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Canada visa photo requirements 2026 (Visitor, Study, Work, PR)

Canadian visa photos use the same 50×70 mm (2×2.75 inch) spec as the Canadian passport. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) applies this to every application category: visitor visa (TRV), study permit, work permit, express entry, and permanent residence.

IRCC photo specs (all visa types)

IRCC publishes one photo standard used across the board. The specs are stricter than most other countries on face height, which is measured from chin to crown, not to top of hair.

  • Size: 50 mm × 70 mm (2 × 2.75 inches), portrait.
  • Face height (chin to natural top of head): 31–36 mm.
  • Background: plain white or light-colored, no shadows.
  • Expression: neutral, mouth closed, both eyes open.
  • Taken within the last 6 months.
  • Photographer stamp on the back of printed photos for most non-online submissions.

Permanent Residence and Express Entry

PR applicants submit the same 50×70 mm photo at two moments: with the initial application through the IRCC portal (digital JPG) and again at landing (printed) when the Permanent Resident card is issued.

Common Canada photo rejections

Because IRCC measures the chin-to-crown height (not chin-to-hair-top) most rejections come from a face that is technically too small or too large in the frame.

  • Face height outside 31–36 mm — the most common single rejection.
  • Missing photographer stamp on back of printed copy.
  • Photo older than 6 months at submission.
  • Ears not visible when hair is worn down.

Frequently asked questions

What size is a Canada visa photo?
50×70 mm (2×2.75 inches), portrait orientation. This is the same size as a Canadian passport photo and applies to visitor, study, work and permanent residence applications.
Do I need the photographer stamp on the back for online submissions?
No. Online IRCC submissions accept a digital JPG without the stamp. The stamp is only required for printed photos submitted with paper applications and at PR landing appointments.
Can I wear glasses in a Canada visa photo?
No. IRCC banned glasses in 2016, matching the ICAO 9303 standard used for the ePassport chip.
How recent does my Canada visa photo need to be?
Taken within the last 6 months of submission. If your appearance has changed significantly, a newer photo is required.

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