Photo requirements
Canada Passport offline 5x7 cm
A guide to Canadian passport photographs: understand the 50 × 70 mm format, photographer endorsement requirements, and the distinction between mail and online renewal.
- Printed size
- 50 × 70 mm (printed)
- Background
- White or off-white
- Official reference
- IRCC
- Source verified
Make this photo now
Use the selected format in the passport photo tool.
Photo requirements
Photo specification
Use these values as a preparation guide and confirm current official instructions.
| Printed size | 50 × 70 mm (printed) |
|---|---|
| Digital dimensions | Check the application channel below |
| Background | White or off-white |
| Head height | 31–36 mm |
| File and resolution | Check the application channel below |
Lighting setup: what to change
A ceiling light can darken the eyes. Move to face a broad window and check the original photograph for shadows.
Original teaching diagram, not an accepted/rejected applicant photograph. Even lighting still needs checking in your actual image.
More photo requirements for Canada
- Canada Citizenship 5x7 cm (50x70mm)
- Canada firearms licence 280x370 px
- Canada firearms licence 45x57 mm
- Canada indian status 5x7 cm
- Canada personnel screening 43x54 mm
- Canada Health Insurance card of Quebec 5x7 cm
- Canada security licence 5x7 cm
- Canada Veteran's Service Card 5x7 cm
- Canada Passport online (1200x1800 px)
- Canada Permanent Resident card 1200х1680 pixels
- Canada Permanent Resident Card 5x7 cm (715x1000 - 2000x2800)
- Canada Visa 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm)
- Canada Temporary Resident Visa 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm)
In-person, mail and online renewal are different channels
| Channel | Photo format | Key difference |
|---|---|---|
| In-person / mail | 2 identical 50×70 mm prints | Photographer must sign and stamp the back |
| Online renewal | Digital upload (JPEG) | System guides framing; no physical print needed |
| Urgency service | Same as in-person | Tighter processing deadlines |
- IRCC · Canadian passport photosGovernment of CanadaSource verified
- IRCC · Renew your passport onlineGovernment of CanadaSource verified
50 × 70 mm frame with specific head and face measurements
"The Canadian passport photo is larger than many international standards at 50 × 70 mm (approximately 2 × 2¾ inches). The face must measure between 31 and 36 mm from chin to crown, distinguishing it from the U.S. 2 × 2 inch format where head height is 25–35 mm."
"Leave clear space above the head and below the chin. The frame must include the top of the shoulders. Cropping too tightly to the face will result in rejection even if the overall dimensions are correct."
- IRCC · Canadian passport photosGovernment of CanadaSource verified
A commercial photographer must sign and date the back
"Unlike U.S. passport photos that can be self-taken, IRCC requires a commercial photographer to take and validate the photograph. The photographer must print their name, address, and the date on the back of one photo, then sign it."
"If you prepare a photo at home and print it, it may still be rejected for lacking the photographer endorsement. Some online renewal flows have different endorsement rules — check the online application instructions."
- IRCC · Canadian passport photosGovernment of CanadaSource verified
White or light-coloured background with even lighting
"Use a plain white or light-coloured background. Shadows on the face or the background wall are grounds for rejection. Position the subject at least 30 cm from the wall and use a broad, frontal light source rather than a ceiling lamp or flash."
"The photograph must show natural skin tones with no colour cast. Avoid strong window light from one side that creates half-shadow on the face. Both cheeks, forehead and chin should be evenly illuminated."
- IRCC · Canadian passport photosGovernment of CanadaSource verified
Remove glasses; keep a neutral expression with mouth closed
"Canada requires the removal of glasses for passport photos, including clear prescription lenses, unless you cannot remove them for medical reasons and provide a signed medical certificate. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are never permitted."
"Look directly at the camera with a neutral expression and mouth closed. A slight natural smile is acceptable, but showing teeth is not. Head coverings are not permitted unless worn daily for religious or medical reasons."
- IRCC · Canadian passport photosGovernment of CanadaSource verified
Infants and young children: no toys, no hands, eyes open
"Children under 16 need a parent or guardian guarantor. The child must be photographed alone — no parent hands, chair backs, or toys should be visible. For infants, lay them on a white sheet and photograph from above, ensuring the eyes are open and the mouth is closed."
"Very young infants may have difficulty keeping their eyes open. IRCC allows some leniency for newborns, but the face must still be clearly visible and unobstructed. Two prints are still required."
- IRCC · Canadian passport photosGovernment of CanadaSource verified
Before you submit your Canadian passport photo
Correct dimensions
Printed photo is 50 × 70 mm; head measures 31–36 mm chin to crown.
Photographer endorsement
Name, address, date and signature on the back of one print (for mail/in-person).
Plain background
White or light-coloured, no shadows on face or wall.
No glasses
Removed unless medically certified; no sunglasses or tinted lenses.
Neutral expression
Mouth closed, eyes open, looking straight at the camera.
Recent photo
Taken within the last 6 months and resembles your current appearance.
- IRCC · Canadian passport photosGovernment of CanadaSource verified
- IRCC · Renew your passport onlineGovernment of CanadaSource verified
How to make this photo online
A clear three-step workflow from portrait to application-ready file.
- 1
Choose the format
Confirm the country and application document before uploading.
- 2
Upload a clear portrait
Use even lighting, face the camera and keep the full head visible.
- 3
Review and download
Check the crop and current issuing-authority rules before submission.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about creating and submitting this document photo.
Why is the Canadian passport photo 50 × 70 mm instead of 2 × 2 inches?
Canada follows its own IRCC specification, not the U.S. standard. The 50 × 70 mm format includes more background around the head and shoulders, and a photographer's endorsement on the back is mandatory for paper applications.
Can I take my own Canadian passport photo at home?
The photo itself can be taken anywhere, but IRCC requires a professional photographer's stamp and signature on the back for mail-in applications. Online renewal accepts a self-taken digital photo if it meets the specification.
Does a successful tool check guarantee acceptance?
No. A tool check or successful upload is not an official acceptance decision. Keep the original portrait, avoid changing your appearance and retake unsuitable lighting or blur. The receiving authority decides whether the photograph is acceptable.
Official reference
- IRCC · Canadian passport photosGovernment of CanadaSource verified
- IRCC · Renew your passport onlineGovernment of CanadaSource verified