Canada Visa Photo Size and Requirements 2027: 35 mm × 45 mm Explained
Planning a 2027 trip? The Canada visa photo size follows IRCC’s currently published rules (reviewed October 2026; check again before you apply). For a visitor visa (temporary resident visa), IRCC requires photos with a frame of at least 35 mm × 45 mm and a head size of 31–36 mm from chin to crown, on a plain white or light-coloured background. Here are the full official rules, how they differ for permanent residence, and how to get a compliant photo in India.
Canada visa photo size 2027 (visitor visa): frame at least 35 mm wide × 45 mm high (1 3/8″ × 1 3/4″), head 31–36 mm from chin to crown, taken within the last 6 months, plain white or light-coloured background, neutral expression with mouth closed, face centred and square to the camera, top of shoulders visible. Colour or black and white is allowed. For paper applications IRCC asks for two identical prints on quality photo paper. Permanent resident card photos are different (50 mm × 70 mm).
What is the Canada visa photo size in 2027?
For a temporary resident (visitor) visa, IRCC sets these measurements:
| Measurement | Requirement | Same value in other units |
|---|---|---|
| Frame size | At least 35 mm × 45 mm | 3.5 cm × 4.5 cm; 1 3/8″ × 1 3/4″ |
| Head size (chin to crown) | Between 31 mm and 36 mm | 3.1–3.6 cm; 1 1/4″ to 1 7/16″ |
| Photo age | Taken within the last 6 months | — |
| Number (paper application) | 2 identical photos | — |
Canada visitor visa photo requirements (IRCC rules)
Pose
Face square to the camera, centred, with the full front view of the head and the top of the shoulders.
Expression
Neutral expression, neither frowning nor smiling, with the mouth closed.
Background
Plain white or light-coloured background; clear and well defined.
Recent
Taken within the last 6 months.
Glasses
Non-tinted prescription glasses only if the eyes are clearly visible and the frame covers no part of them. No sunglasses.
Head coverings
Religious head coverings are allowed if your full facial features are visible. A hairpiece or cosmetic accessory must not disguise your normal appearance.
No editing
Digital photos must not be altered in any way.
Print quality
Prints on quality photographic paper; colour or black and white.
IRCC’s photo brochure also lists defects to avoid: shadow on the face, shadow in the background, and photos that are underlit or overlit. If your photos do not meet the specifications, you will have to provide new ones before your application can be processed.
Correct vs incorrect Canada visa photos
These are simple illustrations, not real photographs, showing the problems IRCC describes.
Do you need a digital photo for an online application?
Yes. IRCC’s visitor visa online checklist lists a digital photo, and the same page lists accepted electronic formats: tiff, jpg, png, doc, docx and pdf. In practice, applicants scan or photograph a compliant 35 × 45 mm photo and upload it clearly, without editing.
- Get a compliant print from a studio that follows IRCC’s specifications.
- Scan it at good resolution on a flat scanner, keeping the full photo frame.
- Do not edit the face, background or colours. IRCC says digital photos must not be altered.
- Save it in an accepted format and check that it is sharp and well lit.
- Upload it in the photo slot of your IRCC application.
Separately, at your biometrics appointment the Visa Application Centre takes your fingerprints and photo. That is part of biometrics; see our visitor visa guide for the full process.
Visitor visa photo vs permanent resident photo
Not every Canadian immigration application uses the same photo rules. Check the specification for your exact application.
| Specification | Visitor visa (TRV) | Permanent resident card |
|---|---|---|
| Printed size | At least 35 mm × 45 mm | 50 mm × 70 mm |
| Head size | 31–36 mm chin to crown | 31–36 mm chin to crown (excluding hair) |
| Background | Plain white or light-coloured | Plain, untextured, white |
| Digital photo | Listed on the online checklist; no pixel size published | 715 × 1000 to 2000 × 2800 pixels, JPEG, 4 MB or less |
| Back of print | Not stated in the TRV specifications | Name, date of birth, studio name and address, and date taken |
Citizenship and other applications have their own specification pages. Always follow the instructions for your own application and your IRCC checklist.
How to get a Canada visa photo in India
- Ask for a “Canada visa photo, 35 × 45 mm” and show the studio IRCC’s printable photo specifications brochure. Do not assume a generic “passport size” photo is correct.
- Check the head size with a ruler: 31–36 mm from chin to the top of the head.
- Ask for a plain white or light background, even lighting and no shadows.
- Remove tinted glasses; keep only clear prescription glasses with no glare.
- Ask for a digital copy as well as prints, so you can upload it unedited.
- Keep the date in mind: the photo must be less than 6 months old when you apply.
Photos are only one part of your file. Make sure your employer letter (NOC), bank statements and, if you are visiting family, the invitation letter are ready too.
Canada visa photo checklist
Tick each item as you check your photo. This only helps you review; nothing is saved or sent.
0 of 10 checked
Frequently asked questions
What is the Canada visa photo size in cm?
At least 3.5 cm wide × 4.5 cm high, with the head 3.1–3.6 cm from chin to crown (IRCC visitor visa specifications).
What is the Canada visa photo size in pixels?
IRCC does not publish pixel dimensions for visitor visa photos. At 300 dpi, 35 × 45 mm is about 413 × 531 pixels, but that is only a conversion. Permanent resident card photos have their own pixel rules.
Can I smile in a Canada visa photo?
No. IRCC requires a neutral expression, neither frowning nor smiling, with the mouth closed.
Can I wear glasses?
Only non-tinted prescription glasses, and only if your eyes are clearly visible and the frame does not cover them. Sunglasses are not accepted.
Can I wear a turban or hijab?
Yes, if you wear it for religious reasons and your full facial features are not obscured.
Is a white background mandatory?
For visitor visas IRCC allows a plain white or light-coloured background. Permanent resident card photos require a plain white background.
Are Indian passport-size photos accepted?
Only if they meet IRCC’s Canada specifications. Ask the studio for a 35 × 45 mm Canada visa photo and check the head size.
What happens if my photo does not meet the requirements?
IRCC says you will have to provide new photos before your application can be processed, which can cause delays.
Not sure your photo meets IRCC rules?
Send your question on WhatsApp. We reply with general guidance based on IRCC’s official specifications; we are not a photo studio and cannot approve photos on IRCC’s behalf.
This website shares general information only. It is not affiliated with the Government of Canada, IRCC or ESDC, and it is not a licensed immigration representative. We cannot guarantee visas, processing times or jobs. Pay government fees only on official Government of Canada websites.Official sources
- IRCC: Temporary resident visa application photograph specifications
- IRCC: Photograph specifications brochure (PDF)
- IRCC: Permanent resident card photos
- IRCC: Visitor visa online, final steps (digital photo and file formats)
Rules, fees and processing times can change. Always confirm the current requirements on the official pages above before you apply.