Canada passport photo, sized to 50x70 mm
The Canadian format is unusual: a 50 mm by 70 mm rectangle with the face measuring 31 mm to 36 mm from chin to crown. That 5 mm window is where most photos fail. Upload a photo and we measure it for you.
Photo format
Head height 31-36 mm
Background: Plain white
Glasses: allowed if eyes are clear
Background
Compliance
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Read the full requirement checklistCanada passport photo requirements
The published rules for a 50 x 70 mm Canada passport photo.
- The face must measure 31 mm to 36 mm from chin to crown. This is the measurement that fails most often.
- Printed photos must be 50 mm x 70 mm and uncut, with the photographer's name, address and date written on the back of one copy.
- Two identical photos are required for a paper passport application.
- Glasses are allowed provided the eyes are clearly visible with no glare, tint or heavy frames.
Why Canadian photos get returned
Canada publishes a tighter head-height window than most countries. A 5 mm range inside a 70 mm frame leaves very little room for error, and it is measured to the crown of your head including hair, not to your hairline. People with volume in their hair routinely overshoot 36 mm while believing the photo looks perfectly normal.
The second most common failure is a shadow. Standing close to a wall throws a dark outline around the head, and because the background must be uniform, that outline alone is enough for a refusal. Move half a metre forward and face a window.
Printed photos versus the online portal
A paper passport application needs two identical uncut 50 mm by 70 mm prints on photo-quality paper. Immigration applications submitted through the IRCC online portal need a digital file instead, with its own pixel and file-size rules. If you are applying online, use the IRCC digital photo preset rather than this one.
Taking the photo yourself
Canada does not require a professional studio. Have someone photograph you from about two metres away at eye level, facing a window, against a plain wall. Avoid a selfie at arm's length: at 40 cm the lens visibly enlarges your nose and forehead, which matters for a biometric comparison. Keep a strictly neutral expression with your mouth closed, since Canada does not allow the slight smile the United States permits.
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 passport photo questions
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