Canadian Visitor Visa Photo Requirements
Prepare your photo for a Canadian temporary resident visa application by following official size, background, and submission rules.
Official Size and Frame Requirements
Your photo must meet strict size rules set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada[1]. The stated frame size is a minimum of 35 by 45 mm, which is about 1.38 by 1.77 inches[1].
The head must measure between 31 and 36 mm from chin to crown[1]. Crown means the top of the head, or where it would be if obscured by hair or a head covering[1].
When you frame the picture, leave enough space around your shoulders and head so you can crop it correctly. If your head is too small or too large in the frame, the application office may reject the print or digital file. Measure carefully from the tip of your chin to the top of your head to hit the required range.
Background and Lighting
You must use a plain white or light-coloured background[1]. The authority does not specify a single required shade[1].
The photos must be clear, well defined, and taken against a plain white or light-coloured background[1].
Stand about one meter away from a plain wall to avoid shadows behind your head. Turn on room lights evenly or use natural light from a window facing you. Avoid harsh overhead lights that cast dark shadows under your nose or chin. Make sure the background has no patterns, textures, or objects in view.
Expression, Glasses, and Head Coverings
You must maintain a neutral facial expression[1]. Do not smile, frown, or raise your eyebrows[1]. Keep your mouth completely closed[1].
Look straight at the camera. Non-tinted prescription glasses are allowed if your eyes are clearly visible and the frames do not cover them. Head coverings are allowed for religious reasons if they do not obscure your full facial features[1].
Relax your face before the shutter clicks. Practice keeping your lips together without biting them. If you wear glasses, check the photo for glare on the lenses before you save or print the file. Take off sunglasses or tinted lenses completely. Head coverings must not cast shadows on your face.
Paper and Digital Submission
How you submit your photo depends on how you apply[2]. Paper applications require two identical printed photos when biometrics are not required[2].
Online applications require a digital photo[2]. If biometrics are required, your photo is taken at the collection appointment, and paper photos are not needed[3].
Read your application instructions carefully to know which format you need. If you are applying online, upload a clear digital file. If you are sending paper forms through the mail, get two identical physical prints made from the same image file.
Taking Your Photo at Home
Have two photos taken that meet the official specifications[1].
The frame must be at least 35×45 mm, and your head must measure 31–36 mm from chin to crown[1].
The application requires two photographs that meet the official specifications[1]. Follow the application instructions for getting and submitting them.
Printing and Common Reasons for Refusal
Photos must be printed on quality photographic paper[1].
If the photos do not meet the specifications, you will have to provide new photos before your application can be processed[1].
The photos must be printed on quality photographic paper[1]. Check that they meet the official size, head-height, expression, and background requirements[1].
Frequently asked questions
What size must the Canadian visitor visa photo be?
The official frame size is a minimum of 35 by 45 mm, and the head height from the chin to the top of the head must measure between 31 and 36 mm[1].
Can I smile in my visa photo?
What background color is allowed?
Do I need printed photos or a digital file?
Can I wear glasses in the photo?
Non-tinted prescription glasses are allowed if your eyes are clearly visible and the frames do not cover them[1].
Can I use a selfie camera to take the photo at home?
Using the front selfie camera is discouraged because it often distorts facial features and lowers image quality. Have someone else take the picture with the main camera from eye level.