Canada citizenship photo for the CIT 0002 application
Citizenship applications use the same 50 mm by 70 mm format as the Canadian passport, with the face measuring 31 mm to 36 mm from chin to crown. Two identical photos are required, taken within the last 12 months.
Photo format
Head height 31-36 mm
Background: Plain white
Glasses: allowed if eyes are clear
Background
Compliance
Upload a photo and every requirement is checked here in real time.
Private by design
Your photo is processed entirely inside this browser tab. It is never uploaded to a server, so there is nothing for us to store, share or leak.
Read the full requirement checklistCanada citizenship photo requirements
The published rules for a 50 x 70 mm Canada citizenship photo.
- Citizenship applications (CIT 0002) use the same 50 mm x 70 mm format as the Canadian passport.
- Two identical photos are required, taken within the last 12 months.
- The back of one photo needs the studio or photographer details and the date the photo was taken.
Same format, different timing rules
The citizenship photo shares its dimensions and head-height window with the Canadian passport photo, so a single well-taken photo can serve both. What differs is the recency requirement. Citizenship accepts a photo up to 12 months old, while a permanent resident card application requires one taken within the last six months. If you are filing both, take a fresh photo and satisfy the stricter rule.
Two copies, one annotated
You submit two identical prints. Only one needs the studio or photographer name, full address and photo date written on the back, but there is no harm in annotating both. Use a pen that will not smudge and write lightly so you do not emboss the image on the front.
Printing at home
Home printing is acceptable as long as the physical size is exactly 50 mm by 70 mm and the paper is photo-quality matte or semi-matte rather than glossy or plain office paper. Download the print sheet option above to get several copies laid out with cut guides on a 4x6 inch or A4 sheet, then measure one with a ruler before you trim the rest.
What a reviewer is looking for
One compliant photo, five of the faults that cause most rejections.
Accepted
Neutral expression, even lighting, plain background, head correctly sized and centred.
Shadow on the face
A side light or overhead lamp leaves one side of the face dark. Face a window instead.
Background not plain
A textured, coloured or shadowed wall. Turn on background replacement to fix this.
Glasses causing glare
Reflections hide the eyes. Most countries want glasses removed entirely.
Head tilted
The head must be square to the camera. Use the straighten slider to correct small tilts.
Head too large
The crown is cut off and the head exceeds the allowed millimetre range.
Canada citizenship photo questions
The photo is the easy part. We handle the other 40 documents.
GetNorthPath prepares every IRCC form from your documents, flags mismatches before you submit, and has an experienced consultant review the whole file. One flat price of $299 CAD instead of the $2,000 to $5,000 a traditional firm charges.
Free 30-minute call. No credit card. Photo tool stays free either way.