Canada passport photo 50×70 mm
Canadian passport photos are an unusual 50×70 mm. See how yours should be framed, check it against the rules and prepare a print sheet.
Fit your face in the oval and your shoulders under the line. Look straight at the camera, mouth closed, no smile. Best by a light wall, facing a window.
Photo requirements
Print the 4×6 in (10×15 cm) sheet at any photo lab or kiosk: 4×6 size, borderless, no scaling (100%). Then cut along the gray lines.
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Canadian passport photo requirements
Canada uses its own passport photo size, 50×70 mm, much taller than the 35×45 mm common elsewhere. A US 2×2 or a Schengen photo won't work.
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Size | 50×70 mm (about 2×2 3/4 in) |
| Head | 31-36 mm, chin to crown |
| Above the head | 8-14 mm |
| Background | plain white |
| Expression | neutral, mouth closed, eyes open |
| How many | 2 identical photos for paper applications |
An important note on who takes the photo
Canada's passport rules ask for photos taken by a commercial photographer, who also writes their name, address and the date on the back of one print. Before you print at home, read the current rules for your application on canada.ca. Our tool is still useful here: you can see exactly how the photo should be framed, run your shot through the checks and spot problems before you pay for a studio session.
How to check a photo
- Stand by a light wall facing a window. Step about half a meter away from the wall so there's no shadow behind you.
- Have someone take the picture at eye level from about 1.5 m (5 ft).
- Upload it and choose Canada passport. We size the head to 31-36 mm and leave 8-14 mm above it.
- Read the checks. Canadian rules are strict about shadows, so pay attention to the even light check.
- Use the 4×6 in sheet (2 photos) or the A4 PDF (9 photos) if your application accepts them.
Visa vs passport photos
Don't mix them up. Canadian visas, study permits and work permits use a 35×45 mm photo with a 31-36 mm head. That has its own page: Canada visa photo. The 50×70 mm size is for the Canadian passport.
Why photos get sent back
- wrong size, often 2×2 in or 35×45 mm instead of 50×70;
- shadows on the face or behind the head;
- printed with scaling, so the photo is smaller than 50×70 mm;
- a smile, glasses glare or hair over the eyes;
- missing photographer details on the back.
Free check, paid files
Uploading, cropping and every check are free, with a watermarked preview. The print files without a watermark come in a $6.99 set or with Pro Photo from $2.99 a day. We never retouch your face, only the crop and background.
FAQ
What size is a Canadian passport photo?
50×70 mm, with the head 31-36 mm from chin to crown.
Can I take my Canadian passport photo at home?
Canada's rules ask for a commercial photographer who adds their details on the back. Check the current rules on canada.ca; you can still use our checks to see how the photo should look.
Is a Canada visa photo the same size?
No. Visas and permits use 35×45 mm.
How many photos fit on a 4×6 sheet?
2 photos of 50×70 mm. An A4 sheet fits 9.