Canada Passport Photo Requirements 2026: Size, Rules, and Free Tool
Official Canada passport photo requirements — dimensions, background colour, expression rules, and a free resize tool.
Canada passport photos must meet strict requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Using a photo that does not comply can delay or reject your application. Here are the exact current requirements.
Canada Passport Photo Specifications
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Size | 50×70 mm (2×2.75 inches) |
| Face size | 31–36 mm from chin to crown |
| Background | Plain white or off-white |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Head covering | Only for religious reasons |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
Digital Photo Requirements (Online Applications)
- For online passport applications via the IRCC portal:
- File format: JPEG (.jpg)
- File size: 240KB to 4MB
- Dimensions: At least 420×540 pixels (recommended 600×776 pixels)
- Resolution: 300 DPI recommended
- Colour: Colour photos only — no black and white
- Background: Plain white or off-white — no shadows
Rules for the Photo
- Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
- Looking directly at the camera
- No smiling — neutral expression
- No headwear (except for religious reasons with a signed statement)
- No eyeglasses (as of 2023, glasses are no longer permitted)
- Face must occupy 70–80% of the photo frame
- No other persons or objects in the background
How to Prepare Your Photo
1. Take your photo against a plain white wall in good natural light 2. Use our Remove Background tool to clean the background 3. Resize to at least 600×776 pixels using our Image Resizer 4. Compress to 100KB if needed 5. Upload through the IRCC portal For printed photos, use a 50×70 mm print (standard at Canadian pharmacy chains like Shoppers Drug Mart or London Drugs).
Common Rejection Reasons
- Background not plain white (shadows, patterns, or colours present)
- Face too small or too large in the frame
- Glasses worn in the photo
- Photo older than 6 months
- Expression not neutral (even a slight smile can cause rejection)
- Red-eye or poor lighting
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