Canada Visa Photo Requirements (2026)

IRCC has specific photo requirements for visa and permit applications. Submitting a non-compliant photograph is one of the easiest ways to get your application delayed or rejected at the document check stage. This guide covers every specification for both digital photos (for online applications) and printed photos (for paper applications and VFS biometrics submission).

Last updated: June 2026

Canada Visa Photo Specifications

Requirement	Specification
Size (printed)	35mm × 45mm
Background	Plain white or off-white
Face coverage	Face must fill 31mm–36mm of the 45mm height (70–80% of frame)
Expression	Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible
Age	Taken within the last 6 months
Eyeglasses	No eyeglasses (IRCC recommends removing glasses; glare and tinted lenses are not permitted)
Head position	Head straight-on, not tilted left, right, up, or down
Lighting	Even lighting — no shadows on face or background
Focus	Photo must be in focus and sharp — not blurry or pixelated
Colour	Colour photo (not black and white)

Head Coverings

Head coverings are only acceptable for religious or medical reasons. If worn for religious reasons:

The full face from forehead to chin must be clearly visible
No part of the face should be obscured by the head covering
No shadows should be cast on the face by the covering

Digital Photo Specifications (Online Applications)

For online IRCC applications, you upload a digital photograph:

File format: JPEG or JPG
File size: Maximum 4MB
Minimum resolution: 600 × 800 pixels
The same composition rules apply: white background, full face, neutral expression
Do not use photos taken with phone front cameras if lighting is uneven — use a professional or good natural-light setup

Common Reasons Photos Are Rejected

Background is not white (cream, light grey, or outdoors are not acceptable)
Shadows on the face or background from lighting
Face too small in the frame (not filling 70–80% of the height)
Photo older than 6 months
Wearing eyeglasses
Red-eye not corrected
Blurry or overexposed/underexposed
Smile showing teeth
Head tilted or turned
Digital editing or filters applied to the photo

Where to Get Your Photo Taken

For the most reliable results:

Professional photo studio: Tell them it is for a Canadian visa — they will know the specifications. Available in any major city for ₹100–₹300 in India, PKR 300–600 in Pakistan, etc.
VFS Global VAC: Many VFS centres offer on-site photo services for a fee
Pharmacy chains: Many pharmacies in the UK, UAE, and other countries offer passport photo services
Self-taken photos: Possible but riskier — use a plain white wall, natural daylight (not backlit), and have someone else hold the camera at eye level

Physical Photos vs. Digital Upload

For online applications, you upload a digital photo. You do not need to bring a physical photo to the VAC for biometrics — the biometrics centre takes a fresh photo as part of the biometrics process. Physical printed photos (35×45mm) may be required for some paper-based application types or by specific VAC centres — check the VFS requirements for your country.

Official References

IRCC — Photo Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear a hijab in my Canada visa photo?

Yes. Head coverings worn for religious reasons are permitted. Your full face — from forehead to chin and ear to ear — must be clearly visible. No shadows should be cast on the face by the covering.

Can I smile in my Canada visa photo?

A neutral expression with your mouth closed is required. A natural, slight smile that does not show teeth is generally acceptable. Do not show teeth or a wide smile — the expression should be similar to what you would use for a passport photo.

What size photo is required for Canada visa?

The printed photo size is 35mm × 45mm (standard passport photo size). For online digital applications, the file must be JPEG format, a maximum of 4MB, with a minimum resolution of 600 × 800 pixels — the composition should match the 35×45mm printed standard (white background, face filling 70–80% of the frame).

Can I wear glasses in my Canada visa photo?

IRCC recommends not wearing glasses in visa photos. Tinted lenses are not permitted. If you must wear glasses for medical reasons, ensure there is no glare, the eyes are clearly visible, and the frames do not obscure any part of the face. However, removing glasses is the safest approach.

How old can a photo be for a Canada visa application?

The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. An older photo, even if it still looks like you, will not be accepted. Take a new photo before each application if your existing photos are more than 6 months old.