OFFICIAL CONSULAR STANDARDSSPECIFICATION RECORD: SEPTEMBER 16, 2026Canada Passport Photo Size & Requirements
Prepare Canada passport photos at 1181×1654 px with Plain white or light gray background. Check the receiving authority’s current instructions before submitting.
This summary describes the recorded Canada photo specifications. Check the official source below for your application route; the receiving authority decides whether a photo is acceptable.
Official Parameter Matrix // Canada Passport
Official Document Standards // Canada
- Dimensions:1181×1654 px
- Background:Plain white or light gray background
- Head Ratio:44-51%
- Quality:JPEG · ≤5120KB
- Dimensions:413×531 px
- Background:Plain white or light gray background
- Head Ratio:68-80%
- Quality:JPEG · ≤5120KB
How to Create Your Official Canada Passport Photo Online
Take a front-facing selfie with your phone camera or upload an existing portrait. Our live viewfinder ensures proper face angle and neutral expression.
The engine prepares the background and crops to 1181×1654 px. Review the individual assessment and application instructions.
Download a 1181×1654 px JPEG (maximum 5120KB) and an A4 print sheet. Review the single image against your application requirements before uploading.
What Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada says
- Application route
- In-person and mail applications use printed photos; online renewals use a digital photo. A commercial photographer must take the photo.
- Photo age
- Taken no more than six months before the application is submitted.
- Glasses
- Glasses are permitted if the eyes are visible and lenses have no glare; tinted glasses are not accepted.
- Head coverings
- Daily religious or medical head coverings are permitted with the full face visible and no facial shadows.
- Expression
- Look at the camera with eyes open, mouth closed, and no smile or frown.
- Children
- Newborns may show a range of facial expressions; hands must not appear in the photo.
- Digital uploads
- Online renewal photos must be JPEG, 1200–3000 pixels wide by 1800–4500 pixels high, and 200 KB–5 MB. Scans and altered images are not accepted.
Reasons the authority gives for rejecting photos
- Image alterations, including background changes.
- White clothing that blends into the background.
- Shadows or glare.
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, photo requirements. Specification record: 2026-09-16.
The recorded 50×70 mm size differs from the most common document size in our dataset (35×45 mm). In the same dataset, head-height range 44-51% differs from the common 70-80% range; the recorded background (plain white or light gray background) differs from the most common background colour.
Frequently Asked Questions for Canada Passport Photos
What are the photo size and background rules for a Canada Passport?
A Canada passport photo is 50×70 mm (1181×1654 pixels for a digital upload), with a plain white or light gray background. The recorded head-height range is 44-51%. Output settings: 600 DPI, JPEG. Recorded file-size limit: 5120KB. Taken no more than six months before the application is submitted. Check the linked source for the submission route you are using.
Can I wear glasses or a head covering in a Canada Passport photo?
Glasses are permitted if the eyes are visible and lenses have no glare; tinted glasses are not accepted. Daily religious or medical head coverings are permitted with the full face visible and no facial shadows.
How do digital and printed submissions differ for a Canada Passport?
In-person and mail applications use printed photos; online renewals use a digital photo. A commercial photographer must take the photo. Online renewal photos must be JPEG, 1200–3000 pixels wide by 1800–4500 pixels high, and 200 KB–5 MB. Scans and altered images are not accepted.
Can I take this photo with my smartphone?
Yes. Our AI engine automatically corrects perspective distortion, extracts the subject, replaces the backdrop with the required consular color, and verifies lighting and eye height.
What if my photo is rejected by the embassy?
The receiving authority decides whether to accept your photo. If it is rejected, contact support and review our refund policy.
Q:How do I print my Canada Passport photo?
ApprovaVisa provides a single 1181×1654 px JPEG (maximum 5120KB) and an A4 tiled print sheet with cut marks. Upload the single JPEG to the application portal. Print the sheet at actual size and check the mission’s paper-photo instructions.
Ready to Generate Your Canada Passport Photo?
Zero login required. Full compliance with ICAO Document 9303 standards.
Launch Photo Studio (Canada)