Canadian passport photos: why we don't offer a Canada size
Canada was on our list, but when we read Canada.ca's passport photo requirements it was clear that no do-it-yourself tool, ours included, can make a valid one. We'd rather tell you that than sell you a photo that gets your application refused.
At a glance
| Size | 50 mm wide × 70 mm high (2 × 2¾ in), 2 identical photos |
| Head size | 31–36 mm chin to crown |
| Background | Plain white or light-coloured, clearly different from your face and clothes |
| Glasses | Allowed if the eyes are clearly visible with no glare; no sunglasses or tinted lenses |
| Where to submit | In person at a Service Canada or passport office, or by mail; online renewal needs a studio digital file |
| Official source | Canada.ca passport photo requirements |
The rules that rule out DIY
- Photos must be taken in person by a commercial photographer or photo studio.
- They must be professionally printed. Canada.ca says it doesn't accept photos printed at home.
- On the back of one photo the photographer must write or stamp the date and the studio's name and full address.
- No alteration of any kind, explicitly including cropping around the head and pasting onto a white background, changing the background or removing shadows.
- Online renewals also need a photographer-supplied digital file (at least 1,200 × 1,800 px, 3:2 portrait, face 45–50% of height) plus the studio's name, address and date.
The size, so you can check the studio's work
- 50 mm wide × 70 mm high (2 × 2¾ in).
- Face 31–36 mm chin to crown.
- Plain white or light-coloured background, neutral expression, mouth closed, taken within 6 months.
- For new adult passports, your guarantor signs the back of one photo; adult renewals don't need a guarantor.
Applying for a visa to another country while holding a Canadian passport? Use that country's size: for example our Schengen visa guide or the US 2×2 guide.
PassPhotoSnap is not affiliated with the Government of Canada or IRCC.