Canada visa photo requirements and IRCC biometrics
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses one shared photo specification across all major visa categories: 50 × 70 mm, plain light background, head 31 to 36 mm chin to crown. This pillar covers the shared photo standard, biometrics handling and links to a dedicated page for each of the 6 most common visa categories.
Quick answer
50 × 70 mm, plain light background, head 31-36 mm
A Canadian visa photo is 50 × 70 mm portrait orientation with the head measuring 31 to 36 mm chin to crown on a plain white or light grey, even illumination. Neutral expression, eyes open, no glasses (since 2016), taken within the last 6 months. Biometric capture at the VAC for most nationalities. Last reviewed .
The Canadian visa photo specification
| Size | 50 × 70 mm portrait |
|---|---|
| Head height | 31 to 36 mm chin to crown chin to crown |
| Background | plain white or light grey, even illumination |
| Pose | Front-facing, head level, both ears typically visible |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed (no smile) |
| Glasses | Not allowed since 2016 (medical exemptions with letter). See full rules → |
| Head covering | Religious or medical head coverings allowed; facial features must remain visible |
| Age of photo | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Digital file | JPEG, 420 × 540 pixels minimum, 60 KB to 240 KB |
Choose your Canadian visa category
The photo specification is identical across these categories. The application route — fee, processing time and supporting evidence — varies by category.
Canadian visa categories at a glance
| Visa | Fee | Processing | Biometrics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor visa (TRV) | CAD $100 per applicant | 20-60 days standard | Yes for most nationalities — at a Visa Application Centre |
| Study Permit | CAD $150 study permit fee | Variable by country | Yes for most nationalities — biometric photo and fingerprints captured at the VAC |
| Work Permit | CAD $155 work permit fee | 4-16 weeks depending on country and LMIA status | Yes for most nationalities — captured at the VAC |
| Express Entry (Federal PR) | CAD $1,365 application fee | 6 months standard from ITA to final decision | Yes — captured at the VAC |
| Family Sponsorship | CAD $1,200 sponsorship | 12-24 months for spouse/partner sponsorship from outside Canada | Yes — captured at the VAC |
| Super Visa | CAD $100 application fee | 2-8 weeks | Yes — captured at the VAC |
IRCC biometrics and the 10-year window
Biometric capture is mandatory for most Canadian visa, study and work permit applicants. The VAC captures a biometric photo plus 10 fingerprints. The biometrics fee is CAD $85 (CAD $170 for a family of 2 or more applying together).
Once captured, your biometrics remain on file at IRCC for 10 years. Any subsequent Canadian visa application within that window reuses the existing biometrics — no second capture required. This applies regardless of category: a TRV applicant whose biometrics expire in 2034 can later apply for a Study Permit, Work Permit or PR without re-capturing biometrics until 2034.
The practical implication: the biometric photo captured for your first Canadian visa will be the reference image used for every Canadian application over the next decade. Treat the first capture as the photo that represents you for 10 years.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Canada visa photo?
The Canadian visa photo is 50 × 70 mm — noticeably larger than the Schengen 35 × 45 mm and the US 2 × 2 inch formats. The head measures 31 to 36 mm chin to crown chin to crown. IRCC uses the same photo specification across nearly every visa category.
Is the Canada visa photo the same as a Canadian passport photo?
Yes — both use the same 50 × 70 mm specification with identical head ratio, background and expression rules. The biometric photo captured at the VAC for a visa application is reused on the Permanent Resident card if the applicant later upgrades to PR.
Do I need biometrics for every Canadian visa?
Most nationalities require biometric capture at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) for a first Canadian visa or work/study permit. Once captured, the biometrics are valid for 10 years — reused for subsequent applications without re-capture. The biometrics fee is CAD $85.
Can I smile in a Canada visa photo?
No. IRCC requires a neutral expression with mouth closed. A faint smile is rejected by IRCC's automated photo check at the upload stage.
Can I wear glasses in a Canada visa photo?
Glasses are not allowed in Canadian visa photos since 2016 except for documented medical reasons (with a signed letter from a healthcare provider). The biometric capture station at the VAC asks the applicant to remove glasses for the shot.
What if the IRCC portal rejects my uploaded photo?
IRCC runs an automated geometry check on upload. Common rejection causes: head not centred, eyes not at the right height, background not uniform, file size outside 60 KB – 240 KB range. Reshoot under daylight against a plain wall, then re-upload.
Related cross-country guides
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