ᐅ Passport Photos - Canadian Passport Photo Requirements

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How to take a photo?

Taking a photo for your ID has never been so easy.

Follow simple instruction to take a perfect ID photo.

Body-camera distance

The distance between the face and the camera should be about 40 cm. Ideally the photo should be taken by the other person.

Posture: Straight ahead

Place your face in front of the lens. Hold the camera at eye level and keep neutral face expression.

Lighting

Stand facing the light source, for example an exposed window. The background will be cut out, don't worry about it.

Photo for Canadian Passport - size & requirements

ᐅ Passport Photos - Canadian Passport Photo Requirements

Size

Width: 50 mm

Height: 70 mm

Resolution

600 dpi

Is it suitable for online submission?

Yes

Image definition parameters

Head height: 35 mm

Bottom of the Photo to the Eye Line: 39 mm

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More about Canadian Passport Photo - Requirements

Where to get Canadian passport photos?

Whether you are in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, or Quebec, you can always get passport pictures from home. Take a photo of yourself using a tripod or ask someone to take the picture using a smartphone and upload it onto our website or app.

Our photo cropper and background eraser will prepare a Canadian passport photo in 3 seconds! Then, you will be able to download the digital version and a ready-to-print passport photo template, or simply order it to be delivered to your door!

Where can I get and print my Canadian passport photo?

Prepare the passport pictures on our website - take a picture, upload it, and check if you like the image. If you don’t think the passport photo looks good, simply retake the picture as many times as you wish!

Choose one of the options - you can get the passport photo template for free, though it will require some effort from your side to prepare the picture to meet all the requirements. Or download professional Canadian passport photos with an acceptance guarantee. Customers can also get printed photos delivered to their door!

Below you will find the guidelines on how to take a biometric photo that will meet all the official requirements! (or just take a photo and our AI compliance check tool will inform you about any errors it may have)

Canada passport photo requirements

Applicants planning to apply for a Canadian passport need to provide two identical colour or black-and-white photos. The pictures need to have identical measurements of 50 × 70 mm width x height (2 × 2.7 inches). It is crucial to provide an up-to-date photo taken within 6 (six) months before the application.

Passport pictures should be printed on high-quality photo paper. Any other type of paper (e.g. heavy-weight paper) is not allowed. Original pictures must be taken for the purposes of the documents, made from a single negative or a single electronic image file, and cannot be copied from other existing photos.

How to pose for your passport photo?

Position your body in front of the camera. Don’t tilt it in any direction - the face must be facing the camera straight on. Don't smile or show your teeth, and maintain a neutral facial expression. You have to look straight into the camera lens.

What must be visible in the photo?

The face must be between 1 1/4 inches (31 mm) and 1 7/16 inches (36 mm) high in the image area. The image must show the entire head from its crown to the bottom of the chin. The frame of the photo should also include the neck and the edge of the shoulders.

Background

A passport photo must be taken against a plain white or light background. There must be sharpness and sufficient contrast between the background,facial features, and clothing—the face or clothing cannot blend into the background.

Lighting

The lighting in the photo must be uniform and frontal to avoid glare or shadows. It’s best to use natural light, as the pictures must show the natural skin tone.

The best recommendation is to sit facing a window. Make sure to avoid light that’s too bright, because this could make the passport photo overexposed.

Headcovers

A photo for a Canadian passport should be taken without a hat.

However, religious or medical headcovers are allowed. A religious hat or scarf cannot cover the face or even cast a shadow.

It is very important that the entire face is clearly visible. So if a scarf worn due to religious beliefs covers the mouth and nose - it will have to be loered below the chin while taking the photo.

Glasses

It’s acceptable to wear medical glasses while posing for the photo as long as there is no glare on them, but tinted glasses or sunglasses are not allowed. Also, the eyes, especially the pupils, must be visible.

However, to increase your chance of getting the correct photo, it's better to take a picture without glasses.

Clothing

There are no special dress requirements for the Canadian passport photo. Applicants are allowed to wear casual clothing, but with some exceptions. The clothes should not be too extravagant.

