Canada Visa Photo Requirements: Complete Guide to Specifications and Submission

By James AndersonLast Updated April 15, 2025

Canada visa photo requirements: what you need to know

When apply for a Canadian visa, one of the well-nigh critical components is submitted a photo that meet all official requirements. Photos that fail to meet these specifications can result in application delays or outright rejection. This comprehensive guide cover everything you need to know about Canada visa photo requirements to ensure your application proceed swimmingly.

Basic photo specifications for Canadian visa applications

The government of Canada has established specific requirements for visa photos to ensure consistency and quality across all applications. These requirements apply to all visa types, include tourist visas, study permits, work permits, and permanent residence applications.

Size and format requirements

Dimensions: two identical photos measure 35 mm Ã— 45 mm (1.37 ” 1.77 “”
Head size: the face must measure between 31 mm and 36 mm (1.22 ” .41 ” ” rom chin to crown
Background: plain white or light color background with no shadows
Print quality: high resolution, sharp, and clear images on photo quality paper
Finish: matte or semi matte finish (glossy is not acceptable )
Color: color photos exclusively (black and white not accept )

Photo recency requirements

Your visa photo must be current and reflect your present appearance:

Photos must be taken within the last six months
Must represent your current appearance
Photos can not be altered or enhance in any way

Posing and expression guidelines

How you pose for your Canadian visa photo is exactly as important as the technical specifications. Immigration officials need to clear identify you base on your photo.

Face and expression

Face the camera direct with a neutral expression
Eyes must be open and clear visible
Mouth close (no smiling )
Both ears should be visible when possible
No shadows on face or background

Head position and frame

Head must be center in the frame
Head should not be tilted in any direction
Full face must be visible
Top of shoulders should be visible in the photo

Clothing and accessories guidelines

What you wear in your visa photo can affect its acceptability. The focus should be on your face without distractions.

Acceptable clothing

Everyday clothing is recommended
Uniform attire is not permit (except religious attire )
Clothing should contrast with the background
No heavy patterns that distract from your face

Accessories and eyewear

Eyeglasses: loosely not permit unless medically necessary (with documentation )
If glasses are worn, eyes must be clear visible with no glare or reflections
No sunglasses or tinted lenses
No headphones or wireless devices
No head coverings except for religious purposes

Religious head coverings

Canada respect religious freedoms and allow head coverings for religious reasons with these conditions:

The covering must not cast shadows on the face
Full facial features from bottom of chin to top of forehead must be clear visible
Both edges of the face must be clear show

Digital photo requirements

For online applications, digital photos must meet additional technical specifications:

File format: JPEG (.jpg, .jpe))
File size: minimum 60 KB, maximum 240 KB
Dimensions: 420 Ã— 540 pixels
A bit depth: 24 bits per pixe(( for colo))
No compression or digital alterations
No borders or frames

Special considerations for different age groups

Infant and child photos

Take acceptable photos of babies and young children can be challenge, but certain accommodations are make:

No other person should appear in the photo
For infants, photos may be taken while the child is lie on a bare white or light color sheet
The child’s eyes must be open and clear visible
No toys or pacifiers in the photo
For really young children, a neutral expression is preferred but not purely require

Photos for elderly applicants

Standard requirements apply
Medical devices necessary for daily use may be visible but should not obscure facial features
Natural wrinkles and age characteristics should not be edited or remove

Common reasons for photo rejection

Understand why photos get reject can help you avoid common pitfalls:

Poor image quality or resolution
Improper lighting (shadows, uneven lighting, or overexposure )
Red eye effect
Digital alterations or filters
Incorrect dimensions or head size
Facial expression not neutral (smile, frown )
Eyes close or part cover
Wear non permit accessories
Background not bare white or light color
Photos older than six months
Visible creases or damage to the physical photo

Where to get visa photos take

While you can take visa photos yourself, professional services offer the advantage of ensure compliance with all requirements:

