Canada visa photo online
A 35×45 mm photo for Canadian visitor visas, study and work permits, with the head sized to 31-36 mm and no shadows.
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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Canada visa photo requirements
For a Canadian visitor visa, study permit or work permit you need a photo at least 35×45 mm. Canada is particularly strict about shadows, on the face and behind the head. Otherwise the rules are close to the ICAO standard.
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Size | at least 35×45 mm |
| Head | 31-36 mm |
| Above the head | 3-6 mm |
| Background | plain white or light |
| Face | neutral, no shadows |
| Paper application | usually 2 photos |
Visa and passport photos are different
A Canadian passport needs a completely different size, 50×70 mm. It has its own page, Canada passport photo. For visas, study permits and work permits, use 35×45.
How to take a Canada visa photo
- Stand by a light wall facing a window. Light from the front, not the side, avoids a shadow from your nose.
- Don't stand right against the wall; step half a meter forward so there's no shadow behind your head. We'll clean up the background anyway.
- Have someone take the picture from about 1.5 m (5 ft) at eye level.
- Upload it, choose Canada visa and read the checks. The even light check matters most here.
- Print the 4×6 in sheet with 6 photos at 100% scale, or download the print photo.
Applying online
Most Canadian visa applications are now made online through canada.ca, with biometrics given at a visa application center. Check the digital photo instructions for your specific application. If the portal asks for a smaller file, shrink it with compress image to KB without changing the crop.
Printing tips
The rules say "at least 35×45 mm", so a print that was scaled down to fit a page will be too small. Order borderless 4×6 prints with no cropping or fitting, then measure one photo with a ruler: it should be exactly 35 mm wide.
Why photos get returned
- shadows on the face or background;
- photos smaller than 35×45 because of scaled printing;
- a smile, a tilted head, glare on glasses;
- hair covering the eyes or eyebrows.
Free preview
Cropping and checks are free, with a watermark on the preview. Clean files: a $6.99 set or Pro Photo from $2.99 a day.
FAQ
What size is a Canada visa photo?
At least 35×45 mm, with the head 31-36 mm.
Can I use this photo for a Canadian passport?
No. The Canadian passport uses 50×70 mm photos.
Can I smile?
No, keep a neutral expression with your mouth closed.
What background is required?
Plain white or light, with no shadows.