What size photo do I need for a Canadian visa?

Canadian visa applications require photos that are 35mm × 45mm. This is different from Canadian passport photos which are 50mm × 70mm. The face height should be between 31mm and 36mm from chin to crown.

Do I need a digital or printed photo for Canada visa?

For online applications through IRCC, you need a digital photo (JPEG format, at least 420 × 540 pixels, max 4MB). For paper applications at VAC (Visa Application Centre), you need 2 printed photos.

Can I use the same photo for visa and passport?

No, Canadian visa photos (35×45mm) are a different size from Canadian passport photos (50×70mm). You need to create separate photos for each application type.

How recent must my Canada visa photo be?

Your photo must be taken within the last 6 months and accurately reflect your current appearance. If your appearance has changed significantly, you need to take a new photo.

🛂 IRCC Compliant

Canada Visa Photo Requirements

Create photos for work permits, study permits, visitor visas, and other Canadian immigration applications. Size: 35×45mm with white background.

Create Canada Visa Photo →

👤

35 × 45 mm

For Visa

Visa Types Using This Photo

💼

Work Permit

LMIA-based work permits, PGWP, open work permits, IEC.

Includes: PGWP, IEC, LMIA

🎓

Study Permit

For international students attending Canadian institutions.

DLI required

✈️

Visitor Visa (TRV)

Temporary Resident Visa for tourism, family visits, business.

Single/Multiple entry

👨‍👩‍👧

Family Sponsorship

Spouse, common-law, parents, grandparents sponsorship.

Inland & Outland

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Express Entry

FSW, CEC, FST applications for permanent residence.

CRS points system

🍁

PNP Applications

Provincial Nominee Program applications.

All provinces

IRCC Visa Photo Specifications

Size Requirements

Photo Size	35 × 45 mm
In Inches	1.38 × 1.77 inches
Face Height (chin to crown)	31 - 36 mm
Digital Size (online)	≥ 420 × 540 px

Photo Standards

✓ Plain white background
✓ Taken within last 6 months
✓ Neutral expression, mouth closed
✓ Both eyes open and visible
✓ Glasses allowed (no glare)
✗ No sunglasses or tinted lenses

Online vs Paper Application Photos

Online Application (IRCC Portal)

Format	JPEG
Minimum Size	420 × 540 pixels
Maximum File Size	4 MB
Color Mode	24-bit color

Paper Application (VAC)

Print Size	35 × 45 mm
Quantity	2 identical photos
Paper Type	Photo quality paper
Back of Photo	Name & DOB

Canada Photo Sizes by Document

Document Type	Size (mm)	Size (inches)	Digital (px)
Passport	50 × 70 mm	2 × 2.75"	600 × 840 px
Visa / Work Permit	35 × 45 mm	1.38 × 1.77"	420 × 540 px
PR Card	50 × 70 mm	2 × 2.75"	600 × 840 px
Citizenship	50 × 70 mm	2 × 2.75"	600 × 840 px

Canada Visa Photo FAQ

Do I need to write my name on the back of the photo? ▼

For paper applications submitted at a VAC, yes — write your name and date of birth on the back of each photo. For online applications, this isn't needed as you upload digital files.

Can I use the same photo for multiple applications? ▼

Yes, as long as:

The photo is less than 6 months old
Your appearance hasn't changed
Both applications require the same photo size (35×45mm)

Remember: passport photos (50×70mm) cannot be used for visa applications.

What if my photo is rejected in the IRCC portal? ▼

Common rejection reasons:

Wrong dimensions: Must be exactly 35×45mm aspect ratio
File too large: Keep under 4MB
Poor quality: Use good lighting, no blur
Face too small: Face should fill 31-36mm height
Background not white: Ensure pure white background

Use VisaPicPro to automatically format your photo to IRCC requirements.

Do I need a photographer's stamp or signature? ▼

For visa applications: No, photographer's stamp is not required.

For passport applications: Yes, the back of the photo must include the photographer's name, address, and date the photo was taken. DIY photos are acceptable if they meet all technical requirements.