Before you start: Canada requires passport photos taken in person by a commercial photographer or studio, with their name, address and the date on the back. A home-made photo will be refused.
Canadian passport photo requirements
Canadian passport photos are 50 × 70 mm, larger than most, with the head 31–36 mm from chin to crown, taken in the last six months. They must come from a commercial photographer, printed on photo paper, with the studio’s name, address and the date on the back; a guarantor signs one for new applications.
| Size | 50 × 70 mm |
|---|---|
| Head | 31–36 mm from the chin to the top of the head |
| Background | A plain white or light-coloured background |
| Glasses | Eyes clearly visible with no glare; no sunglasses or tinted lenses. |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open, looking straight at the camera |
| Babies | Newborns may have a range of expressions, and may be photographed in a car seat with a white blanket behind the head. No hands may show. |
| Prints needed | 2 |
| Editing | “Photos must be original and unaltered in any way, including by software, filters, or AI tools.” |
Source: canada.ca (2026-11-09).
Taking a Canadian passport photo
Stand in front of a plain white or light-coloured background. Glasses are a risk: take them off if they catch the light. Keep a neutral face with your mouth closed. For a baby: Newborns may have a range of expressions, and may be photographed in a car seat with a white blanket behind the head. No hands may show.
Printing Canada passport photos
2 fit on a 4×6 print, 4 on a 5×7, 10 on A4 and 9 on US Letter; the office wants 2.
Questions
What size is a Canadian passport photo?
50 × 70 mm, with the head 31–36 mm from the chin to the top of the head.
Can I take a Canadian passport photo at home?
Canada requires passport photos taken in person by a commercial photographer or studio, with their name, address and the date on the back. A home-made photo will be refused.
Can I change the background?
The rules say: “Photos must be original and unaltered in any way, including by software, filters, or AI tools.”
Other photos
- Canada visa (IRCC) 35×45 mm
- 50 × 70 mm photo 50×70 mm
- Brazilian passport (child under 5) 50×70 mm
- US passport 2×2 in
- Every passport and visa photo