Photo requirements
Canada Visa 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm)
A guide to Canadian visa photographs: learn photo specifications for study permits, work permits and visitor visas, with digital upload guidance for IRCC online applications.
- Printed size
- 35 × 45 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 | 35 × 45 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 Passport offline 5x7 cm
- Canada Permanent Resident card 1200х1680 pixels
- Canada Permanent Resident Card 5x7 cm (715x1000 - 2000x2800)
- Canada Temporary Resident Visa 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm)
Study permit, work permit and visitor visa have separate processes
| Visa type | Application method | Photo format |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor visa (TRV) | Online or VAC | Digital upload or 2 prints (35×45 mm) |
| Study permit | Online (IRCC) | Digital upload |
| Work permit | Online (IRCC) | Digital upload |
- IRCC · Photo specificationsGovernment of CanadaSource verified
35 × 45 mm prints or digital equivalent with specific framing
"IRCC requires photographs measuring 35 × 45 mm for printed submissions or equivalent digital proportions for online uploads. The face must measure between 31 and 36 mm from chin to crown — the same as passport photos."
"The photo must show a frontal view of the head and shoulders against a plain white or light-coloured background. Ensure the image is sharp, properly exposed, and shows natural skin tones without colour filters."
- IRCC · Photo specificationsGovernment of CanadaSource verified
Plain white background with uniform, shadow-free lighting
"The background must be plain white or light-coloured with no patterns, furniture, or other people visible. Use even, frontal lighting to prevent shadows on the face or background."
"Avoid direct flash that creates hot spots on the forehead or shiny areas on the cheeks. A softbox, ring light, or large window provides more even illumination."
- IRCC · Photo specificationsGovernment of CanadaSource verified
Remove glasses and non-religious head coverings
"IRCC requires removing glasses for immigration photos, consistent with the passport photo policy. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are never acceptable."
"Head coverings for religious or medical reasons are permitted if the full face from chin to forehead remains visible. Non-religious hats, headbands, and similar items must be removed."
- IRCC · Photo specificationsGovernment of CanadaSource verified
Digital upload: JPEG format and file specifications
"For online applications, upload a JPEG photograph. The minimum dimensions are 420 × 540 pixels (maintaining the 35:45 ratio). The maximum file size is typically 4 MB, though this can vary by application stream."
"Do not compress the image excessively or save in progressive JPEG format. Keep the original photograph separately in case you need to resubmit with different dimensions."
- IRCC · Photo specificationsGovernment of CanadaSource verified
Before uploading your Canadian visa photo
Correct proportions
35 × 45 mm ratio; face 31–36 mm chin to crown.
Plain background
White or light-coloured, no shadows or patterns.
No glasses
Remove all eyewear; medical exception needs documentation.
Neutral expression
Mouth closed, eyes open, looking at camera.
Recent and unaltered
Taken within last 6 months; no digital manipulation.
- IRCC · Photo specificationsGovernment 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.
Is a Canadian visa photo the same size as a Canadian passport photo?
No. Canadian visa and immigration photos are 35 × 45 mm, while the passport photo is 50 × 70 mm. Check the specific IRCC document checklist for your application type.
Do I need a photographer endorsement for a Canadian visa photo?
It depends on the application channel. Paper applications may require the photographer's name and address on the back; online uploads through IRCC do not require a physical endorsement.
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 · Photo specificationsGovernment of CanadaSource verified