1. Photo dimensions — 35×45 mm (portrait)
Unlike the square US format, Canada's IRCC requires a portrait-oriented 35×45 mm photo. This is the same format used by Schengen, UK, and most non-US countries. For digital applications (online IRCC portal, e-applications), the equivalent resolution is:
- 420 × 540 pixels (35:45 ratio) at a minimum of 300 DPI for print
- File format: JPEG, under 4 MB for the IRCC portal
- Color photo only — no black and white
Our tool's Canada mode exports exactly 420×540 px JPEG meeting all IRCC digital requirements.
2. Background — plain white
The background must be plain white or light coloured with no patterns, objects, or other people. IRCC specifies there must be a clear contrast between the background and your hair and face. Avoid grey, cream, or off-white — white is safest.
3. Head size and positioning
This is where most Canada photos are rejected. The requirements are precise:
- Total head height (top of hair to bottom of chin): 31 to 36 mm
- In digital terms: the head must occupy 57% to 80% of the frame height
- Face must be centred horizontally
- Eyes must be between 56%–69% of the frame height from the bottom
Our Canada mode applies these specific ratios automatically — different from the USCIS spec.
4. Lighting and expression
- Even lighting with no shadows on face or background
- Eyes fully open, looking directly at the camera
- Neutral expression or natural smile (mouth closed is safest)
- No hair covering the eyes
5. Glasses — not permitted
Since 2021, glasses are not allowed in Canadian immigration photos, even prescription ones. This aligns with the ICAO standard now followed by most countries.
6. Which applications require this photo?
- Visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) — does not require a photo
- Study permit
- Work permit
- Permanent Residence (PR) — all categories
- Citizenship application
- Canadian passport
7. FIFA World Cup 2026 — what travellers need to know
Canada is a co-host of FIFA World Cup 2026 along with the United States and Mexico. Games will be played in Toronto, Vancouver, and Edmonton (June–July 2026).
Citizens of countries that do not have a visa-free arrangement with Canada will need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) — which requires a compliant IRCC photo. This includes:
- Most African nations
- India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka
- China, Vietnam, Philippines
- Many Latin American and Middle Eastern countries
Citizens of the US, UK, EU, Australia, New Zealand, and most Western nations can enter visa-free or with an eTA — but eTA does not require a photo, so this guide mainly applies to TRV applicants.
8. Common rejection reasons
- Incorrect dimensions (using US 600×600 instead of 420×540)
- Head too small or too large in the frame
- Non-white or shadowed background
- Glasses in photo
- Photo more than 6 months old
- Hair covering eyes or face
- Heavy filters or digital retouching
- Head not centred or tilted
9. Canada vs USA — key differences
| Spec | 🇨🇦 Canada IRCC | 🇺🇸 USA USCIS |
|---|---|---|
| Print size | 35×45 mm | 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) |
| Shape | Portrait rectangle | Square |
| Digital px | 420×540 | 600×600 |
| Head ratio | 57%–80% | 50%–69% |
| Background | White | White |
| Glasses | Not allowed | Not allowed |