Everything you need to know about Canada visa photo requirements, including exact dimensions, background color, and how to take a compliant photo for your Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), work permit, or study permit application.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Document Type | Visa / Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) |
| Photo Size | 35 × 45 mm (1⅜ × 1¾ inches) |
| Resolution (DPI) | 600 |
| Pixel Size (at 600 DPI) | 826 × 1062 pixels |
| Face Height | 31–36 mm from chin to crown |
| Background Color | White or light-colored |
| Printable | Yes — on matte or glossy photo-quality paper |
| Color | Color only |
| Quantity Required | 2 identical photographs |
| Guarantor Signature | Not required |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
Canada visa photos (used for Temporary Resident Visa, work permit, and study permit applications) must meet specific requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.
Glasses with clear lenses may be worn in Canada visa photos, unlike Canadian passport photos. However, your eyes must be clearly visible through the lenses with no glare or reflection. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are not permitted.
The 35×45mm photo specification applies to the following Canadian immigration documents:
Source: Government of Canada — Temporary Resident Visa Photograph Specifications
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Canada visa photo at home using your smartphone.
Any modern smartphone camera is more than capable of taking a visa-quality photo. Make sure the lens is clean and the camera is set to the highest resolution.
Place your phone on a tripod or ask someone to take the photo for you. Selfies tend to have the wrong angle and distortion.
Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows.
Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops that blend with the background. Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes.
Stand about 1.5 meters in front of the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head level — not tilted.
Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. No smiling — a straight, neutral expression is required.
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable visa photos
We also provide detailed photo requirement guides for other Canadian documents:
A Canada visa photo must be 35×45mm (1⅜×1¾ inches). The face must measure 31–36mm from chin to crown of head. You need 2 identical photos printed on quality photo paper.
No. A Canada visa photo is 35×45mm, while a Canadian passport photo is 50×70mm. They have different size requirements and cannot be used interchangeably. Always check which size is required for your specific application.
Yes. Unlike Canadian passport photos, glasses with clear lenses may be worn in visa photos as long as your eyes are clearly visible and there is no glare on the lenses.
No. Canada visa photos do not require a guarantor signature. This is different from Canadian passport photos, which require a guarantor to sign the back of one photo.
An eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) does not require a printed photo at the time of application. However, if you are applying for a TRV (Temporary Resident Visa), you need physical photos meeting the 35×45mm specification.
Yes! Simply upload your photo to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop, resize, remove the background, and ensure it meets all official Canada visa photo requirements.
Your visa photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. It should reflect your current appearance.
If your visa photo doesn't meet the requirements, your visa application will be delayed or returned. Using PassportPhoto.help ensures your photo meets all official requirements before you submit.
