Canada Passport Photo Requirements 2026

Official requirements from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Last reviewed March 2026.

Photo Dimensions

Canadian passport photos must measure 50 mm wide and 70 mm tall. This distinctive rectangular format (7:5 ratio, taller than wide) is unique compared to the square formats used by the US and India, and slightly larger than the 35×45 mm used by the UK. The photo must be taken within the last 6 months.

Two identical photos are required for passport applications submitted by mail or in person. The photos must be printed on high-quality photographic paper with a matte or glossy finish. Digital submissions are accepted for some application types through the IRCC online portal.

Face and Head Size Requirements

The face — measured from chin to the crown of the head — must be between 31 mm and 36 mm in height within the 70 mm tall photo. The face must be centred horizontally. The top of the head must be between 3 mm and 5 mm from the top edge of the photo.

Eyes must be clearly visible and open. The photo must show a full frontal view of the face. Partial profiles or angled shots are not accepted. Hair should not cover the face, and ears do not need to be visible.

Background Requirements

The background must be plain white or light grey, evenly lit and free of shadows, patterns, or objects. IRCC accepts both white and light grey backgrounds — a more flexible approach than some countries. There must be good contrast between the background and your face or hair.

A white wall with good frontal lighting is ideal. Avoid shooting against a coloured wall or near a window that creates shadows. The background must be uniform — no gradients or edges of objects visible behind you.

Expression, Eyes, and Pose

You must have a neutral expression with your mouth closed. Both eyes must be open and looking directly at the camera. You must not be smiling. Eyeglasses should not be worn unless medically necessary (a doctor's signed note is required).

Your head must be squarely facing the camera with no tilt, rotation, or lean. The ears need not be visible. Contact lenses that change the natural appearance of the eyes (e.g., coloured contacts) are not permitted.

Guarantor Requirements

Canada has a unique requirement: a guarantor must sign the back of one of the two photos. The guarantor must be a Canadian citizen who has known you for at least 2 years and who is not related to you. The guarantor signs the back of the photo and writes "I certify this to be a true likeness of [full name of applicant]."

The guarantor must also fill in the passport application form. This requirement does not apply to all application types — check the IRCC website for your specific application category.

Digital Photo Specifications (Online Applications)

• Format: JPEG
• Minimum resolution: 420 × 540 pixels (maintaining 50:70 ratio)
• Maximum file size: 4 MB
• Aspect ratio: 5:7 (width:height)
• Color: Full colour, not black and white

Complete Specifications Table

Common Rejection Reasons

• Photo not 50×70 mm (wrong aspect ratio from printing)
• Face too small or too large (outside 31–36 mm range)
• Background with shadows or colour
• Glasses worn (unless medically necessary)
• Non-neutral expression
• Photo older than 6 months
• Guarantor signature missing from back of photo
• Photos not identical (minor differences in expression or lighting)