Canada Passport Photo Requirements 2026
Canada uses a 35×45mm photo on a plain white background for visas, PR, Express Entry, study/work permits and the online passport renewal portal. The physical passport booklet uses a unique 50×70mm format requiring a certified photographer.
Printed passport booklet: requires a commercial photographer and a guarantor signature — not a self-serve tool. This maker covers Canada visas, PR/Express Entry, study & work permits, and online passport renewal (all 35×45mm).
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Canada photo specifications
- Visa / PR / Permit size
- 35 × 45 mm
- Passport booklet size
- 50 × 70 mm (requires certified photographer)
- Head height
- 31–36 mm chin to crown
- Background
- Plain white or light-coloured, no shadows
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed
- Glasses
- Allowed if no glare and eyes fully visible (removing is safest)
- Digital (IRCC online)
- JPEG, 240 KB – 5 MB
- Recency
- Within the last 6 months
- Min DPI (print)
- 300 DPI
Source: canada.ca/passports/photos — verified June 2026.
What this photo covers (and what it doesn't)
A 35×45mm white-background photo satisfies IRCC requirements for Canadian visitor visas, study permits, work permits, PR card renewals, Express Entry applications, citizenship applications, and the IRCC online passport renewal portal. It does not cover the physical passport booklet, which IRCC requires to be produced by a commercial photographer who certifies the photo while a guarantor signs the back of the print.
Online IRCC portal photo upload
The IRCC online application portal accepts digital photos as JPEG files between 240 KB and 5 MB. Make the photo here, then if you need a smaller file, use the compress to KB tool to hit the portal limit while keeping the photo sharp. Always confirm the current file size cap on your specific IRCC application page before submitting, as digital limits can differ by application stream.
Canada photo for Indians in Canada
Indian nationals in Canada often need two different photos simultaneously: a Canadian photo (35×45mm, white background) for their IRCC application or PR card, and an Indian passport photo (35×45mm, plain white background, 80–85% face coverage) for renewing their Indian passport through the Indian Consulate or VFS Global. Both formats use the same 35×45mm size but differ in head coverage rules. Use the Canada maker for IRCC documents and the India maker for Indian passport renewals.
Privacy — processed entirely on your device
Your photo is processed entirely in your browser. It is never uploaded to a server, never stored, and never seen by anyone other than you. Background removal, head detection, cropping and resizing all run locally. This is the right approach for biometric document photos.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Canadian passport photo?
For the printed passport booklet: 50×70mm (unique to Canada). For visas, PR, Express Entry, study/work permits and online passport renewal: 35×45mm on a white background. The 35×45mm is the digital-application standard.
What is the background colour for a Canada passport photo?
A plain white or light-coloured, uniform background with no shadows, patterns or objects. The lighting must be even with no shadows falling on the face or background.
Can I use this maker for the Canadian passport booklet?
No. The printed Canadian passport booklet requires a certified commercial photographer and a guarantor signature on the back — which a self-serve tool cannot provide. This maker is for Canada visas, PR/Express Entry, study permits, work permits and the online passport renewal portal (all 35×45mm).
What photo do I need for Express Entry or PR?
A 35×45mm photo on a plain white or light background, with the head measuring 31–36mm from chin to crown. This maker produces the correct size and applies a compliant white background.
Can I upload a digital photo for Canada's online passport renewal?
Yes. The IRCC online passport renewal portal accepts a digital photo upload (JPEG, 240 KB – 5 MB). Make the photo here, and compress it with the resize-to-KB tool if the portal has a stricter cap.
Are glasses allowed in a Canadian passport photo?
Glasses are permitted only if there is no glare on the lenses and your eyes are fully visible and clearly readable. Removing them is strongly recommended to avoid rejection.
Can Indians in Canada use this for an Indian passport renewal?
Yes. For renewing an Indian passport through the Indian Consulate in Canada, you need an Indian-spec photo (35×45mm, plain white background). The Indian passport maker produces the correct format. For your Canadian permit or PR, use this Canada maker instead.
How recent does a Canadian passport or visa photo need to be?
Photos must be recent (generally within 6 months) and reflect your current appearance. Significant changes in appearance (new glasses, major haircut, weight change) require a new photo.
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