🇨🇦 Canada visa photo requirements
50 x 70 mm, head 31–36 mm chin to crown, Plain white or light grey background — and the details that get photographs bounced before an officer ever opens the file.
Check my photo freeThe Canada specification
Photo size
50 x 70 mm
Head height
31–36 mm chin to crown
Background
Plain white or light grey
- Photographer name and date printed on the back
- Taken within the last 6 months
Last reviewed 12/08/2026 · Source: IRCC photo specifications. Confirm against the official Canada guidance before printing.
Routes this specification covers
Canada applies one biometric photo standard across its visa routes. The same compliant photo is accepted for every route below — only the supporting documents differ.
Why Canada visa photos get rejected
- Background is off-white, textured or shadowed instead of the plain white or light grey tone Canada requires.
- Head is outside the 31–36 mm chin to crown window — the single most common mechanical failure.
- Smiling, open mouth, or eyes partially closed.
- Glare on glasses, tinted lenses, or frames crossing the eyes.
- Digital retouching, beauty filters or a photo cropped out of a group picture.
- Printed at the wrong dimensions — Canada expects 50 x 70 mm exactly, with no border.
- Low resolution or heavy JPEG compression once uploaded.
Frequently asked questions
What size photo is needed for a Canada visa?
50 x 70 mm. Head height must be 31–36 mm chin to crown, taken against a Plain white or light grey background. Canada applies this specification across its visa routes, so the same photo works for a visitor, student or work application.
Can I wear glasses in a Canada visa photo?
Assume no. Almost every authority now rejects glasses because of glare and frame obstruction. If you must wear them for a medical reason, carry the supporting letter to your appointment.
How recent does a Canada visa photo have to be?
Within the last six months, and it must reflect your current appearance — beard, hair length and glasses status included.
Can I use the same photo for every Canada visa route?
Yes. Canada publishes one biometric photo standard, so a compliant photo is accepted across the routes listed on this page. Only the surrounding documents change.
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