will make 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.
Steps to Get an Online Canada Passport Photo
Here’s the step-by-step process for obtaining your passport photo through Visas for 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.
How do you correctly take your own Canada passport photo using a smartphone?
Before you take the photo
- Review the Canadian passport photo requirements. These are quite specific, so be sure to read them carefully. Some key points include:
- Size: 50 mm (width) x 70 mm (height)
- Head size: between 31 mm and 34 mm from chin to crown of head
- Background: plain white or light blue
- Expression: neutral, with eyes open and mouth closed
- No sunglasses, hats, or headphones
- Hair must not obscure your face
- Gather your materials. You’ll need your smartphone, a plain white or light blue wall, and good lighting. You can also use a tripod or have someone else help you take the photo.
Taking the photo
- Set up your background. Find a plain white or light blue wall and stand or sit in front. Make sure there are no shadows or clutter in the background.
- Position your phone. Use the rear camera of your smartphone for better quality. Hold the phone at eye level, about an arm’s length away from your face.
- Pose for the photo. Center your face in the frame and look straight ahead. Keep your eyes open and your mouth closed. Relax your shoulders and maintain a neutral expression.
- Take the photo. Ask someone to help you take the photo, or use a timer for a tripod. Take several photos to make sure you get at least one good one.
After you take the photo
- Review your photos. Check to ensure your photo meets all Canadian passport photo requirements. If not, retake the photo.
- Crop and resize the photo. You can use a photo editing app to crop your photo to the correct size and resize it to meet the Canadian passport photo specifications.
- Print your photo. You can print your photo at a photo kiosk or home on a high-quality printer. Make sure to use photo paper that is at least 100gsm thick.
- Get your photo certified. You can get your photo certified by a qualified guarantor, such as a photographer, pharmacist, or Canadian government official.
Tips to Take Canada Passport Photos for Kids and Babies
Capturing the perfect passport photo for your little one can be a bit of a challenge, but with a little preparation and these helpful tips, you’ll have those tiny smiles (or neutral expressions, as required) immortalized in official document glory.
Preparation
- Timing is everything: Opt for when your child is well-rested and content. Early mornings after a good night’s sleep or after a satisfying meal are often golden windows.
- Practice makes perfect: Do a few dry runs with your phone or camera to get your child used to being photographed. Let them play with the device, make silly faces, and get comfortable with it.
- Gather your props: Have some engaging toys or distractions on hand, like colorful rattles, peek-a-boo books, or even your own playful antics, to capture their attention at just the right moment.
Setting the Stage
- Plain and simple: Choose a plain white or light blue background to ensure no distracting elements compete with your child’s adorable face. A large sheet hung on a wall or even a white crib sheet can work wonders.
- Lighting matters: Natural light is your best friend. Position your child near a window with soft, diffused light coming in. Avoid harsh shadows or direct sunlight that can create unwanted glare.
- Phone focus: If using your phone, enable the “grid” setting to help you frame the shot properly. Ensure your child’s head and shoulders are centered and enough space around them for passport photo specifications.
Clicking the Moment
- Get down to their level: Kneel or sit to be at eye level with your child. This creates a more natural and engaging perspective.
- Capture the candid: Don’t force a smile. Wait for those genuine moments of amusement or curiosity, then snap away! A playful giggle or a wide-eyed wonder can make for a much more charming photo than a forced grin.
- Multiple clicks are your friend: Take several photos to increase your chances of capturing that perfect expression or relaxed pose. You can always delete the ones that don’t make the cut later.
Bonus Tips:
- Dress for success: Solid colors contrasting with the background will make your child’s face stand out. Avoid busy patterns or clothing that covers their face or shoulders.
- Hair today, gone tomorrow: For newborns or babies with wispy hair, a soft brush or damp cloth can smooth things out for a tidier look.
- Keep it neutral: Remember, passport photos require a neutral expression. No pouting, no sticking out tongues, just a calm and relaxed demeanor.
With a little patience, preparation, and these handy tips, you’ll be snapping passport-worthy photos of your precious little ones in no time!
Correct and Incorrect Photo Examples
Here are some examples of correct photos for Canadian passport photo:1
Source: Canada.ca
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my passport photos at home?
Yes, but remember that taking your photo alone might not meet the requirements set by the Canadian government. If you want your passport photo to meet all the requirements set by the government, use Visas for Future passport photo service.
Can I smile in a Canada visa photo?
No, you cannot smile in a Canada visa photo. In fact, you should have a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed, not smiling or frowning.
What type of photo is required for a Canada visa?
The type of photo required for a Canada visa is a passport-style photo. Here are the specifications:
Size: 35mm x 45mm (1.38 inches x 1.77 inches).
Color: Color preferred, but black and white is also acceptable.
Background: Plain white or light-colored background.
Head: Centered in the frame.
Full front view.
Face and shoulders square to the camera.
Enough space around the head (approximately 28mm from the top of your head to the top of the frame, and 5mm from the bottom of your chin to the bottom of the frame).
Expression: Neutral facial expression with mouth closed, no smiling or frowning. Eyes open and clearly visible, looking straight at the camera.
Quality: Clear, sharp, and in focus.
No shadows, glare, or flash reflections.
Printed on high-quality photographic paper.
Other: Must be a recent photo taken within the last 6 months.
Must be of you only.
No sunglasses, hats or any other head covering that obscures your features unless you wear it for religious reasons. If you do wear a head covering for religious reasons, it must not cast shadows on your face, and your full face must be clearly visible.
- Canada.Ca. Passport photos. (2023). Canada.ca. <https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports/photos.html#photo> [↩]
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Cite this article
MLA Style
Vidania, Glen. "Online Canada Passport Photo." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/passport-photo-canada-cheapest/. Accessed on 15 September 2023.
Chicago Style
Vidania, Glen. "Online Canada Passport Photo." Visas For Future. September 15, 2023. https://www.visasforfuture.com/passport-photo-canada-cheapest/.