Avoid wearing any uniforms as this may cause your photo to be rejected by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) department. As we’ve already mentioned, you can’t blend in with the background, so it’s recommended to avoid wearing white for your passport photo. The same applies to black clothing which can have a similar effect.

Jewellery

When it comes to jewellery, the rule of ‘less is more’ is highly practised in passport photo fashion. Don’t wear large earrings that could cover a part of the cheeks, because they may obscure the jawline, which is an important aspect of biometric photos. Any jewellery that could potentially cover even a small part of the face shouldn’t be worn, however a small pair of earrings or a dainty pendant necklace should be okay.

Makeup

The Canadian government doesn’t provide any special requirements regarding makeup in their official guidelines. However, it is recommended to avoid bold makeup, which - as we know - can completely change a person’s appearance.

Natural and delicate makeup is allowed - ideally, it should be the makeup you wear on a daily basis. However, avoid using lip gloss and heavily pearly eye shadows. If your skin tends to glow, it's a good idea to use special matting wipes before taking the passport photo.

Canadian passport biometric photo

All the above requirements apply to biometric photos, which are the only ones accepted when applying for a Canadian passport. The biometric photo highlights all the individual biometric features such as the jawline, the shape of the eyes, nose, and mouth and enables easy and quick identification of an individual.

Most of the Canadian passport photo requirements pointed above are the standard biometric photo requirements. Although considering passport photo requirements in other countries, we can say that the Canada passport picture size (5×7 cm) is pretty uncommon.

How to take a Canada passport photo with a smartphone?

Our online document photo software allows applicants to take a photo for their Canadian passport with a smartphone. All you need to do is position yourself correctly and ensure the face is evenly illuminated on both sides. Make sure there are no shadows on your face, shoulders, ears, or in the background. Attach the ready photo to our tool.

This intelligent software will automatically check whether the image is correct and meets all requirements. If so, it will remove the background from the image. Then, the finished, prepared photo will be sent to your email, so you can print the picture and attach it to the Canadian passport application.

The Canadian passport photo checklist

A uniform background (preferably white).
Picture size is 50×70 mm (2 × 2.7 inches).
The length of the face from the chin to the top of the head must be between 31 mm (1 1/4 inch) and 36 mm (1 7/16 inch) in the frame.
No shadows are allowed in the photo.
Position your body and head directly in front of the camera.
Don’t tilt your head or show your ‘better profile’.
Keep a neutral facial expression.
Don't squint your eyes, don't smile, and do keep your mouth naturally closed.
Sign the back of the photos and put a note with the date on which the photo was taken.
Don’t modify the photo using graphic design programs.
Make sure the photo is sharp and reflects your natural skin tone.
Don’t apply any filters to the photos.
Make sure your hair doesn’t cover your face and/or eyebrows.
While your ears don’t have to be visible in the image, your jawline must be.
Make sure that the frame includes your entire face from the top of the head to the chin, neck and part of the shoulders.
The pupils of your eyes should be visible, including the color of the iris (a red-eye effect is not accepted).
If you wear corrective glasses, make sure there are no reflections or glares.

Photo requirements are based on: www.canada.ca

Photo requirements are based on: www.canada.ca
Last update: 2023-06-07

About the document

All new Canadian passports are called the ePassport and have the form of 36-page books with an electronic data chip in them. The chip stores information which is the same as the one printed on the second page of the passport book. This includes:

last name;
given name;
nationality;
date of birth;
sex,;passport number;
a Canada passport photo.

The information on the chip is permanently blocked. This means that if, for example, you have changed your name, the data cannot be updated. You must apply for a completely new passport. Canada's Electronic Passport also serves as a traditional paper document.

If the border inspection post does not have an e-passport reader, the document will therefore be scanned in the traditional way.

IMPORTANT: If your passport has expired and you do not need to make significant changes (in your name, place or date of birth or sex), you can renew your passport instead of applying for a new one.

Who can apply for a Canadian passport?

To apply for an adult passport, you must be a Canadian citizen and 16 years of age or older.

How can I apply for a Canadian passport?

When applying for a Canadian passport, you must submit a completed application, attach a Canada passport photo (2 copies) and the necessary documents.

