Country guide · 🇨🇦 Canada · Last verified: June 2026

Canada Visa Photo Requirements

Official photo specifications for Canada Visa — size, background, head position, and submission format. Verified against canada.ca.

Written by the PixID.studio compliance team · June 2026

Verified against canada.ca, June 2026. Each requirement is automatically checked when you create your photo with PixID.

Size

35×45 mm

Digital upload

413×531 px

IRCC · lab print often required

Background

White or light-coloured

Expression

Neutral, mouth closed

Ears

Both visible

Head covering

Religious only

Recency

≤ 6 months

Resolution

300 DPI

Glasses

Not allowed

Medical exception only

Photos required

2 identical

Background and lighting

The background must be white or light-coloured, uniform and completely shadow-free. Requirements:

Uniform colour — no gradients, patterns, or textures
No shadows cast on the background or on the face
Evenly lit — no dark spots or bright patches
No other people or objects visible in the frame

Avoid wearing clothing that matches the background colour, as it can blend in and cause rejection.

Expression and appearance

Expression: Neutral, mouth closed. Mouth closed, no smiling.
Eyes: both open, looking directly at the camera. No red-eye or glare.
Ears: Both visible must be visible.
Glasses: not permitted. Sunglasses and tinted lenses always prohibited.
Head covering: Religious only. Full face must be visible with no shadows.
Hair: must not cover the eyes or obscure facial features.
Clothing: everyday attire. Uniforms not permitted.

Common rejection reasons

Wrong background — must be white or light-coloured. Any deviation causes rejection.
Glasses — not permitted unless medically documented.
Shadows — on the face or background from poor lighting.
Head size incorrect — face must fill 70–80% of the frame.
Non-neutral expression — smile, raised eyebrows, or open mouth.
Photo too old — must be taken within ≤ 6 months.
Low resolution or blur — minimum 300 DPI for print submissions.
Digital retouching — beauty filters or skin smoothing cause rejection.

Verified against canada.ca · All checks automated

Create a compliant Canada Visa photo in 5 minutes

Select Canada Visa, upload your photo. PixID sets the correct background, adjusts head size, and runs 100+ compliance checks automatically.

Make my Canada Visa photo ($4.99) →

Free preview · Instant download · Free redo if rejected

Frequently asked questions

What are the Canada Visa photo requirements?

Canada Visa photos must be 35×45 mm, background white or light-coloured. Neutral expression, both eyes open. Photo within 6 months. Min 300 DPI. Source: canada.ca.

What size is a Canada Visa photo?

The required size is 35×45 mm. The face should occupy 70–80% of the photo area with both ears visible and a neutral expression.

What background is required for a Canada Visa photo?

The background must be white or light-coloured, uniform and shadow-free. No patterns, textures, or objects.

Can I wear glasses in a Canada Visa photo?

No. Glasses are generally not permitted. Prescription glasses may be allowed with a medical certificate — check canada.ca.

How recent must a Canada Visa photo be?

The photo must have been taken within 6 months and reflect your current appearance.

Can I create a Canada Visa photo online?

Yes. PixID creates compliant Canada Visa photos: select your document, upload a photo, and get a ready-to-use file in minutes. $4.99, 100% money-back guarantee if rejected.