Passport Photo Maker

Canada Passport Photo Requirements 2026: 50x70mm Size Guide

Canadian passport photos use a unique 50x70mm (2x2 3/4 inches) size that is different from the US 2x2 square and most international 35x45mm standards. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) enforces strict rules, including a required guarantor signature on the back of one of the two photos. This guide covers every detail so your Canadian passport application is accepted on the first try.

Canadian Passport Photo Size — Why It’s Different

Canada is one of the few countries that does not use 35x45mm or 2x2 inch format. The official requirement is:

  • Photo size: 50 x 70 mm (2 x 2 3/4 inches)
  • Face height: 31 to 36 mm from chin to crown
  • Top margin: Usually around 6-8 mm above the head
  • Orientation: Portrait (taller than wide)

This unusual size means you cannot use a US-style 2x2 passport photo — Canadian passport offices will reject it. Make sure any booth or service you use specifies “Canadian passport photo” and produces 50 x 70 mm prints.

Number of Photos Required

You need two identical photos for a Canadian passport application:

  • Both photos must be taken in the same sitting.
  • One photo is signed on the back by your guarantor with the date taken.
  • The back of the second photo is left blank.
  • Photos must have been taken within the last 6 months.

The guarantor requirement is unique to Canada. The guarantor must know you for at least two years and meet specific professional criteria set by IRCC.

Background and Lighting

Canadian passport photos require:

  • Plain white or light-coloured background with no shadows or patterns.
  • Even lighting with no shadows on the face or behind the head.
  • No reflections from jewelry, glasses, or flash.

Taking the photo against a plain white wall with natural daylight is ideal. Avoid direct flash, which creates red-eye and harsh shadows.

Facial Expression and Head Position

  • Neutral expression with mouth closed — no smiling.
  • Face straight to the camera, no tilt.
  • Both eyes open, clearly visible, looking at the lens.
  • Full face visible from the hairline to below the chin.
  • Hair must not cover the eyes.

Glasses Policy

Since July 2016, IRCC does not allow glasses in Canadian passport photos. Exceptions exist for medical reasons with a signed doctor’s note, but even then:

  • Frames must be thin and not cover any part of the eye.
  • Lenses must be transparent (no tint).
  • No glare or reflections on the lens surface.

The easiest path is to simply remove your glasses before the photo is taken.

What to Wear

  • Plain, dark-coloured clothing preferred.
  • No uniforms (military, RCMP, police, fire service, etc.).
  • No hats or head coverings — except for documented religious reasons, with the full face still visible.
  • Minimal jewelry to avoid glare.

Canadian Passport Photo for Children

  • Infants: Can be photographed lying on a plain white sheet with head straight.
  • Children under 16: Must be photographed alone — no hands, toys, or pacifiers visible.
  • Eyes open for children over 6 months when possible; younger infants may have eyes closed.
  • Guarantor signature is still required on the back of one photo.

Canadian Work Permit, Study Permit, and Visa Photos Are Different

This is where many applicants get confused. Canada uses two different photo sizes:

  • Canadian passport: 50 x 70 mm (2 x 2 3/4 inches) — the unique Canadian size.
  • Work permit, study permit, visitor visa, and PR application: 35 x 45 mm (1 3/8 x 1 3/4 inches) — the international standard.

If you are applying for a Canadian work permit, student visa, or visitor visa, do not use the 50x70mm passport size. IRCC will reject work permit applications with the passport-sized photo. Use our Canada visa photo tool for 35x45mm permit photos.

Digital Photo Requirements for Canadian PR Applications

For permanent residency applications submitted online, IRCC requires:

  • File format: JPEG or JPG
  • Minimum size: 420 x 540 pixels
  • Maximum file size: 240 KB
  • Aspect ratio: Must follow the 35:45 portrait format
  • Color depth: 24-bit color (sRGB)

These specifications apply to Express Entry, PR card renewal, and citizenship applications — not to the printed passport photo.

How to Take a Canadian Passport Photo at Home

  1. Set up a plain white background with at least 50 cm clearance behind you.
  2. Use natural, even lighting from a window or two soft lamps at 45-degree angles.
  3. Remove glasses, hats, and jewelry that might cause glare.
  4. Use a tripod at eye level, 1.5 to 2 metres away.
  5. Take multiple shots with a neutral expression, mouth closed, looking at the camera.
  6. Crop to 50 x 70 mm with face height between 31 and 36 mm.
  7. Print two identical copies on photo-quality paper and have one signed by a guarantor.

Where to Get a Canadian Passport Photo

Most Canadian retailers with photo services support passport photos:

  • Shoppers Drug Mart: Around CAD $15-$20 for two printed photos.
  • Walmart Photo Centre: CAD $10-$15 for two prints, often same-day.
  • Costco Photo: One of the cheapest options at CAD $5-$8 for members.
  • London Drugs: Available in western Canada for around CAD $15.
  • Staples/Bureau en Gros: CAD $14-$18 with quick turnaround.
  • Professional photographers: CAD $25-$50 for studio-quality prints.

Confirm the photographer uses the correct 50x70mm Canadian size before printing, as many retailers default to US 2x2 size.

Common Reasons Canadian Passport Photos Get Rejected

  • Using US 2x2 size instead of 50x70mm.
  • Missing guarantor signature on the back.
  • Guarantor did not include the date taken.
  • Glasses visible in the photo.
  • Smiling, teeth showing, or non-neutral expression.
  • Photo printed on inkjet paper instead of photo paper.
  • Shadows on face or background.
  • Photo taken more than 6 months before submission.
  • Applicant wearing a uniform or tinted glasses.

Tips for a Successful Canadian Passport Photo

  • Verify the 50x70mm size before paying for prints.
  • Choose a guarantor who meets IRCC criteria and keep their contact details on file.
  • Print on proper photo-quality paper — inkjet prints on plain paper will be rejected.
  • Take the photo in soft natural daylight for best skin tone accuracy.
  • Keep a digital copy for future reference or PR applications.

Next Steps

Ready to create your Canadian passport photo? Use our free Canada passport photo tool to take a photo at home in the unique 50 x 70 mm Canadian size, verify it meets all IRCC requirements, and download it for printing. For work permits, study permits, or visitor visas, use our Canada visa photo tool instead for the 35x45mm format. Processed entirely on your device for privacy.