Canada Passport Photo Requirements 2026
Canada uses a passport photo size unlike most countries: 50×70 mm (5×7 cm), taller than wide. Photo-Visa.Online generates the 50×70 mm print layout and a digital file within IRCC's online specifications (JPG, 3:2, 1200×1800 to 3000×4500 px, 200 KB–5 MB).
Size and Format
- Print size: 50×70 mm (5×7 cm) — taller than wide
- Digital (IRCC online application): JPG, 3:2 ratio, 1200×1800 to 3000×4500 px, 200 KB–5 MB
- Background: plain white or light-colored, uniform
- Head height (chin to crown): 31–36 mm on print
- Eye height from bottom: 23–29 mm
- Color or black-and-white, sharp, no filters, no shadows on face or background
- Taken within the last 6 months
Canada-Specific Rules
For paper applications IRCC requires photos taken by a commercial photographer, who stamps or writes the studio name, address and date on the back. Glasses are allowed if your eyes are clearly visible and there is no glare; tinted lenses and sunglasses are not. Photo-Visa.Online prepares the digital file and the print layout; for a paper application, the photographer requirement still applies.
Common Rejection Reasons
Common reasons IRCC rejects Canadian passport photos: wrong size (50×70 mm is required), missing studio details on the back, head too small in frame (under 31 mm), uneven background, glare on glasses, smile or open mouth, hair covering eyes, photo over 6 months old. Photo-Visa.Online checks dimensions and ratios against IRCC's published rules.
How to Take a Canada Passport Photo at Home
- Stand 4–6 feet from a plain white or light-colored wall in even daylight.
- Phone rear camera at eye level — selfies are accepted but lens distortion can cause head-height issues.
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open, no smile.
- Upload to Photo-Visa.Online, select Canada Passport.
- AI crops to 50×70 mm (5×7 cm), replaces background with IRCC-compliant white, validates head height 31–36 mm.
- For an online application: download the JPG within IRCC's limits (3:2, 1200×1800 to 3000×4500 px, 200 KB–5 MB).
- For paper application: order the print layout — we include digital studio attestation on the back.
Forms That Require This Photo
The Canadian 50×70 mm format is required for: Canadian Passport (adult), Canadian Passport (child), Permanent Resident Card (PR Card), Citizenship Certificate, Citizenship Card, Veterans Service Card, and the new Travel Document for non-Canadians. Some provincial driver's licences (BC, Ontario) accept this size for in-person renewal.
How Much Does It Cost?
Canadian photo studios (Black's, Walmart Canada, Costco Canada) charge CAD $12–18 for two 50×70 mm prints. U.S. drugstores don't stock the format. Online services like Passport Photo and PhotoAiD charge CAD $7–10. Photo-Visa.Online delivers an IRCC-compliant digital + print-ready file from $13 USD. Every file is validated against the published IRCC specification before you pay.
