International passport (Canada): 5 × 7 cm photo, head 31–36 mm from chin to crown.
| Document | Photo size | Head, chin to crown | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| International passport | 5 × 7 cm | 31–36 mm | canada.ca |
| Residence permit | 5 × 7 cm | 31–36 mm | canada.ca |
| Visa | 3.5 × 4.5 cm | 31–36 mm | canada.ca |
Photograph requirements in Canada differ depending on the document.
Photograph for a Canadian passport or residence permit
70 mm
50 mm
- Source: Government of Canada
- Photostudio: The photos must be taken in person by a commercial photographer. The name of the photographer or studio, the complete address — street name and civic number (suite number, if applicable), town, postal code, and the date the photo was taken — must be provided directly on the back of one photo. This information should be stamped or handwritten by the photographer. Stick-on labels are unacceptable. Sufficient space must be allowed for the name of the applicant, the signature of the guarantor and the guarantor’s declaration.
- Size: The size of the photo must be 50 x 70 mm (2 inches wide × 2 3/4 inches high), and your face (from the chin to the crown of the head) must be between 31 mm (1 1/4 inches) and 36 mm (1 7/16 inches). Either black and white or colour photos are acceptable.
- General requirements: Applicant must show a neutral facial expression (no smiling, mouth closed) and look straight at the camera. The photos must show a full front view of the face and top of the shoulders squared to the camera (the image of the face and shoulders must be centered in the photo). The photos must be clear, sharp and in focus. Glare and shadows are unacceptable. The lighting must be uniform to avoid glare or shadows across the face or shoulders, around the ears or in the background. Photos must represent natural skin tones.
- Eyes: Eyes must be open and clearly visible. Photos with the red eye effect or red eye alterations are unacceptable. Prescription eyeglasses may be worn as long as the eyes are clearly visible and there is no reflection or glare on the eyeglasses. Sunglasses and tinted eyeglasses are unacceptable.
- Head: The photos must show a full head without any head covering, unless it is worn for religious beliefs or medical reasons. However, the head covering must not cast shadows on the face and the full face must be clearly visible. The head must not be tilted to the side.
- Children: Photos must show the child’s head and shoulders only. Parents’ or the child’s hands must not appear in the photo. For newborn babies, the photo may be taken while the child is sitting in a car seat, as long as a white blanket is placed over the seat behind the child’s head. There must be no shadows on the face or shoulders, around the ears or in the background.
- Background: The photos must be taken against a plain white or light-coloured background with enough contrast between the background, facial features and clothing, so that the applicant’s features are clearly distinguishable against the background.
- The photograph must have been taken in the last 6 months.
Digital photo for renewing a passport online
- Source: Government of Canada
- When you need it: A digital photo is needed only if you renew your passport online. An application in person or by mail takes the printed photo described above. Ask the photographer for both a digital and a printed copy, so that you can still apply in person or by mail.
- Who takes it: The photo must be taken in person by a commercial photographer no more than 6 months before you submit the application. When you upload it, you give the studio's or photographer's name and address and the date the photo was taken. A photo you take or edit yourself cannot be used.
- File: JPEG (.jpeg or .jpg), between 200 KB and 5 MB, saved directly from the original file the camera captured. A scan of a printed passport photo is not accepted, and the photo must not be altered in any way.
- Size: Portrait orientation with a 3:2 aspect ratio: at least 1,200 pixels wide by 1,800 pixels high and no larger than 3,000 by 4,500 pixels. The face, from chin to crown, takes up 45% to 50% of the photo's height. Colour or black and white.
- Background and pose: A plain white or light-coloured background with a clear difference between your face and the background. Face and shoulders centred and square to the camera, a neutral expression, and uniform lighting with no shadows or glare.
- Glasses and head coverings: Glasses are allowed if they cause no glare; sunglasses and tinted glasses are not. A head covering worn daily for religious or medical reasons is allowed as long as the full face is visible.
Photograph for a Canadian visa or Temporary Resident Visa
45 mm
35 mm
- Source: Government of Canada
- Size: The frame size must be at least 35 mm X 45 mm (1 3/8" X 1 3/4"). 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.
- General requirements: The face must be square to the camera with a neutral expression, neither frowning nor smiling, with the 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. Photographs may be either black and white or colour.
- Eyes: 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.
- Head: If you must wear a head covering for religious reasons, make sure your full facial features are not obscured.
- Background: The photographs must be clear, well defined and taken against a plain white or light-coloured background.
- The photographs must be identical and taken within the last six months.
Photo provided by Government of Canada
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