Canada Passport Photo Requirements — 50×70 mm, free online

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) specs in one page: 50×70 mm, 591×827 pixels at 300 DPI, plain white or light background, face 31–36 mm chin to crown, neutral expression, no glasses. Make a compliant Canadian passport photo in your browser.

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Canada Passport Photo Specification

IRCC specifications — used for the Canadian passport, citizenship application, PR card and most Canadian visas.

Photo size50 × 70 mm (5 × 7 cm)
Pixels at 300 DPI591 × 827 px
Face height31–36 mm chin to crown
BackgroundPlain white or light-colour, uniform
ExpressionNeutral, mouth closed, straight at the camera
GlassesNot permitted (medical exception only)
Print countTwo identical prints, one signed by guarantor on back
Guarantor statement"I certify this to be a true likeness of [name]"
Taken withinThe last six months

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The editor auto-crops to the Canadian 50×70 mm format, removes the background in your browser, and exports at 300 DPI — ready to print two copies at any Canada Post or Shoppers Drug Mart photo counter.

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Rules for Canadian Passport Photos

What IRCC and Canadian Passport Offices check before processing an application.

Background

Plain white or light colour, uniform with no patterns. A very slight shadow on a plain wall is tolerated but a shadow of the head is rejected. Use the background-removal tool if your original has any shadow or pattern.

Expression

Strictly neutral, mouth closed, straight at the camera. Canada is stricter than the USA — no smile at all, not even closed-mouth.

Glasses

Banned since 2016 on Canadian passport photos. The only exception is a medical reason supported by a letter from an eye doctor — and even then, no reflections on the lenses.

Head coverings

Allowed for religious or medical reasons. Hijab, turban, kippah are accepted. The full face must be visible from chin to forehead, ear to ear.

Guarantor endorsement

One of the two identical prints must have on its reverse: the guarantor's signature, the date the photo was taken, the text "I certify this to be a true likeness of [your full name]", and the photographer's / studio stamp if available.

Commercial photographer preferred

IRCC explicitly recommends using a commercial photographer because they include the studio stamp. Home-taken photos are accepted but your guarantor must sign instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Canadian passport photo requirements?

IRCC requires a 50×70 mm (5×7 cm) photo with plain white or light background, face height 31–36 mm chin to crown, neutral expression, mouth closed, no glasses, and must be taken within the last six months. Two identical prints are needed for adult applications.

What size is a Canadian passport photo in pixels?

At 300 DPI a Canadian 50×70 mm photo is 591×827 pixels. Some online Canadian services (PR card renewal, NEXUS) also accept digital uploads at 420×540 pixels minimum.

Do Canadian passport photos need a guarantor signature?

Yes — one of the two identical prints must have the guarantor's signature, date, and the statement "I certify this to be a true likeness of [your name]" on the back. Commercial photographers typically add a studio stamp instead.

Can I smile in a Canadian passport photo?

No. IRCC requires a strictly neutral expression with mouth closed. A closed-mouth smile is not acceptable on Canadian passport photos (unlike US passports, which allow it).

How many Canadian passport photos do I need?

Two identical prints for both adult and child applications. The originals (not photocopies) are stapled to the application form and one has the guarantor endorsement on the back.

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