head 69–80 %
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14-day refund if the authority rejects the photo
SourceImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Verified
Quick answer: A Canada work permit photo must be 35 × 45 mm. Even plain background without shadows. Head occupies 69–80% of photo height. Neutral expression, glasses only if no glare. Last verified .
Requirements
| Format | 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Head height | 69–80% of photo heightICAO 9303: 70–80% |
| Background | Even plain background without shadows. |
| Pose | Full face, no noticeable tilt; face turned towards the lens. |
| Expression | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. |
| Glasses | Eyes must be fully visible without strong reflections. See full rules → |
| Lighting | No harsh shadows or overexposure. |
| Attire | Keep the original clothing and a visible shoulder line. |
| Digital resolution | Minimum 420 × 540 px |
| File format | JPEG · sRGB / 24-bit |
| File size | min 60 KB |
| Millimetres | 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Centimetres | 3.5 × 4.5 cm |
| Inches | 1.38 × 1.77″ |
| Pixels at 300 dpi | 413 × 531 px |
| Pixels at 600 dpi | 827 × 1063 px |
For a Canadian work permit, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) asks, in the International Experience Canada process, for a digital photo of yourself: a frame of at least 35 mm × 45 mm showing the full front view of the head and the tops of the shoulders, the face in the middle, the head 31–36 mm from chin to crown, and at least 420 × 540 pixels. The file is a JPEG or JPEG2000, ideally 240 kB and not less than 60 kB, in colour (24 bits per pixel, RGB); a scan of an existing photo must be at least 600 pixels per inch.
The photo cannot be altered. Where paper photographs are asked, IRCC's temporary-resident sheet says two identical photographs taken within the last six months, colour or black-and-white, printed on quality photographic paper, plain white or light-coloured background, the face square to the camera with a neutral expression — neither frowning nor smiling — and the mouth closed; non-tinted prescription glasses are fine if the eyes are clearly visible and the frame does not cover them, sunglasses are not, and a religious head covering must leave the full facial features visible.
Examples and mistakes
One compliant example next to the six most common rejection causes for Canada work permit applications. These are the differences that most often determine whether a document photo is accepted.
Typical reasons a photo is rejected under the rules Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) publishes: what is wrong and what to change.
| Reason | Fix |
|---|---|
| A digital photo under 420 × 540 pixels, under 60 kB, or not JPEG or JPEG2000 | Use a JPEG of at least 420 × 540 pixels, ideally 240 kB and never under 60 kB. |
| A head smaller or larger than 31–36 mm from chin to crown | Frame the head at 31–36 mm in a frame of at least 35 × 45 mm. |
| A background that is not plain white or light-coloured, shadows or a disturbed background | Use a plain white or light-coloured background with even light. |
| Sunglasses, tinted lenses, glare or a frame covering the eyes | Take glasses off or use non-tinted lenses with the eyes clearly visible. |
| A smile or frown, an open mouth, a face not square to the camera, or an altered photo | Face the camera squarely with a neutral expression and the mouth closed; do not retouch. |
How to take it
Background: plain, one colour
The tool puts in the required background. Stand half a metre from a plain light wall, face a window and shoot without flash — then there are no shadows on your face or on the wall.
Head: 69–80 % of the photo height
Camera at eye level, about a metre away; head and shoulders in the shot. The tool crops it to 35 × 45 mm.
Glasses only if no glare
If you wear glasses, check the shot: no glare on the lenses, eyes clearly visible.
Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open
Look straight into the lens with your head level; keep hair away from your eyes and eyebrows.
An ordinary selfie will do: we fix the background, light and framing ourselves — to this document's rules. The preview is free.
Head straightHold the phone at eye level and your head straightens by itself.
Face uncoveredMove your hair away so your eyes and eyebrows show.
No glare on glassesStand so that no light reflects in the lenses.Printing and submission
| 10 × 15 cm · 4 × 6″ | 8 (4 × 2) |
|---|---|
| A4 · 21 × 29.7 cm | 36 (6 × 6) |
Print at 100% scale, borderless, and turn off fit-to-page so each photo keeps its exact size.
A Canadian work permit is applied for online through your IRCC account (or on paper where allowed); the digital photo is uploaded with the application, and where paper photographs are asked they are two identical prints in the envelope.
canada.ca — your IRCC account
Digital photo: frame of at least 35 × 45 mm, head 31–36 mm, at least 420 × 540 pixels, JPEG, 60–240 kB.
Authority page| Authority | Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) |
|---|---|
| Source | Work permit application digital photo specifications: 35 x 45 mm and 31-36 mm head |
| Verified |
Questions
A digital photo with a frame of at least 35 mm × 45 mm showing the full front view of the head and the tops of the shoulders, the head 31–36 mm from chin to crown, at least 420 × 540 pixels, in colour (24 bits per pixel), JPEG or JPEG2000, ideally 240 kB and not less than 60 kB, unaltered. On paper, two identical photos from the last six months on a plain white or light-coloured background.
A frame of at least 35 mm × 45 mm (1 3/8″ × 1 3/4″), with the head 31–36 mm from chin to crown; for the digital file at least 420 × 540 pixels.
Non-tinted prescription glasses are allowed as long as your eyes are clearly visible and the frame does not cover any part of them; sunglasses are not acceptable.
No: IRCC asks for a neutral expression, neither frowning nor smiling, with the mouth closed.
The Canada work permit photo must be 35 × 45 mm. The head must occupy 69–80% of the photo height. Work permit applications typically use the same biometric standard as Canada passports.
Sometimes. If your visa or passport photo was taken within the last six months and meets the work permit requirements, reusing it may be acceptable.
Even plain background without shadows. Even, shadow-free lighting is critical because work permits often go through both automated and manual review stages, and any inconsistency between them slows the application.
Most work permit applications accept photos taken within the last six months. Submit a photo that reflects your current appearance because the permit card is checked at workplaces and border crossings throughout its validity period.
No. Uniforms, military or law-enforcement clothing, religious headwear (except for permanent religious exception), or any clothing that obscures the neckline is typically rejected for Canada work permit photos.
Anfas.Pro provides a 14-day full refund if the Canada work permit authority rejects the photo and you supply the rejection notice.
35 × 45 mm = 3.5 × 4.5 cm = 1.38 × 1.77 inches. At 300 dpi that is 413 × 531 pixels; at 600 dpi, 827 × 1063 pixels.
Yes. The same 35 × 45 mm format and head size apply to: study permit.