No. 40 — Passport and ID photos

Canada visa photo

For Canadian visa applications (IRCC), printed photos must be at least 35 × 45 mm with a head between 31 and 36 mm. Online applications use a JPG file.

Drag the photo and zoom: the top of the head goes on the upper line, the chin on the lower one and the face inside the oval.

Size35 × 45 mm
Digital file630 × 810 px · JPG · max 240 KB
Head (chin to crown)31–36 mm (69–80 %)
BackgroundPlain and light (white or light grey)
Official sourcecanada.ca

How to use it

  1. Upload a front-facing photo against a white or light background.
  2. Fit your head inside the oval.
  3. Tap “Create photos”.
  4. Upload the digital photo or print the sheet, depending on your application.

Main requirements

A frame of at least 35 × 45 mm. Head of 31 to 36 mm from chin to crown, centered and showing the top of the shoulders. Plain white or light background, neutral expression, mouth closed. Taken within the last 6 months, in color or black and white.

The digital photo

For online applications, IRCC generally asks for a JPG of at least 420 × 540 pixels; visa and permit applications often require 60 to 240 KB. Our digital photo is 630 × 810 px and compressed to stay under 240 KB. Check the exact limit for your application.

Questions and answers

Is it the same photo as for a Canadian passport?

No. Canadian passports use 50 × 70 mm photos. This page is for IRCC visas and permits.

Will they also take my photo in person?

For many visa applications, IRCC also collects biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) at an application center. Check the instructions for your application.

Are my photos uploaded to a server?

No. Everything is processed inside your browser, on your own phone or computer. Your photos never leave your device and nobody else can see them.

More tools