Canada visa photo requirements
As of October 25, 2026, a Canada visitor visa photo has a frame of at least 35 x 45 mm, a head 31 to 36 mm from chin to crown and a plain white or light background (per canada.ca, checked on Oct 25, 2026).
According to IRCC Guide 5256, applicants who give biometric fingerprints and a photo do not need to include paper photos with a visitor visa application.
IRCC does not allow a digital visa photo to be altered in any way.
IRCC asks for a frame of at least 35 x 45 mm (1 3/8 x 1 3/4 inches), taller than it is wide. Inside it, the head measures 31 to 36 mm from chin to crown, with the face in the middle and the top of the shoulders showing.
The crown is the top of the skull. When hair or a religious head covering hides it, IRCC measures to where the top of the skull would be, so a tall hairstyle does not count toward the head size.
Source: canada.ca
A plain white or light-colored background, with a clear and well-defined image. Black and white and color prints are both accepted, as long as the two photos are identical and less than 6 months old.
Face the camera squarely with a neutral expression and the mouth closed: no smile and no frown.
Source: canada.ca
Yes, if they are non-tinted prescription glasses and the frame leaves the eyes fully visible. Sunglasses are not accepted.
A religious head covering may stay on when the full face is visible, and a hairpiece is fine if it does not disguise your normal appearance.
Source: canada.ca
No. IRCC’s paper application guide says applicants who give biometric fingerprints and a photo do not need to include paper photos. In the U.S., biometrics are given at an Application Support Center; elsewhere outside Canada, at a Visa Application Center.
The biometrics fee is CAN$85 per person, or at most CAN$170 for a family applying together. Children under 14 and applicants over 79 are exempt.
On quality photographic paper, two identical copies for you and two for each family member traveling with you. Write the name and date of birth on the back of both photos.
A digital photo used for the prints must not be altered in any way.
No. IRCC asks for a neutral expression, neither frowning nor smiling, with the mouth closed and the face square to the camera. Source: official page "Temporary Resident Visa application photograph specifications", checked on Oct 25, 2026.
Yes. IRCC accepts black and white or color photos, as long as both are identical, sharp, taken within the last 6 months and printed on quality photographic paper. Source: official page "Temporary Resident Visa application photograph specifications", checked on Oct 25, 2026.
Children under 14 are exempt from giving biometrics to IRCC, and so are applicants over 79. There is no upper age exemption for asylum claimants. Source: official page "Biometrics", checked on Oct 25, 2026.
No. SelfieToPassport is not affiliated with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada or any other government agency. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada publishes the photo rules for free at canada.ca; this page links to each one.
We crop and resize your original photo and never replace or repaint the background. If the wall does not pass the check, the tool asks for a new photo and tells you how to fix the light or the wall.
Ready? Free preview with the measurements drawn on your photo; $6.95 for the digital file and both print sheets.
Make my Canada visa photoEvery rule on this page comes from a page published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, read on the date shown. We rewrite each rule in plain words and link to the page it came from. Each rule has a review deadline; one that passes it without a new check comes off the page.
Something here out of date? Tell us and we will check it against the official page.
