Get Canadian Passport Photo Size Done Right—From Home
Getting Canadian passport photo size done correctly from home is now possible—save time, gas money, and get guaranteed compliance with all Government of Canada passport photo requirements!
As seen in
Canada Passport Photo—Specifications
Size
50x70 mm
Digital dimensions
1181x1654 pixels
Head height
31–36 mm
Background colour
Plain white or light-coloured
Resolution
600 dpi
Recency
6 months or less
Acceptable Canadian Passport Photo Examples
Glasses
Are acceptable, however, they cannot be tinted, cast shadows over the face and eyes, or reflect any visible glare.
Expression
Must be neutral with your eyes open and your mouth closed. Pretend to be slightly bored to easily achieve this look.
Child applicants
Face and shoulders should be centred and squared to the camera, not tilted in any direction.
Glasses
Are acceptable, however, they cannot be tinted, cast shadows over the face and eyes, or reflect any visible glare.
Expression
Must be neutral with your eyes open and your mouth closed. Pretend to be slightly bored to easily achieve this look.
Child applicants
Face and shoulders should be centred and squared to the camera, not tilted in any direction.
Simon Wojtyczka is a writer with experience living and working in 7 countries, each adding depth to his work. Holding a Master's in Applied Linguistics, he has a profound grasp of language and its intricate ties to culture.
Canada Passport Photo Size—All You Need to Know
Embarking on an overseas journey or simply updating your passport? Your first move is often the most important—capturing the ideal passport photo.
But remember, not every picture qualifies to adorn your document since biometric passport photos need to correspond to the exact specifications set out by the Government of Canada.
Read on to learn how you can ensure your photo is approved along with your passport application.
Understanding Canadian passport photo requirements
When it comes to passport photos, Canadian officials have strict guidelines that every photo must adhere to without exception. A picture that falls short of these standards is more than just a hassle—it’s a hurdle on the path to your travel dreams. So, let’s delve into the requirements to make sure your passport picture aids your application rather than hinders it.
Canadian Passport Photo Requirements Explained
Requirement | Prints & Digital |
Size | Your photo must be 50x70 mm (2 inches wide by 2¾ inches high). |
Colour | Must be either black & white or in full colour. If opting for colour photos, they should show natural skin tones. |
Recency | The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and must reflect the applicant’s current appearance. |
Image clarity | Clarity is key. Your photo must be sharp, with no blurring or graininess, to ensure that all your features are easily recognizable. |
Filters | Avoid filters at all costs. Your passport photo should be a true representation of you, without any digital enhancements. |
Background | The background should be plain white or light-coloured, providing a clear contrast to your features. |
Print Quality | The print quality of your photo should be high, with no smudges, creases, or marks. This ensures longevity and clarity over the lifespan of your passport. |
Resolution | A high-resolution photo is a must—typically, 600 DPI is recommended. This ensures that all details are captured accurately. |
Digital Alterations | Absolutely no digital alterations are allowed. Your photo must be a true, unaltered representation of you. |
Additionally, applicants must include the following on the back of one photo:
- Guarantor’s statement & signature: A guarantor must write, “I certify this to be a true likeness of (applicant’s name)” and sign their name under said statement on the back of one photo
- Photography studio details: The date the photo was taken and the complete address of the photography studio must be provided (written by hand or stamped)
📝 Note: Only first-time passport applicants need a guarantor’s statement. Adult passport renewals do not need a guarantor.
The fine details: specifics of Canadian passport photos
Understanding the nuances of passport photo requirements can be the difference between a smooth application process and unexpected delays. Let’s dive into the non-technical specifics.
- Facial expression: Your expression should be neutral, with both eyes open and mouth closed
- Eyes: Ensure your eyes are clearly visible. If you wear glasses, there should be no glare or reflections obscuring your eyes
- Glasses: While glasses are allowed, they shouldn’t cover your eyes or cast shadows on your face. Tinted glasses or sunglasses are not permitted
- Headgear: Permitted for religious or medical purposes but must not obscure any facial features
- Attire: Opt for attire that contrasts with the background. Uniforms or clothes that resemble uniforms should be avoided
- Head position: Your head should be centred, with your face squarely facing the camera
- Child photos: Follow the same rules as mentioned above; however,
- Some leniency with facial expressions is permitted (especially for newborns)
- Subjects should be centred and squared to the camera, not tilted in any direction
- No hands (the child’s or otherwise) can be visible in the frame
Canadian passport photo size—in detail
The size of your passport photo is more than just a requirement; it’s a critical component in ensuring your identity is accurately represented in your travel document.
All Canadian passport photos must therefore satisfy the following two requirements:
- Have a standardised size of 50 millimetres in width by 70 millimetres in height (2 inches wide by 2¾ inches high).
- Display the subject’s head within the mandatory range of 31–36 mm (1¼–1⁷⁄₁₆ inches) in height.
See the corresponding images for a visual representation of said rules:
Online services for Canadian passport photos
Don’t want to wait in line for your Canadian passport photo—and rightfully so!
Many online services are now capable of preparing digital passport photos without the need to leave the house. However, not all apps offer manual functions and a 100% compliance guarantee.
With Passport Photo Online’s highly-rated service, you get correctly-sized Canadian passport photos sent to your inbox—all in 3 minutes or less.
Thank you passport-photo online. Your guidelines on how to take the perfect picture were precise, clear and easy to follow. I am very satisfied to have my pictures done at the ease of my home. (...) Thank you for making this so simple to use. Will definitely continue to use it in the future.
Nancy
Best of all, every biometric photo comes with our bulletproof compliance guarantee—your photos will be accepted by Canadian passport agents, or we’ll refund double your purchase price.
Looking for brick-and-mortar options? Check out our localised guide for:
- Passport Photos in Toronto
- Passport Photos in Vancouver
- Passport Photos in Calgary
- Passport Photos in Edmonton
Sources:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports.html
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports/photos.html
https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/ircc/migration/ircc/english/pdf/photospecs-e.pdf
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FAQ
Yes, you can take your own photo, but it must meet all the specified requirements. Self-taken photos often run the risk of not complying with strict guidelines, so use Passport Photo Online to make sure your snap won’t get rejected.
The list of Canadian passport photo requirements is extensive; however, basic guidelines mandate the photo to be 50x70 mm in size (width x height), taken within the last 6 months, show a clear image with no filters, and have an appropriate background (plain white or light-coloured).
Avoid uniforms or clothes that resemble uniforms, and choose attire that contrasts with the background. Additionally, head apparel should not be present in the photo (unless worn for religious or medical reasons).
Shoppers Drug Mart charges $19.99 + tax for two Canadian passport photo prints. This price also includes a digital copy (as long as you provide a suitable storage device such as a USB pen drive).
Canadian passport photos vary in price between $11.95 and $20.00.
One way to find competitively-priced passport photos near you is to search for them on Google or directly click on the previously-mentioned link.
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