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Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Canada passport photo requirements

Canadian passport photos have unusual, strict rules: they must be 50 mm wide by 70 mm high and printed by a commercial photographer, with the studio details on the back of one of the two photos.

Because Canada requires professional prints, there is no self-submitted digital file to size here. Use ExactPic to prepare a correctly proportioned, high-quality image to give your photographer, then have them print to spec.

Official source: canada.ca — Passport photo requirements

Official source checked on 2026-07-08. This records when we compared our summary to the linked government page — not when the tool was QA-tested. Requirements can change; always confirm the current rules on the official page before you apply.

Specifications

Photo size
50 mm wide × 70 mm high (2 × 2¾ in)
Head size
Chin to crown 31–36 mm
Number of photos
Two identical prints
Background
Plain white or light-coloured
Age of photo
Taken within the last 6 months
Source
Commercial photographer; studio details on the back

Preparing your photo

Canada does not accept self-printed or home digital passport photos for passports. Bring a well-prepared image to a commercial photographer who prints to the 50×70 mm specification.

Step by step

  1. 1

    Capture a compliant photo

    Plain light background, neutral expression, even lighting, head straight and centered.

  2. 2

    Prepare the image

    Use the resizer to give your photographer a clean, correctly proportioned file if they ask for one.

  3. 3

    Have it printed to 50×70 mm

    A commercial photographer must print and endorse the photos to meet IRCC rules.

Private by design. Any photo you check here is processed entirely in your browser and never uploaded. ExactPic is not affiliated with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and does not guarantee acceptance — always follow the official guidance.

Other portals

Official source checked: 2026-07-08