You can apply in person or by mail. The way of applying depends on when you are planning your next trip. If you’re not travelling in the next month, you can send your application by regular mail or visit one of the Passport Offices.

You can also apply at the Service Canada Office of Admitting Agents. However, if you need a passport within the next 20 days, you must apply in person at the Passport Office. If you already have a passport, it will be cancelled and must be submitted with your application for a new document.

Guarantor and references

When applying for a new passport, you must have a guarantor to sign the application, a passport photo and all copies of the identity documents that you submit with your application. You must also attach to the application two references from people who have known you for at least 2 years.

Applying for a Canadian passport - useful guidelines

To save time, complete the form on your computer and then print it out.
Sign each page of the application.
Attach your old, invalid passport with your application.
Prepare references and the guarantor’s signatures.

Who issues passports in Canada?

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), formerly known as the Department of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).

How much does a Canadian passport cost?

The 5-year adult passport (age 16 and over) costs 120C AD while a 10-year adult passport (age 16 and over) costs 160 CAD. You can also order an urgent pickup and receive your passport by the end of the next business day. This costs an extra 110 CAD. The IRCC offers Express pickup (within 2 to 9 business days) as well and charges 50 CAD extra.

List of documents when applying for a Canadian passport

Documents that are always required:

proof of Canadian citizenship (original),
a document confirming your identity,
two identical passport photos with a signature on the back and the date they were taken,
any valid Canadian travel document issued in your name.

You may need to provide additional documents if:

you have changed your name,
you’re replacing a lost, stolen or damaged passport,
you don’t want to enter your place of birth in your passport,
you’re updating the gender ID in your passport.

Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

Can I apply for a Canadian passport online?

Unfortunately, at the moment it is not possible to apply for the Canadian passport online, however you don’t have to do it in person - you can apply for your Canadian passport by mail.

Can you wear earrings in a Canada Passport Photo?

Yes, as long as you don’t wear large and reflective earrings, which not only distort the contrast between the silhouette and the background, but can also obscure parts of the face, which is not allowed in Canada passport photos.

Can I take a Canada passport photo with an iPhone?

Yes. Using our tool you can take a passport photo with your iPhone and any other camera tool. You can even take a selfie and our software will validate it for Canada Passport Photo Requirements. You can also ask another person to take a photo of you.

Why can't I wear glasses in my passport photo?

To take a photo for your Canada Passport, you may wear medical glasses, but you may not wear tinted glasses or sunglasses. The point is that your pupils and the colour of your irises as well as the shape of your eyes must be visible. Even if you wear prescription glasses, it's best to remove them to reduce the risk of your image being rejected by a government official.

What size is a Canadian passport photo?

5 × 7 cm width x height (2 × 2 ¾ inches).

Why do I have to provide two photos for the Canadian passport application?

By providing an additional passport photo, you can quickly obtain a new document in case of theft or loss.

I use a wheelchair. What are the requirements for such a photo?

Passport photos must have a white background, so if your wheelchair has a headrest, you should put a plain white towel or piece of cloth over it. As a result, the facial features and facial edges become clear against the background.

What if I wear a nasal cannula?

Your nasal cannula may appear in your passport photo if there is a medical justification for it. You must then enclose a medical certificate with your passport application. Also, remember that the immigration office may ask you for a special letter from your doctor.

Why can't I smile in my passport photo?

Passport photos with a neutral expression make the work of facial recognition systems easier, which lowers the risk of fraud and false identity. A neutral facial expression makes it easier to verify identity as it better enhances the unique features of each person's face.

Is the Canada Passport Photo the same as the US Passport Photo?

No. Canada's passport photo requirements differ from those for the United States and other countries. Pictures for Canadian passports have a unique size and must be attached to the application in duplicates.

In addition, you must sign them on the back and state the date they were taken. Moreover, such images must meet all photo requirements. If they don't, your application will be rejected by the IRCC.

Examples of correct photos for a Canadian passport - where can I find them?

At www.canada.ca you will find both examples of acceptable and unacceptable passport photos.

Where can I take passport photos?

Stores like Walmart and London Drugs offer passport photo services at most locations. Alternatively, with Passport Photo Online applicants can take a picture for Canadian passport directly from home.