Canada Passport & Visa Photo

Understanding Canadian Passport Photo Requirements

Canadian passport photos follow specifications set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The standard size is 50 x 70mm (5 x 7cm), which is unique to Canada and differs from both the US (51 x 51mm) and European (35 x 45mm) standards. Photos must show a clear, sharp front view of your face against a plain white or light-coloured background. The face must measure between 31mm and 36mm from chin to crown of the head.

One unique requirement for Canadian passports is that your photo must be signed by a guarantor - a person who has known you for at least 2 years and can verify your identity. The guarantor must write on the back of one photo: "I certify this to be a true likeness of [your name]," then sign and date it. This requirement catches many first-time applicants off guard.

Where to Apply for a Canadian Passport

• Service Canada Centres - Over 300 locations across all provinces and territories
• Passport Offices - Edmonton, Gatineau, Halifax, Montr©al, Mississauga, Ottawa, Qu©bec City, Surrey, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, Winnipeg
• By Mail - Using the Simplified Renewal application (PPTC 054) for eligible renewals
• Abroad - Through Canadian embassies and consulates worldwide; Canadian Embassy in Washington DC (501 Pennsylvania Ave NW), Consulate General in New York (466 Lexington Ave)

Common Rejection Reasons for Canadian Passport Photos

1. Wrong dimensions - Using US-size (51 x 51mm) or European-size (35 x 45mm) photos instead of the Canadian 50 x 70mm standard.
2. Face size incorrect - The face must be 31-36mm from chin to crown. Too close or too far from the camera will cause rejection.
3. Missing guarantor signature - The back of the photo must be signed by a qualifying guarantor. Without this, the entire application is returned.
4. Glasses worn - Since 2017, IRCC no longer accepts photos with glasses. Remove all eyewear before taking your photo.
5. Background not plain white - Coloured, patterned, or textured backgrounds are not accepted. The background must be uniformly white.
6. Photo quality issues - Over-exposed, under-exposed, blurry, or pixelated photos are rejected. The image must be clear and in natural skin tones.

Processing Times & Fees (2026)

A 10-year adult Canadian passport costs $160 CAD, while a 5-year passport costs $120 CAD. In-person applications at a passport office are processed in 10 business days (standard service). Processing by mail takes approximately 20 business days. Express service (2-9 business days) is available at passport offices for an additional $50 CAD, and urgent service (next business day) costs an additional $110 CAD.

Official Sources

• Government of Canada - Passport Photo Specifications
• Government of Canada - Passport Services