CanadaCanada Study Permit Photo Requirements: 2 Photos, 35 x 45 mm, Head 31–36 mm, Name and Birth Date on Back
For a Canadian study permit IRCC asks for 2 recent passport-size photos, at least 35 x 45 mm, head 31–36 mm, with name and date of birth on the back.
Key points
5 points- Study permit proof of identity: a passport copy and 2 recent passport-size photos for you and each family member who comes with you.
- Write the person’s name and date of birth on the back of each photo.
- Frame at least 35 x 45 mm; head from chin to crown 31–36 mm; face in the middle, top of the shoulders included.
- Identical, taken in the last 6 months, colour or black and white, on quality photo paper, plain white or light background.
- Non-tinted prescription glasses are fine if the eyes are clear; sunglasses are not.
IRCC’s study permit document list asks for proof of identity: a copy of a valid passport or travel document, and 2 recent passport-size photos — for you and for each family member who comes with you. The study permit page itself does not spell out the size. The detailed rules are on IRCC’s photograph specification sheet for temporary resident applications (the visitor visa sheet, which IRCC’s work permit guide also points to). Here is what it asks.
What goes on the back
Write the name and date of birth of the person on the back of each photo.
Size and head (IRCC temporary resident photo sheet)
| Parameter | IRCC specification |
|---|---|
| Frame | At least 35 mm x 45 mm (1 3/8″ x 1 3/4″) |
| Head, chin to crown | 31 mm (1 1/4″) to 36 mm (1 7/16″) |
| Framing | Full front view of the head, face in the middle, top of the shoulders included |
The crown is the top of the head — or, if hair or a head covering hides it, where the top of the skull would be.
Print and background
- Two photos, identical, taken within the last six months.
- Colour or black and white, printed on quality photographic paper.
- Clear, well defined, against a plain white or light-coloured background.
- A digital photo must not be altered in any way.
Expression, glasses, head coverings
- Face square to the camera, neutral expression — not frowning, not smiling — mouth closed.
- Non-tinted prescription glasses are acceptable if the eyes are clearly visible and the frame covers no part of the eyes. Sunglasses are not.
- A head covering worn for religious reasons must not hide the full facial features.
If the photos do not meet the specifications, IRCC asks for new ones before it processes the application. The specification page has a printable sheet you can take to a photographer.
Our Canada study permit photo tool sets the 35 x 45 mm frame with the head inside 31–36 mm.
05Questions
5 answers01How many photos do I need for a Canada study permit?
Two recent passport-size photos, for you and for each family member who comes with you.
02What size are Canada study permit photos?
At least 35 x 45 mm, with the head from chin to crown between 31 and 36 mm.
03What do I write on the back?
The name and date of birth of the person in the photo.
04Can the photos be black and white?
Yes. IRCC accepts black and white or colour, on quality photographic paper.
05Can I wear glasses?
Non-tinted prescription glasses are acceptable if the eyes are clearly visible and the frame does not cover them. Sunglasses are not.
06Official sources
Author: Yevhen Kravchenko. Published . Checked against official sources on .
CanadaCanada PR Card Photo Requirements: 50 x 70 mm, Face 31–36 mm, Digital 715 x 1000 px up to 4 MB
PR card photo: 50 x 70 mm from a commercial photographer, face 31–36 mm, white background, within 12 months.
CanadaCanada Refugee Travel Document Photo: 50 x 70 mm, Two Prints, Studio Stamp and Guarantor Certification
PPTC 190: two identical 50 x 70 mm prints from a commercial photographer, within six months, face 31–36 mm, studio stamp and guarantor note on the back.
CanadaCanada Citizenship Application Photo Requirements: 50 x 70 mm, 31–36 mm Face and the Digital File Limits
IRCC wants one colour digital photo, 50 x 70 mm, face 31–36 mm, under 6 months old, JPG of 420 x 540 px or more and up to 4 MB.
Make your photo to the current rules
Pick your document and upload a selfie — we crop it to size, replace the background and check it. Free. The sizes come from the same official sources as the news.