Canadian passport photo requirements
| Photo size | 50 × 70 mm |
|---|---|
| In inches | 1.97 × 2.76 in |
| At 300 DPI | 591 × 827 pixels |
| Head size | 31–36 mm, chin to top of head |
| Background | Plain white or light-coloured |
Rules your photo must follow
- Taken within the last 6 months
- Head 31–36 mm from chin to crown
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open
- Uniform lighting with no shadows
- Printed photos usually need the photographer’s name, address and the date on the back
Canada’s 50 × 70 mm format is larger than most countries’. Because printed passport photos normally need a photographer’s stamp on the back, use this tool to check framing and size, or for applications where a digital photo is accepted.
Requirements can change. Always confirm the current rules with Government of Canada: www.canada.ca.
How to make a Canadian passport photo at home
- Set up. Stand about 50 cm (20 in) in front of a plain, light-coloured wall, facing a window so daylight falls evenly on your face.
- Take the photo. Ask someone to hold the phone at your eye level about 1.5 m (5 ft) away. Avoid the selfie camera — it distorts faces at close range.
- Crop it here. Choose the photo above, then drag and zoom until your head fills the dashed oval: chin at the bottom, top of hair at the top.
- Download. Use the digital file for online applications, or the 4×6" sheet for printing.
- Print. Order a standard 4×6" (10×15 cm) photo print at any pharmacy or photo kiosk, then cut along the grey lines. Print at 100% scale — never "fit to page".
Common reasons photos are rejected
- Shadows on the face or behind the head — use soft, even light from the front.
- Head too small or too large — use the oval guide.
- Background not plain or not light enough.
- Glare on glasses, or tinted lenses.
- Photo is blurry, pixelated, or edited with filters.
- Photo is older than allowed.
Other countries
US passport photo (2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm)) · UK passport photo (35 × 45 mm) · Australian passport photo (35–40 mm wide × 45–50 mm high) · Schengen visa photo (35 × 45 mm)
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Canadian passport photo?
50 × 70 mm. The head must measure 31–36 mm from chin to the top of the head.
What background does a Canadian passport photo need?
Plain white or light-coloured, with no patterns, objects or shadows.
Can I take my passport photo at home with a phone?
Yes, in most cases. Stand facing a window for even light, in front of a plain light wall, and have someone take the photo from about 1.5 m (5 ft) away at eye level. Then crop it here to the exact size.
Is my photo uploaded?
No. Cropping and resizing happen entirely in your browser; the photo never leaves your device.
Will my photo definitely be accepted?
This tool gets the size and framing right, but acceptance also depends on lighting, expression and image quality. Always check the latest rules from Government of Canada before you submit.