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Canada Visa Photo Size 2024: Everything You Need to Know

Last Update: 27-08-2024

Moraine Lake, Canada

Introduction

When applying for a Canada visa, one of the most important aspects to get right is your photo. A properly taken visa photo ensures that your application meets the strict requirements set by the Canadian authorities, preventing delays or rejections. Your photo must be clear, properly sized, and meet specific standards regarding background and quality. From ensuring that the photo size is accurate to maintaining a neutral expression, every detail matters. Whether it’s making sure the frame does not cover your eyes if you wear glasses, or ensuring your face is clearly visible against a plain white or light background, following these guidelines is crucial. 


This blog will guide you through the essential requirements and help you understand what is needed for a successful visa application.

Table of Contents


  1. Canada Visa Photo Requirements
  2. How Recent Should a Canada Visa Photo Be?
  3. Can a Canada Visa Photo Be in Color?
  4. Canada Visa Photo Requirements for Children
  5. Common Reasons for Canada Visa Photo Rejections
  6. Learn more about Canada visas
  7. Final thought
  8. FAQs

Canada Visa Photo Requirements

RequirementDetails

Canada visa passport photo size

  • At least 35 mm x 45 mm.
  • Head size between 31 mm and 36 mm from chin to crown.

Background

Plain white or light-coloured background.

Quality

High quality, clear face, neutral expression, eyes visible, mouth closed.

Number of Photos

2 photos are required.

Photo Recency

Must be taken within the last six months.

Colour or Black & White

Photos can be either in colour or black and white.

Wearing Glasses

Non-tinted prescription glasses allowed

Canada Visa Photo Size

A Canada photo size for a visa must be at least 35 mm X 45 mm.


For a Canada visa, the required photo size specifications are as follows:


  • Frame Size: The photograph must have a frame size of at least 35 mm x 45 mm (1 3/8" x 1 3/4").
  • Head Size: The size of the head in the photograph, measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head (crown), must be between 31 mm (1 1/4 inches) and 36 mm (1 7/16 inches).

These measurements ensure that your head is properly scaled within the specified frame size of the photograph.

Canada Visa Photo Background and Quality

When submitting photographs for a Canada visa, it's important to ensure that the background and overall quality meet specific standards:


  • Background: A Canada visa photo should have a plain white or light background. This makes sure your face is clearly visible and stands out properly.

Canada visa photo sample


  • Quality: Your photos must be of high quality. The face must be clear, and a neutral expression is required, with eyes clearly visible. The photo should show your full face, and the top of the head should be visible in the frame.
  • Printing: The photographs should be printed on quality photographic paper. Photos must be recent, taken within the last six months, and should not be edited in any way.

If you are applying for a Canada visa and your photos do not meet the requirements, your application will be delayed or rejected. So, if you are unsure about photo requirements for your application, it's best to follow these guidelines closely to avoid any issues.

For People Wearing Glasses:

For a Canada visa photo, you may wear non-tinted prescription glasses in your visa photo as long as your eyes are clearly visible. Make sure that the frame does not cover any part of your eyes. However, sunglasses are not acceptable and should not be worn in the photo.


Canada visa photo sample

For People Wearing Headwear:

A Canada visa photo allows a head covering for religious reasons, make sure your full facial features are not obscured. This ensures that the face is clearly visible in the photo. Hats or other headwear that are not for religious purposes are not allowed in the photo.


Canada visa photo sample

Accessories in a Canada Visa Photo:

A hairpiece or other cosmetic accessory is acceptable in a Canada visa photo if it does not disguise your normal appearance. The goal is to ensure that the face in the photo reflects how you normally look, so any accessory should not alter your natural features.

Facial Expressions in a Canada Visa Photo:

In a Canada visa photo your face must be square to the camera, with a neutral expression. This means neither frowning nor smiling, and keeping your mouth closed. This helps ensure that the photo accurately represents your natural appearance.


Canada visa photo sample

How Recent Should a Canada Visa Photo Be?

Your Canada visa photo must be taken within the last six months. This ensures that the photo reflects your current appearance, which is crucial for identification purposes when applying for a visa.

Can a Canada Visa Photo Be in Color?

Yes, your Canada visa photo can be in colour or black and white. Both options are acceptable as long as the photo meets all other requirements for clarity and quality.

Canada Visa Photo Requirements for Children

  • The child’s face must be clearly visible with a neutral expression.
  • The photo should be taken against a plain white or light background.
  • Photo size must be at least 35 mm x 45 mm, the same as for adults.
  • No hands, toys, or other objects should be visible in the photo.
  • For very young children, consider using a seat or having them lie down on a plain background to avoid adult assistance showing in the photo.
  • The child’s eyes should be open, and their face should be centred in the frame.
  • Ensure no part of the head is cut off in the photo.

Canada visa photo sample

Common Reasons for Canada Visa Photo Rejections

  • Do not wear sunglasses in the photo. Only non-tinted prescription glasses are allowed, and the frame must not cover any part of your eyes.
  • Avoid headwear that is not for religious purposes. Hats or other non-religious head coverings are not allowed.
  • Do not use a background that is anything other than plain white or light-coloured. This can obscure your facial features and cause the photo to be rejected.
  • Avoid using edited or altered photos. Your photo must not be edited in any way, as this could lead to rejection.
  • Do not use a photo that was taken more than six months ago. Your photo must be recent to accurately reflect your current appearance.

Following the above-mentioned guidelines can help you prevent your photo from being rejected, ensuring that your visa application process is successful.

Final thought

When applying for a Canada visa, your photo is a key part of your application, and meeting the requirements is crucial to avoid delays. Ensure the photo size is at least 35 mm x 45 mm, with the head size fitting correctly within the frame. Use a plain white or light background to make sure your face is clearly visible.


Your photo must not be edited, and it should be printed on quality photographic paper. If you wear glasses, make sure the frame does not cover any part of your eyes, and for religious head coverings, ensure they don’t obscure your facial features. Also, use a photo taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance.


By following these guidelines and avoiding common mistakes like using an incorrect background or outdated photo, you can help ensure that your Canada visa application is processed smoothly and successfully.

FAQs

What is the photo size for a Canada visitor visa in 2024?

The photo size for a Canada visa must be at least 35 mm x 45 mm. Your photo must also meet specific head size requirements to be accepted.

What are the requirements for a Canada visa photo?

A Canada visa photo requires a plain white or light background, high quality, and a neutral expression. Your photo must be recent, taken within the last six months.

How do I get a digital photo for Canada visa?

You can get a digital photo for a Canada visa by visiting a professional photo service that meets the photo requirements, including size and quality.

What should I wear for a Canada visa photo?

Wear everyday clothing with a neutral facial expression. Avoid hats or headwear unless for religious reasons, and ensure the face is clearly visible.

How recent should a Canada visa photo be?

Your photo must be taken within the last six months to ensure it reflects your current appearance.

Can I wear glasses in a Canada visa photo?

You can wear non-tinted prescription glasses, but the frame must not cover any part of your eyes. Sunglasses are not allowed.

Can I edit my Canada visa photo?

Your photo must not be edited in any way. Edited or altered photos will likely result in your application being rejected.

Can I wear a head covering in a Canada visa photo?

You can wear a head covering for religious reasons, but your full facial features must not be obscured. Other types of headwear are not allowed.

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