Canada visa, PR and passport photo 2026: exact sizes 35×45 and 50×70 mm
Canada
In short. Canada has TWO different sizes: the visa photo (TRV, work/study permit) is a frame of at least 35×45 mm, while the photo for a passport and PR card is larger, 50×70 mm. In both cases the head from chin to crown is 31–36 mm, and the background is white or light.
- Visa (TRV, permits): printed frame of at least 35×45 mm, head 31–36 mm from chin to crown.
- Passport and PR card: overall photo size 50×70 mm (5×7 cm), head also 31–36 mm.
- Digital photo for the visa: JPEG format (or JPEG 2000), minimum 420×540 pixels, file size approximately 240 KB (no less than 60 KB).
- Glasses: for the passport and PR they have been banned since July 2016; for the visa only non-tinted prescription glasses are allowed, provided the eyes are fully visible.
- Printed photo taken no earlier than 6 months ago; on the back — the photographer's signature/stamp with the studio name, address and date the photo was taken.
The most important points up front
Canada does not have a single "Canadian" photo size. There are two different standards, and they are confused most often:
- Visa photo (TRV visitor visa, work or study permit, asylum): a frame of at least 35×45 mm.
- Photo for a citizen's passport and permanent resident (PR) card: significantly larger — overall size 50×70 mm (5×7 cm).
If you bring 50×70 mm passport photos to a visa application (or vice versa), they will be rejected.
Exact IRCC parameters
| Parameter | Visa (TRV / permits) | Passport and PR |
|---|---|---|
| Photo size | at least 35×45 mm | 50×70 mm (5×7 cm) |
| Head (chin–crown) | 31–36 mm | 31–36 mm |
| Background | white or light, no shadows | white or light, no shadows |
| Glasses | only non-tinted prescription glasses if the eyes are fully visible; sunglasses banned | none allowed (since July 2016) |
| Expression | neutral, mouth closed, eyes open | neutral, mouth closed, eyes open |
| Age (print) | no older than 6 months | no older than 6 months |
| Quantity (paper application) | 2 identical photos | 2 identical photos |
Digital photo (online application)
According to the IRCC photo specification for the visa, the digital file must be in JPEG (or JPEG 2000) format, with a minimum resolution of 420×540 pixels, a head of 372–432 px from chin to crown, and a file size of approximately 240 KB (no less than 60 KB). Note: IRCC online portals (for example, for PR or citizenship) have their own requirements — a different pixel range and an upload limit of up to 4 MB, so check the requirements specific to your application.
Back of the photo: the photographer's stamp
This is mandatory for paper applications. On the back of one photo the photographer writes or stamps: the studio name, full address, date the photo was taken. For the passport and PR, the applicant's name and date of birth are also added. Stickers are not accepted — only pen or a stamp. Home printouts on a printer are not accepted either: the photo must be on quality photo paper from a commercial photographer.
Where each applies
35×45 mm — visitor visa, study or work permit. 50×70 mm — Canadian citizen's passport and PR card. The 31–36 mm head is common to all types.
Most common reasons for rejection
- Brought the wrong size (50×70 instead of 35×45 or vice versa).
- Head smaller than 31 mm or larger than 36 mm.
- Glasses in the passport/PR photo.
- Smile, open mouth, shadows on the face or background.
- Printed photo older than 6 months or edited (retouching is prohibited).
- No photographer's stamp on the back.
Related guides
Official sources
Questions
- What size photo is required for a Canada visitor visa?
- The photo frame must be at least 35×45 mm, and the head from chin to crown must be 31–36 mm. This is smaller than for a passport.
- How does the passport and PR photo differ from the visa one?
- The photo for a passport and PR card is larger — overall size 50×70 mm (5×7 cm). The head size of 31–36 mm is the same for all types.
- Can I wear glasses?
- For the passport and PR, glasses have been banned since July 2016. For the visa, only non-tinted prescription glasses are allowed, provided the eyes are fully visible and the frame does not cover them; sunglasses are banned.
- How recent must the photo be?
- A printed photo must be no older than 6 months. On the back, the photographer applies a stamp or signature with the studio name, address and the date the photo was taken.