OFFICIAL CONSULAR SPECIFICATION● PHOTO REQUIREMENTS GUIDECanadian Citizenship Photo Requirements: Online and Paper Applications
Photo rules for a Canadian citizenship application: one JPEG of at least 420×540 pixels online, or two identical 50×70 mm prints by mail, taken by a commercial photographer.
Try the assessment first. Paid downloads include a clean JPEG and print-ready sheet; review the package price before checkout. Read IRCC’s photo page.
For a Canadian citizenship application, IRCC asks for photos taken by a commercial photographer or studio no more than 6 months before you apply. Online, you upload one digital photo, colour preferred, as a JPG or JPEG of at least 420×540 pixels, around 240 kB and no more than 4 MB, saved straight from the camera. By mail, you send two identical colour prints, 50 mm wide by 70 mm high, professionally printed. In both cases the face measures 31–36 mm from chin to crown on a plain white or light-coloured background, and the photo must not be altered in any way.
Who this guide is for
Permanent residents applying for Canadian citizenship online or by mail, including parents applying for a child.
Key Biometric Specifications
Preparing the photo
Practical preparation tips; use the linked application instructions for requirements.
- Book a commercial photographer or studio and say the photos are for a Canadian citizenship application, online or by mail.
- For an online application, ask for the original JPEG straight from the camera, at least 420×540 pixels and no more than 4 MB.
- Check the file before uploading. Our free IRCC photo checker reads the pixel size and file size on your device without changing the photo.
- For a mail application, check you have two identical 50×70 mm colour prints with the required details on the back.
Mandatory Consular Rules
- Taken by a commercial photographer or studio, no more than 6 months before you submit.
- Online: one colour (preferred) or black-and-white photo, JPG or JPEG with minimal compression, at least 420×540 pixels, about 240 kB and no more than 4 MB.
- By mail: two identical colour photos, 50 mm wide by 70 mm high, professionally printed on plain, high-quality photo paper.
- On the back of printed photos: your (or the child’s) first and last name, the photographer’s or studio’s name and complete address, and the date taken.
- Face 31–36 mm from chin to crown, plain white or light-coloured background, neutral expression, eyes open, mouth closed.
- Glasses only if the frames do not cover your eyes and there is no glare; no sunglasses or tinted lenses. Head coverings only if worn daily for religious or medical reasons, with the full face visible.
- The photo must be an original, not altered in any way: no colour, brightness, cropping, red-eye or background changes.
Top Rejection Pitfalls to Avoid
- A photo older than 6 months.
- A home or self-taken photo instead of a commercial photographer’s.
- An edited, cropped or brightened file.
- Missing or incomplete details on the back of printed photos.
- Tinted glasses or glare on the lenses.
Canada photo requirements and document options
Digital and printed copies
Online applications use one unedited digital file; mail applications use two identical 50×70 mm colour prints. Follow the specification page for your route: IRCC publishes separate pages for a citizenship grant and for proof of citizenship, online and by mail.
Questions about this guide
What size is a Canadian citizenship photo?
Printed: 50 mm wide by 70 mm high, with the face 31–36 mm from chin to crown. Online: a JPEG of at least 420×540 pixels, no more than 4 MB.
Can I take my citizenship photo myself?
No. IRCC asks you to go to a commercial photographer or studio.
How recent must a citizenship photo be?
Taken no more than 6 months before you submit your application.
Can I use my PR card or passport photo for citizenship?
Only if it was taken in the last 6 months and meets the citizenship specification for your route. A PR card photo can be up to 12 months old, so it may be too old.
Can I wear glasses in a citizenship photo?
Yes, if the frames do not cover your eyes and there is no glare on the lenses. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are not accepted, even with a prescription.
About this guide
ApprovaVisa editorial team
Reviewed: 30 October 2026
Requirements come from the linked authority source. Where our summary and the authority differ, follow the authority.
Prepare Your Canada Photo
Check the receiving authority’s instructions before preparing a photo. Use professional photography where required, and retain the original image when digital alterations are prohibited.
Try the assessment first. Paid downloads include a clean JPEG and print-ready sheet; review the package price before checkout. Read IRCC’s photo page.