Professional photography services

Professional photo studios
Passport photo services at pharmacies (wWalgreens cCVS)
Retail stores with photo departments (wWalmart cCostco)
Post offices and shopping centers (ups, fFedEx)

DIY photo options

If you take photos yourself:

Use a digital camera with good resolution (not a webcam )
Set up proper lighting (avoid shadows and harsh lights )
Use a bare white or light color wall as background
Stand at an appropriate distance to capture require dimensions
Consider use mobile apps specifically design for passport / visa photos
Print at professional photo printing services to ensure quality

Photo requirements for different Canadian visa types

While the basic requirements remain consistent across visa types, there be some specific considerations:

Temporary resident visas (visitor visas )

Standard photo requirements apply
Two identical photos require for paper applications
One digital photo for online applications

Study and work permits

Same photo requirements as visitor visas
Photos must be recent (within six months )
Digital or physical depend on application method

Permanent residence applications

Standard requirements with stricter scrutiny
Photos for each family member include in the application
Name and date of birth write on the back of physical photos
Additional photos may be required at later stages of the process

Express entry applications

Digital photo meet all standard requirements
Upload direct to the online profile
May need additional physical photos for later stages

Tips for ensuring photo compliance

Follow these expert tips to maximize the chances of your photo being accepted:

Before take the photo

Review the about current requirements on the official Canadian government website
Wear simple, everyday clothing
Remove non-religious head coverings
Remove eyeglasses if possible
Ensure hair doesn’t cover your face or eyes
Use a clean, wrinkle free background

During the photo session

Look direct at the camera
Maintain a neutral expression
Keep your mouth close
Ensure evening light with no shadows
Stand with proper posture
For children, be patient and take multiple shots if you need

After take the photo

Check the photo against all requirements
Ensure proper printing on photo quality paper
Don’t trim photos yourself â€“ let professionals do it
Store photos cautiously to avoid bends or creases
For physical applications, write name and date of birth on the back if you require

How to submit your photos

The submission process vary depend on your application type:

Paper applications

Attach photos in the designate area of the application form
Do not use staples, paper clips, or adhesives
Place in a small envelope or plastic sleeve to protect them
Include the requirement number of pho(s ( typically )o )

Online applications

Scan physical photos or use digital photos meet specifications
Ensure the file meet size and format requirements
Upload to the designate section of the online application
Keep original photos for potential later use

What happens if your photo is reject?

If your photo doesn’t meet requirements:

Your application may be delay
You might receive a request to submit new photos
In some cases, your entire application could be return or reject
You will need to will start the photo process again will follow all guidelines

Often ask questions about Canada visa photos

Can I smile in my Canadian visa photo?

No, you must maintain a neutral expression with your mouth close. Smile, frowning, or other expressions are not permitted.

How recent must my photo be?

Your photo must be taken within the last six months and accurately represent your current appearance.

Can I wear religious head coverings in my visa photo?

Yes, head coverings wear for religious reasons are permit, but your full face must be visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, with both edges of your face clear show.

Can I wear eyeglasses in my Canadian visa photo?

Loosely, eyeglasses are not permit in visa photos. If you must wear them for medical reasons, you will need documentation, and there should be no glare or reflections that will obscure your eyes.

Can I take my own visa photo?

Yes, you can take your own photo if you can meet all the technical requirements. Notwithstanding, professional services are recommended to ensure compliance.

Do I need to sign the back of my visa photos?

For some application types, especially permanent residence applications, you may need to write your name and date of birth on the back of physical photos. Check the specific instructions for your application type.

Conclusion

Meeting Canada’s visa photo requirements is a crucial step in ensure your application process go swimmingly. By follow the guidelines outline in this article, you can avoid delays and rejections cause by improper photos. Remember that requirements can change, then ever check the official immigration, refugees and citizenship Canada (iIRCC)website for the about current information before submit your application.

Take the time to get your visa photo correct the first time can save you significant hassle and delays in your Canadian visa application process. Whether you choose professional services or take the photos yourself, will ensure compliance with all specifications will bring you one step close-fitting to your Canadian journey.