Canada Passport photo requirements
50 mm wide x 70 mm high. Face from chin to crown 31–36 mm. Digital photos for online renewal are a separate format (1200x1800 px or larger, 3:2 portrait, 200 KB–5 MB). Photos must be unaltered — no editing software, filters or AI tools.
| Photo size | 50 x 70 mm (1.97 x 2.76 in) |
|---|---|
| Digital size | 591 x 827 px |
| Resolution | 300 DPI |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 44.3–51.4% of photo height |
| Eye line from bottom | Not specified |
| Background | plain white or light-coloured |
| File format | JPEG |
| File size | No limit published |
| Background editing | Not allowed by the official rules; we crop and resize only |
| Last verified | 2026-09-27 |
Official source: www.canada.ca
Guides: What to wear for a passport photo – clothes, hats, glasses and jewellery · Passport photo background colour – white, cream or light grey? · Glasses and glare in a passport photo – US, UK and Canada rules · Shadows on a passport photo – why they get it rejected and how to fix them
How to take your Canada Passport photo
- Stand about 50 cm in front of a plain white or light-coloured wall, with nothing else in the background.
- Use soft, even light from the front (a window in daylight works well). Avoid shadows on your face and behind you.
- Have someone else take the photo from 1–2 m away with the camera at eye level. Avoid arm-length selfies.
- Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression, mouth closed and both eyes open.
- Remove glasses, hats and headphones unless the rules allow them (religious or medical exceptions vary).
- Leave space above your head and below your shoulders so the tool can crop to the exact size.
FAQ
- What size is a Canada Passport photo in pixels?
- 591 x 827 px, JPEG, on a plain white or light-coloured background. The printed size is 50x70 mm (1.97x2.76 in). The head should take up 44.3–51.4% of the photo height.
- Can I take my Canadian passport photo with a phone?
- Usually yes, if the photo is sharp, evenly lit and taken from about 1–2 m away with the camera at eye level. Ask someone else to take it rather than using a selfie at arm's length, which distorts facial proportions.
- Can I wear glasses?
- Many authorities no longer accept glasses in photos, and others require no glare or tinted lenses. Check the official source linked on this page.
- What background should I use?
- The published requirement is: plain white or light-coloured. Stand about 50 cm in front of a plain wall to avoid shadows.
- Will my photo be accepted?
- We format your photo to the published spec, but acceptance is decided by the issuing authority.
Official source
Requirements are published by the issuing authority at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports/photos.html. Last verified: 2026-09-27.
Disclaimer: We format your photo to the published spec; acceptance is decided by the issuing authority.