Canada's visa and immigration photograph is 35 mm wide by 45 mm high with the head 31–36 mm from chin to crown, on a plain white or light-coloured background, neutral expression, taken within six months. Two identical prints go with a paper application with your name and date of birth on the back; online applications take a scanned or digital photo at a minimum of 420×540 pixels. An eTA does not need a photo at all, and if you give biometrics at a collection point the photo is taken there.
Make and check a Canada visa IRCC photo Free checker; files from A$6.99.
Specification
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) |
|---|---|
| Pixels at 300 / 600 dpi | 413 × 531 px / 827 × 1063 px |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 31–36 mm |
| Eye line from bottom | not specified |
| Head width | not specified |
| Space above the crown | not specified |
| Background | plain and light |
| Background editing | not allowed (retake instead) |
| Glasses | allowed only with no glare and frames clear of the eyes |
| Expression | neutral, mouth closed |
| Recency | taken in the last 6 months |
| Print requirements | plain photo paper, no borders — Two identical photos with your name and date of birth written on the back; not needed if you give biometrics. |
| Digital upload | 827×1063 px JPEG, 0–4 MB (IRCC online application (where a digital photo is requested)); 827×1063 px JPEG (Printing two 35×45 mm photos for a paper application) |
| Self-taken photos | accepted with conditions (see below) |
| Prints needed | 2 |
| Infant rules | eyes open, mouth may be open (under 1) |
| Official source | IRCC – Visa application photograph specifications |
Check the official source. Some values on this page could not be confirmed from the official page when it was last checked (2026-10-28).
- The IRCC photo specification page returned 404 at the known URL; the visitor visa guide (5256) confirms two photos meeting the specification with name and date of birth on the back, and no photos when biometrics are given. The 35×45 mm size, head 31–36 mm and digital minimum of 420×540 px with a 4 MB cap are from the previous specification page; re-check.
- An eTA requires no photo at all; this page covers visitor visas, study and work permits and permanent residence.
- eTA applications need no photo; biometrics appointments capture the photo for you.
Can I take it myself? Yes, with conditions
IRCC's visa specification is written for photographers (it asks the studio to stamp the back of printed photos), but unlike the Canadian passport it is not enforced for online uploads and most applicants submit a home-taken photo that meets the dimensions. If you are submitting prints, a studio stamp avoids a query. Where biometrics are required, you need no photo because it is captured at the collection point. We sell the product as a digital file for online applications and a print sheet, and we flag the stamp expectation here honestly.
How to take the photo
- Check whether your application needs a photo at all: eTA never does, and biometrics appointments capture it.
- Stand half a metre in front of a plain white or light wall, face a window and keep light even on both sides of the face.
- Someone else takes the photo from 1.5 metres at eye level with shoulders in frame and space above the head.
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. Glasses only without glare and with the eyes fully visible; no tinted lenses.
- Wear a top that contrasts with the background; light clothing blending into the wall is a stated refusal reason.
- For prints, print two identical copies from our sheet on plain photo paper and write your name and date of birth on the back.
Why Canada visa IRCC photos get rejected
- Head height outside 31–36 mm. Adjust head size until the readout is in band; the measurement is checked.
- Light clothing blending with the background. Wear a darker top.
- Altered photo. No filters or background replacement; retake.
- Glare or tinted glasses. Remove them.
- No name and date of birth on the back. Write them on both prints.
- Resolution below 420×540 px. Use the original file and the IRCC preset.
- Photo older than six months. Take a new one.
Infants and children
Each child on the application needs photos. A baby may be in a car seat with a white blanket behind the head, with no shadows and nobody else visible. IRCC allows some range of expression for infants but wants the eyes open and the face clear. Children giving biometrics have their photo captured at the appointment.
Step by step: IRCC online application
- Create an IRCC account and complete the questionnaire to get your personalised document checklist.
- If the checklist asks for a digital photo, upload the IRCC JPEG from this tool. If it asks for biometrics, no photo is required.
- For a paper application, attach two prints with your name and date of birth on the back.
File limits: JPEG, at least 420×540 px, under 4 MB, 35×45 mm proportions, head 31–36 mm, plain light background. Flagged for re-checking on the IRCC page.
What it costs
Shoppers Drug Mart and Walmart in Canada charge C$12–20 for a stamped set; abroad a studio charges A$17–25 or £10–16. Our Single licence is C$6.49 for the digital file and print sheets for 30 days. Nothing is needed for an eTA.
Canada visa IRCC photo FAQ
Does an eTA need a photo?
No. The eTA is an online form with your passport details only; no photo is uploaded.
What size is a Canada visa photo?
35×45 mm with the head 31–36 mm, plain white or light background, taken within six months.
Can I take it myself?
For online uploads, a compliant home photo is accepted in practice. For prints, a studio stamp on the back avoids a query.
Is it the same as the Canadian passport photo?
No. The passport photo is 50×70 mm and must be taken by a photographer; the visa photo is 35×45 mm.
Do I need a photo if I give biometrics?
No. The photo is taken at the biometrics appointment.
What goes on the back of printed photos?
Your name and date of birth, written on the back of both prints.
Are glasses allowed?
Only with the eyes clearly visible and no glare; no tinted lenses.
Related documents
Last verified 2026-10-28 against IRCC – Visa application photograph specifications. Spotted a mistake? Report an error.