Select File
or drag and drop files here
The Challenge
Canada visa applications require 35×45mm photos (different from 50×70mm passport format). Wrong size = IRCC application rejection.
Canada visa photo ≠ Canada passport photo
- Visa: 35×45mm — Passport: 50×70mm
- Cannot use passport photos for visa applications
- Both use same head height (31-36mm) but different frame sizes
Canada visa photo requirements (IRCC)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires 35×45mm photos for temporary resident visas (visitor, work permit, study permit), permanent residence applications, and citizenship applications. Same format as EU/UK passport photos. Digital applications accept 826×1062 pixel uploads. Print applications require two identical photos on quality photographic paper.
Canada visa photo requirements - IRCC acceptance
- 35×45mm dimensions (NOT 50×70mm passport size)
- Head height 31-36mm from chin to crown
- Taken within last 6 months
- White or light-coloured plain background
- Face centered, neutral expression, mouth closed
- Eyes open and clearly visible
- Non-tinted prescription glasses allowed (eyes visible, no glare)
- Digital: 826×1062 pixels for online applications
- Print: Quality photographic paper (matte or glossy)
- Name of applicant on photo back (handwritten or printed)
Good vs bad Canada visa photo examples
Digital photo upload for online visa applications
IRCC online application portal accepts 826×1062 pixel JPEG uploads for visitor visas, work permits, study permits, and permanent residence applications. File size typically under 4MB. Upload directly at canada.ca/visa-application. Digital submission eliminates need for printed photos. Processing faster than paper applications (average 2-4 weeks vs 4-8 weeks).
Where to print Canada visa photos
- Shoppers Drug Mart, Jean Coutu, Rexall: CAD 10-15
- Costco Photo Centre: CAD 5-8 (members only)
- Local photo studios: CAD 12-20
- Home printing: Use quality matte or glossy photo paper
- Specify '35×45mm' when ordering—not 'passport size' (that's 50×70mm)
Official IRCC Resources
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Head (31-36mm)
Select Enhancement
Download Digital or Print
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 35×45 mm
- Digital Format
- 826×1062 pixels
- Head Height
- 31-36 mm (69-80%)
- Background
- White or light-coloured
- Recency
- Within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed
- Paper Type
- Quality photographic paper
- Valid For
- Visitor visa, work permit, study permit
Best Practices
- Canada visa is 35×45mm—different from 50×70mm passport format
- Same format as EU/UK passport photos (interchangeable if taken within 6 months)
- Digital upload for online applications: 826×1062px JPEG
- Print applications: Two identical photos with applicant name on back
- No photographer stamp required for visa (unlike passport applications)
- Glasses allowed if non-tinted, eyes visible, no glare
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Canada visa photo requirements?
Canada visa photos must be 35×45mm with head height 31-36mm, white or light background, neutral expression, taken within 6 months. Digital: 826×1062 pixels. Print: two identical photos on quality paper with applicant name on back.
Can I use passport photos for Canada visa?
No. Canadian passport photos are 50×70mm. Visa requires 35×45mm. Different sizes—must create separate photos.
Does Canada visa accept digital photos?
Yes. Online applications at canada.ca accept 826×1062 pixel JPEG uploads. Faster processing than paper applications.
Do I need photographer stamp for visa photo?
No. Visa photos only need applicant name on back. Photographer stamp only required for passport applications.
Can I use EU passport photos for Canada visa?
Yes, if taken within 6 months. EU passports use same 35×45mm format as Canada visas. Ensure head height is 31-36mm.
Related Guides
Canada Photo ID Tool - 50×70mm for Passport, Citizenship & PR Card
- 50×70 mm
- 2000×2800 pixels
- 31-36 mm (44-51%)
Albania Passport Photo Tool - 40×50mm Official Format
- 40×50 mm
- 944×1181 pixels at 600 DPI
- 32-36 mm (64-72% of frame)
Albania Visa Photo Tool - 36×47mm eVisa Format
- 36×47 mm (width × height)
- 600×600 pixels, JPEG
- ≤240 KB
Argentina Visa & Consular Photo Tool - 4×4 cm (40×40mm) Square Format
- 4×4 cm (40×40 mm) — square
- 945×945 pixels at 600 DPI
- ~70% of photo height (28 mm)
Australia Passport & Visa Photo Tool - 35×45mm Compliant Format
- 35–45 mm (width 35-40mm, height 45-50mm)
- 826×1062 pixels at 600 DPI
- 32-36 mm (chin to crown, 71-80% of frame)
Austria Passport & Visa Photo Tool — 35×45mm Biometric Format
- 35×45 mm
- 826×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
- 31.5-36 mm (70-80% of frame)
Bangladesh Passport Photo Tool - 45×55mm Official Format
- 45×55 mm (4.5×5.5 cm)
- 1063×1299 pixels at 600 DPI
- 70-80% of photo height (38-44 mm)
Bangladesh Visa Photo Tool - 35×45mm for Visa & E-Passport Applications
- 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm)
- 826×1062 pixels, JPEG
- 300 KB
Belarus Passport Photo Tool - 40×50mm with Grey Background
- 40×50 mm
- 944×1181 pixels at 600 DPI
- 32-36 mm (64-72% of frame)
Belarus Visa Photo Tool - 35×45mm for Tourist, Work & Transit Visas
- 35×45 mm (width × height)
- 826×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
- 70-80% of photo height
Belgium Passport & Visa Photo Tool — 35×45mm ICAO Biometric Format
- 35×45 mm
- 826×1063 pixels at 600 DPI (400 DPI minimum)
- 31-36 mm (70-80% of frame)
Brazil Passport Photo Tool - 35×45mm Official Format
- 35×45 mm
- 413×531 pixels
- 600 DPI
Brazil Visa Photo Tool - 2×2 Inch (51×51mm) Square Format
- 2×2 inch (51×51 mm)
- 600×600 pixels
- 600 DPI
Bulgaria Passport & Visa Photo Tool — 35×45mm Biometric Format
- 35×45 mm
- 826×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
- 25-35 mm (chin to crown)
Cambodia eVisa Photo Tool — 35×45mm Digital Format
- 35×45 mm (width × height)
- 600×600 pixels, JPEG or PNG
- ≤1 MB
Cambodia Passport Photo Tool — 40×60mm Official Biometric Format
- 40×60 mm (4×6 cm)
- 945×1417 pixels at 600 DPI
- 36 mm (chin to top of hair, 60% of frame)
Chile Passport Photo Tool - 45×45mm Square Biometric Format
- 45×45 mm (square format)
- 1063×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
- 27 mm (60% of frame)
Chile Visa Photo Tool - 50×50mm Official Consular Format
- 50×50 mm (5×5 cm square)
- 1181×1181 pixels at 600 DPI
- 60–70% of photo height
China Passport & Visa Photo Tool - 33×48mm Official Format
- 33×48 mm (width × height)
- 420×560 pixels, JPEG
- 40–120 KB (visa/COVA), 30–80 KB (passport)